Ciro De Siena takes the Kia Grand Sedona 7-seater MPV out for drive. Is this the ultimate family transporter?
Growing up as the oldest of four siblings, I was often in charge of family adventures. Our chariot was a Toyota Condor – you might remember it as that fairly dull-looking family car which was around for a generation or two, starting at the turn of the millennium.
But the Condor was based on the Hilux (seriously) and therefore was virtually indestructible. My father’s philosophy on car maintenance is “fix it when it breaks” and so this poor car endured mile after mile without ever knowing the comforting touch of a mechanic.
It clocked up 250 000km in 5 years and just before my dad sold it, I took it for a drive, and I was quite honestly flabbergasted at how solid it still felt.
And so my bar for family cars has been set quite high, which is why I’m delighted to report that the Kia Grand Sedona is one of the best I’ve ever tested.
While I can’t comment on the car’s longevity, it does feel properly well made. This is a feeling you get given the quality of the interior build, but it’s also down to how the car feels; the new Kia is made using new manufacturing techniques which have increased the car’s shell strength immensely.
The model I was driving was top of the range but even so, the features and creature comforts were extensive. I’ve tried to cover as many as possible in the video.
And lastly, the engine in the Grand Sedona is a peach. Loads of torque from the 2.2 litre diesel is coupled with real world consumption figures that would embarrass many a small family hatchback. Again, I go into more detail in the video.
I dont't even had kids yet but if I did, it would be a real pleasure to cart them around in something like the Grand Sedona. Perhaps it won’t outlast a Toyota Condor, but I can assure you it is significantly more comfortable.
Did I mention it looks really good too?
2015 Kia Grand Sedona Prices and Specs
Price: R679 995 (SLX Model)
Engine: 2.2 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 147kW
Torque: 440Nm
Fuel Economy: 8.0 litres/100km
Load Space: 359 litres/1532 litres (seats down
Airbags: 6
Warranty: 5 years/150 000km
Service Plan: 5 years/100 000km
