Despite advertising campaigns depicting minivans sliding unhindered through four-wheel drifts and being tossed-about like
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| Despite advertising campaigns depicting minivans sliding unhindered through four-wheel drifts and being tossed-about like sports cars, they are not high performance machines. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
sports cars, they are not high performance machines, and, are neither impressively fast on straight-aways nor quick in corners. During the years though, since Chrysler sparked the minivan flame in the mid-80s with their "Magic Wagon" lineup, the minivan has evolved into a peppy, decent handling, rectangular-shaped and somewhat maxi-sized people mover.
The generous dollop of horsepower propelling the new 2,107 kg (4,646 lb) Sedona EX is more than capable of hustling it along with respectable authority. Off-the-line pickup is better than most minivans, as is passing power, although dipping the right foot deep into the throttle is necessary to generate the hustle. Long steep hills that could easily drag down less robust
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| Kia has done an outstanding job of refining the operational smoothness of their big van while minimizing the usual irritants of engine, wind and road noise. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
vans were no match for the Sedona; maintaining or even surpassing speed limits on the steepest of grades was a non-issue thanks largely to a 3,500 rpm maximum torque rating paired with the Sedona's five-speed Steptronic-equipped autobox.
Also a non-issue in the new Sedona is noise, vibration and harshness. Kia has done an outstanding job of refining the operational smoothness of their big van while minimizing the usual irritants of engine, wind and road noise. Refined operation such as this really imparts a sense of quality; Kia can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the competition in this regard. They can also be proud of the serene, car-like ride calibrated into the Sedona's 4-wheel independent suspension, making this 7-seater a very comfortable highway cruiser.
