New Kia Sedona to Debut at Chicago Auto Show

Second-Generation Sedona to be Larger, More Powerful and More Refined

Not many expected Kia's minivan entry, the Sedona, to be as good as it was when it came onto the scene in 2001 as a 2002 model.

Not many expected Kia's minivan entry, the Sedona, to be as good as it was when it came onto the scene in 2001 as a 2002 model. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Featuring a large V6 engine and top-tier five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, plus an accommodating, well put together interior, it was and still is a formidable competitor in the mid-van segment.

Since then, however, every new model the South Korean brand has launched has improved tenfold over its predecessor, with the automaker's most recent Spectra winning as many awards as new customers. Truly the brand, now

The second-generation 2006 Sedona will make its world debut at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show next week. (Photo: Kia Canada)

wholly-owned by once-arch-rival Hyundai, is on a roll.

Anyone expecting the second-generation 2006 Sedona to be anything less than stellar had better prepared to look foolish. The van, which will make its world debut at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show next week, the press conference scheduled for 9AM CST, February 10 at McCormick Place, is larger than the outgoing model in every dimension, including overall length, width and wheelbase. It will also offer greater power than the majority of its competitors, plus a 60/40 split rear seat which folds flat into the floor - something the current Sedona lacks.