Kia's people-carrier goes all swanky

Completely redesigned for 2015 and built on an all-new chassis, the Grand Sedona looks wider and more imposing than its predecessor and it is kitted out with enough sassy goodies to elevate it to smart sedan level.

In spite of its bulk and size, a wide upright grille, wrap-around headlamps handsome side crease lines, sculpted surfaces and rear spoiler make it look leaner, younger and more energetic.

Major interior upgrade

The interior of the new Grand Sedona has also undergone a major upgrade with the generous use of two-tone materials (cloth or leather, depending on the specification level) on the wrap-around dashboard and doors. The instrument cluster is also new and the seating is now far more business class than the economy class seats of the model it replaces.

Despite the Grand Sedona's slightly reduced height and length, the cabin of the new range is more spacious than the outgoing vehicle (with a choice of seven or eleven seats) and offer so much style, comfort and practicality that the vehicle made it onto the influential Ward's 10 Best Interiors list earlier this year.

As to be expected, the seating configurations are flexible and the seats can be folded forward or flat. In 7-seat models, the cargo area grows by 77 litres to 960 litres behind the third row of seats. This grows to 2,220 litres behind the second row and 4,022 litres when all rear passenger seats are stowed.

A handy new feature is a pop-up tail-gate that automatically opens when the key is 'sensed' in close proximity to the trunk, allowing owners to load their shopping bags or heavy objects straight into the vehicle. For added convenience, two power-sliding rear doors open at the touch of a button.

A new 7-inch colour TFT LCD screen, with an electro-luminescent instrument cluster, further improves the interior's modern function and ambiance, while displaying all relevant journey information which the driver can select from the multi-function steering wheel. The standard audio system provides 4.3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display, MP3 CD player, multimedia ports for USB and AUX-in connections, and six speakers around the cabin. High specification models feature eight Infinity speakers throughout the cabin and an external amplifier to provide a more powerful, high quality sound.

Standard kit now also includes cruise control, front and rear parking assistance, tilting and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a foot parking brake, a dual sunroof and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. However, the parking camera is on the small side and there is no fitted satnav.

Two engine options

The new Grand Sedona is available in seven and 11-seat configurations; three specifications (EX, SX and SXL) and two engine options - a 2.2-litre turbo diesel that churns out a punchy 147kW/440Nm and a delightful 3.3-litre petrol that produces 199kW and 318Nm.

I drove both models on the media launch from Gauteng down to Clarence and back and was impressed by their get up and go and willingness to cruise effortlessly even when being hustled along.

Both engine options are mated to a six-speed auto transmission which is surprisingly silky for a vehicle of this nature. Even though both vehicles only had two occupants and no luggage or load aboard they handled with composure even when being hustled along fairly enthusiastically.

The Korean automaker is targeting large families and the hospitality industry with this stepped up Grand Sedona so it's little wonder that Kia has also sharpened its focus on safety. Passenger protection includes eight airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain), anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control and several 'active' safety technologies including blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert (which warns of other cars driving behind when reversing) to earn it a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Kia says its new Grand Sedona will take on the likes of Chrysler's Grand Voyager, the Volkswagen Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz V-Class and although it is not quite up to the three-pointed star, it certainly runs a close second to it and well ahead of the rest of this field.

The models and prices (inclusive of a five-year/150,000km warranty, a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan and three-year unlimited roadside assistance) are:

• Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi EX 7-Seat - R499 995
  
• Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi EX 11-Seat - R515 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
  
• Grand Sedona 3.3 V6 SXL 11-Seat - TBC