MOTORING NEWS - First introduced in 1998 as the KIA Carnival, KIA's new large MPV offering, known as the Grand Sedona in South Africa, has been completely reinvented.
At its recent launch in the Golden Gate nature reserve, we were reminded that the first generation debuted as the KIA Carnival in 1998 and was on sale in most global markets until 2006. As is now customary with automotive products from the East, a significantly improved second generation model followed. In South Africa and some other markets, the Carnival nameplate changed to Sedona. The model received a mid-life enhancement in 2011 to incorporate KIA's new "tiger nose" grille, and was on sale until late 2014.
"We are very excited about the all-new Grand Sedona - not only because it is the final model in the KIA line-up to receive the Peter Schreyer design treatment, but also because it enters the South African market as a true family vehicle," says David Sief, KIA South Africa marketing director. "With its unique combination of cutting edge design, high specification levels throughout the model line-up and competitive pricing, it has no competition when it comes to quality, space and luxury."
Completely redesigned for 2015 and built on an all-new chassis, the Grand Sedona introduces a wider-looking stance, a clean profile with crossover utility vehicle style, and KIA's bold 'face'. The new model is a modern, practical and versatile MPV, with the luxury of a sedan.
In profile, the new model's more upright grille is accompanied by a swept-back silhouette with a long bonnet and a wraparound glass area that rises to the rear before narrowing after the C-pillar. The horizontal shape is underlined by a strong crease that runs along the length of the car.
The interior is an entirely new design with higher quality materials, premium features and technology. Styled by KIA's North American design studio in California, the MPV does not suffer from a split personality as a result but comes across as luxurious and comfortable with the driver in control. The sense of control is party due to the wrap-around, fairly large dashboard angled towards the driver.
Designers cite first class air travel as a key influence behind the design and layout of the cabin, with individual seats for front and second row passengers. The overhead consoles and air conditioning vents are also individual to ensure maximum utility and comfort for all.
The two-tone interior supports the effortless style thanks to soft-touch materials. South African models are finished in a light grey and black two-tone colour scheme, with cloth or leather trim depending on specification level.
Rear doors on both sides glide open easily and make the interior accessible.
The new Grand Sedona is slightly smaller in height and length, but during the drive including a person in every row, we found that the new model really can seat seven people fairly comfortably. Seats and cargo space can be arranged in several different ways for the individual need of a specific journey. An 11-seat configuration will be offered to the local market later.
The KIA Grand Sedona was named as one of the influential Ward's 10 Best Interiors list earlier this year and was also the recipient of the JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award in the Minivan, or large MPV, segment.
The petrol and diesel models we drove, feature a 12-way power-assisted driver's seat with four-way lumbar support and the front passenger seat has eight-way power adjustment.
A 60:40-split folding third row of seats can fold down completely flat to provide a large cargo area. Access to the second and third row was was also easy.
In the 7-seat models we drove, the cargo area increased to 960-litres, which grows to 2 220-litres behind the second row and 4 022-litres when all rear passenger seats are stowed. The shape of the tailgate enables a taller load-in height for the cargo bay.
The new Grand Sedona is equipped with a range of advanced on-board technologies. These include KIA's Smart Power Tailgate. It automatically opens when the key is sensed as close to the trunk. Two power-sliding rear doors open at the touch of a button for easy access.
A new 7" colour TFT LCD screen is functional with all relevant journey information selected from the steering wheel. The MPV is also fitted with a rear parking camera, MP3 CD player, multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections and six or eight speakers depending on specification.
Other convenience features, which are model dependent, include: heated steering wheel, cooled glove compartment, an Auto Defog windscreen, Cruise Control, front and rear parking assistance, a dual sunroof and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
There are numerous storage spaces for greater practicality. The fabric seating material allows for liquid spills to be easily wiped off.
The Sedona offered a quiet drive thanks to stiffer body construction and thicker soundproofing material on the wheel arches and around the engine bay. A new floor carpet material further reduces the level of noise inside the cabin, while wind noise is reduced in the new model as a result of repositioned windscreen wipers.
The MPV did the almost impossible by making the road surface almost immaterial - as long as one was aware of the bigger potholes.
Regarding the petrol version, the "Lambda II" 3,3-litre V6 MPI has been upgraded for performance and lower emissions. It produces 199kW of power at 6 400r/min, and 318Nm torque at 5 200r/min.
The stronger structure imparts improved crash safety performance thanks to the greater proportion of ultra-high tensile steel - up from 7% of the earlier bodyshell to 52% in the new model. The higher tensile strength steel has been used to reinforce the engine bay, all pillars, the roof, rear subframe and floor. The applied structural adhesives have been increased sixty-fold, while 830 stronger large-diameter welding points further improve bodyshell and chassis strength.
Active safety technologies include BSD (Blind-Spot Detection) with LCA (Lane Change Assist), RCTA (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert), which warns of other cars driving up behind in car parks. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) helps ensure the car remains stable by actively controlling brake pressure at each wheel and engine output, helping the driver to remain in control. The Grand Sedona is fitted with up to eight airbags, with driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags enhancing occupant safety.
The 2015 Sedona has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star overall safety rating in the USA.
The new Grand Sedona is available with two engine options, 7-seat configuration and three specification levels (EX, SX and SXL). Retail prices are as follows: Grand Sedona 2,2 CRDi EX 7-seat - R499 995; Grand Sedona 2,2 CRDi SX 7-seat - R625 995; Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi SXL 7-Seat - R669 995; Grand Sedona 3.3 V6 SX 7-Seat - R605 995; Grand Sedona 3,3 V6 SXL 7-seat - R649 995.
All models ship as standard with KIA's five year or 150 000km warranty, a five year or 100 000km maintenance plan and three years unlimited roadside assistance.
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