Just when I was thinking Kia is flying beneath the design and equipment thresholds set by other manufacturers, something about the Sedona jumped out and made me say, "Wow, these guys really do have it together." Take, for instance, the standard 8-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar, or the 4-way adjustable passenger seat. Of course, all Sedonas feature power windows, heated power mirrors, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and lots of interior lighting and storage. Kia also makes a point of informing its customers of the 10-cupholders on-board. Interesting, given the Sedona holds a maximum of seven passengers!
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| All Sedona models feature power windows, heated power mirrors, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and lots of interior lighting and storage. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The base audio system in the Sedona is an AM/FM/CD unit. The upgraded stereo adds several more speakers and a cassette tape player. Sadly, this nice sounding unit does not include a multi-disc CD player. Perhaps most listeners won't really mind listening to the same disc over and over again, or changing discs all the time, but I would. I hate fumbling with CDs while trying to drive. Just let me load six or so discs into the unit and button-punch to find the tune that matches my mood.
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| Sadly, Kia has not affixed audio controls to the Sedona's steering wheel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Now that I have revealed my button-punching penchant, please grant me one further rant related to audio systems. I seldom remain on a single radio station for more than a song or two, unless glued to the news - which is usually depressing. When the commercials begin to air, I begin to button-punch again and that's when steering-wheel mounted audio controls earn their keep. With such, the driver doesn't need to lean over and seek out little buttons situated somewhere away from the direct sightlines of the road. Sadly, Kia has not affixed audio controls to the Sedona's steering wheel. Listen-up Kia, if I go the extra bucks on an upgraded audio system, I want steering wheel controls.
