The Sedona Returns to the Minivan Segment, Bringing a Shorter Version With
11/30/2006
Kia
The all-new Kia Sedona minivan, introduced by Kia Motors America (KMA) in 2006, quickly garnered attention in the industry as a leader in safety, proven by its five star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "Top Safety Pick" honor by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
New to the Sedona line-up is the Short Wheelbase (SWB) Sedona, which joins its Long Wheelbase (LWB) predecessor. Utilizing a new platform, the LWB Sedona's longer wheelbase and increased length and width contribute to the minivan's nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous-generation Sedona. Fresh styling cues and additional standard and available equipment were designed to bolster Sedona's established position as a safety and value leader in the highly competitive minivan market.
The new SWB Sedona has a wheelbase length of 113.8 inches, with a length of 189.4 inches and width of 78.1 inches While it is shorter in length, it shares the same styling as the previous long wheelbase model.
The original Sedona went on-sale in summer 2001 and soon gained recognition for its tremendous value and generous list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. This new generation Sedona is already receiving accolades from such highly-regarded organizations as IIHS and the Federal government, earning top honors including:
* National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Five Star crash safety ratings - (all seating positions) 2006
* Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" - 2006
Safety First
Serving as Kia's flagship safety vehicle, the original Sedona received the company's first Five Star crash safety rating for each seating position from the U.S. government. Current generation Sedonas, both SWB and LWB, continue Kia's commitment to offering high levels of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows).
Sensors controlling the dual advanced front air bags determine the position of the seat, if the seat belt is buckled, whether the front passenger seat is occupied and the severity of a frontal impact before deployment.
A four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS) is also standard on both versions. This system incorporates electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which takes into account the load the vehicle is carrying and its weight distribution, and ensures that the appropriate stopping force is used. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions, which helps to improve both control and stability.
Additional standard safety equipment includes a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and active front seat headrests, while features such as an electronic stability program (ESP) and a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist system (BAS) are also standard.
Enhanced Performance
With increased horsepower and torque, the SWB and LWB Sedonas offer class-leading power and performance in the minivan segment. Sedona's 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine generates 250 horsepower - a 28-percent increase over the previous powerplant and a 6 horsepower increase from 2006 - and 253 pound-feet of torque. This aluminum block engine is mated to a five-speed Sportmatic(TM) transmission.
Despite its increase in size, the LWB Sedona is significantly lighter than the previous model when compared on an equally equipped basis, coming in with a curb weight of only 4,382 pounds. With more power, less weight and a new chassis with four-wheel independent suspension, this generation Sedona is designed to be more rewarding to drive than its predecessor and its competitors.
Sedona's four-wheel independent suspension systems are comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear suspensions use a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar.
Stopping power comes from a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system with large diameter vented front disc brakes (11.7 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.9 inches).
Sedona models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70R16 tires on all SWB and LWB models or 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60R17 tires that are optional for EX LWB models.
Spacious, Adaptable and Comfortable
Competitively sized, the seven-passenger LWB Sedona's generous dimensions and unibody construction boost both passenger and luggage space, and greatly improved ride and handling. Adding to its space and versatility, flip-and-fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating on both LWB and SWB versions. A simple-to-operate 60/40 split folding-into-the-floor third row seat is standard on all LWB models to create a larger flat cargo area, while a 50/50 split folding, removable third row seat is standard on the SWB model.
Available in two trim levels - LX and EX - the LWB Sedona maintains Kia's tradition of high-value by offering a generous list standard features and amenities. Besides ABS, six airbags and a five-speed Sportmatic(TM) transmission, the Sedona LX also comes with tri-zone air conditioning, sliding doors with power windows, power mirrors and door locks, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, captains chairs for the second row and keyless entry with an alarm system.
The LWB Sedona EX adds a chrome grille, fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/Cassette/MP3/CD stereo system, auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink(R), leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power rear quarter glass, trip computer with compass, roof rack and wood grain trim.
In addition to the LX and EX models' standard equipment, the LWB Sedona offers several option packages for maximum convenience and entertainment. These options include: memory setting for driver's seat / outside mirrors / adjustable pedals, power sliding doors and liftgate, power adjustable pedals, and a 660-watt premium entertainment system featuring a DVD player with an eight-inch monitor and a 13 speaker Infinity surround sound system.
Like all Kia models, the Sedona is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Motors America - the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea - offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.