Off to a great start
It seems that no one saw Chrysler coming when they introduced the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983. Basic, underpowered, these minivans have become vehicles with great qualities: lots of space, modest dimensions, an economic powertrain and an attractive price.
The competition's retaliation didn't take very long. However, the counterattacks were modest efforts, and Chrysler was regarded as being an innovative and brilliant automaker.
Looking back at these not-too-distant memories, it's a little ironic that buyers have turned their back to this versatile and popular vehicle. The current trend being clumsy and fuel-thirsty SUVs, the minivan lost its luster in the marketplace.
There are, however, manufacturers that still believe in them. And it seems as though the Koreans firmly believe that they can go head to head with any other brand.
We picked up our 2007 Sedona when only 67 km on the odometer, but we didn't waste time putting it to work.
A mid-forties female collaborator drove our silver Kia during its break-in period. It then was used for a few trips: Montreal-Ottawa twice to cover vehicle press launches, and Montreal-Quebec with one of our writers at the helm. Another writer put his patience to the test for a week's time, parking in every day in the crowded streets of Montreal.
First, the negative comments
Certain small details were criticized, such as the rain gutters on the roof that didn't prevent water from dripping on the heads of people climbing in the vehicle. One driver complained of wind noise.
As for ergonomics, the driver's right armrest is adjustable, but remains a little uncomfortable. In addition, the seats lack lateral support. The wheel-mounted controls are incomplete; you can't change tracks or radio stations. One driver complained about the driving position due to the lack of a telescopic steering wheel; maybe he didn't try out the power-adjustable pedals!
The Sedona's fuel consumption was one of our discussions around the water cooler. With individual averages ranging from 13.2 to 16.2 L/100 km (the best result obtained on the Montreal-Quebec trip), the total average currently adds up to 14.7 L/100 km. Most of the Sedona's adversaries can do better.
It seems that no one saw Chrysler coming when they introduced the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in 1983. Basic, underpowered, these minivans have become vehicles with great qualities: lots of space, modest dimensions, an economic powertrain and an attractive price.
The competition's retaliation didn't take very long. However, the counterattacks were modest efforts, and Chrysler was regarded as being an innovative and brilliant automaker.
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| The Sedona is the twin of the Hyundai Entourage. |
Looking back at these not-too-distant memories, it's a little ironic that buyers have turned their back to this versatile and popular vehicle. The current trend being clumsy and fuel-thirsty SUVs, the minivan lost its luster in the marketplace.
There are, however, manufacturers that still believe in them. And it seems as though the Koreans firmly believe that they can go head to head with any other brand.
We picked up our 2007 Sedona when only 67 km on the odometer, but we didn't waste time putting it to work.
A mid-forties female collaborator drove our silver Kia during its break-in period. It then was used for a few trips: Montreal-Ottawa twice to cover vehicle press launches, and Montreal-Quebec with one of our writers at the helm. Another writer put his patience to the test for a week's time, parking in every day in the crowded streets of Montreal.
First, the negative comments
Certain small details were criticized, such as the rain gutters on the roof that didn't prevent water from dripping on the heads of people climbing in the vehicle. One driver complained of wind noise.
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| Interior appreciation in general is good despite a few hitches. |
As for ergonomics, the driver's right armrest is adjustable, but remains a little uncomfortable. In addition, the seats lack lateral support. The wheel-mounted controls are incomplete; you can't change tracks or radio stations. One driver complained about the driving position due to the lack of a telescopic steering wheel; maybe he didn't try out the power-adjustable pedals!
The Sedona's fuel consumption was one of our discussions around the water cooler. With individual averages ranging from 13.2 to 16.2 L/100 km (the best result obtained on the Montreal-Quebec trip), the total average currently adds up to 14.7 L/100 km. Most of the Sedona's adversaries can do better.