Kia
Sedona
Set
against the backdrop of one of the world's premier urban playgrounds, Kia
Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off the all-new 2015 Sedona midsize
multi-purpose vehicle in New York City. In addition to innovative European-inspired
design, the 2015 Sedona also delivers the exceptional interior volume buyers
expect in the segment with ample passenger and cargo room and a quiet and comfortable
cabin. The Sedona advances value to new levels of
sophistication with a host of segment-leading new technology and upscale
features.
Transcending
mundane functionality, the Sedona's wide stance exudes a modern, CUV-like
exterior appearance highlighted by a front fascia and cab-forward design that
project confidence and strength. The Sedona's muscular face and clean, smooth
look is highlighted by a fully integrated version of Kia's signature grille and
headlamps with LED positioning lights. The wheelbase is 1.6-inches longer than
its predecessor, and the side profile, with its reduced front and rear
overhangs, combines with the deeply swept windshield and available 19-inch
alloy wheels to create a distinctive look. Meanwhile, the rear design layout,
with LED taillights, integrated bumper guard and standard roof spoiler,
presents a broad, stable bearing.
The
2015 Sedona is built on an all-new chassis with static torsional stiffness that
is 36-percent greater than its closest segment competitor. The body is 76
percent Ultra High Strength Steel (press hardened) or High Strength Steel,
which provides exceptional rigidity, durability and collision protection in a
lightweight design. For enhanced roof strength, the Sedona has been engineered
with reinforced pillars that distribute impact loads with ultra-high-strength
steel tubes that run inside the A-pillars. Extensive use of adhesives and large
diameter welds also add to Sedona's overall structural integrity and strength.
Together with Kia's patented technology, the 2015 Sedona is targeted to earn
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 5-Star overall
vehicle safety rating.
Under
the hood, a new Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-liter V6 engine
replaces the 3.5-liter V6 found in the previous generation Sedona. The
3.3-liter engine, which is also found in the Sorento CUV and Cadenza premium
sedan, delivers more power than its predecessor, boasting 276 horsepower at
6,000 rpm, and it has been tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, offering 248
lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm.
A
three-step Variable Induction System (VIS) improves engine
"breathing," automatically adjusting the volume of the air pulled
into the combustion chamber to create the optimal air-to-fuel mix under
different engine load conditions. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing
(CVVT) combined with a piston-cooling oil jet improves engine cooling
efficiency, while engine components, including piston rings, piston skirts,
valve tappets, timing chain guide and valve springs are all of a low-friction
design. Finally, the new 3.3-liter V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic
transmission tuned for balanced control, power and efficiency.
Throughout
the design and development process a high priority was placed on active and passive
safety features as well as technology, resulting in one of the most
technologically advanced vehicles in the segment. All Sedona models come
standard with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start
Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Antilock
Braking System (ABS). Additional technologies such as Roll Over Mitigation
(ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) also were added as standard equipment
for improved dynamic control and safety. New
optional driver technology, including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM),
Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot
Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, help provide Sedona drivers with
a more convenient and secure daily driving experience.
Despite
its overall width and height remaining virtually unchanged, the all-new Sedona
provides more front shoulder room, greater leg room in the front, second and
third rows, as well as a slightly higher hip-point, improving outward
visibility for the driver. The horizontal design cues across the instrument
panel create a greater sense of width, and the generous use of soft-touch
materials adds to the all-new Sedona's premium ambiance. The Sedona's
proportions provide flexible seating in both seven- and eight-passenger
configurations and a multitude of storage options. The front center console is
unique to the segment and allows for generous and cleverly convenient storage
space between the front seats. Second row Slide-n-Stow tracked seating slides
and folds upright to allow for "on-the-go" cargo hauling while
eliminating the hassle that comes with removing heavy and cumbersome middle
seats. The all-new Sedona also offers the choice of second row "First
Class" lounge seating that can be positioned rearward for astonishing
legroom and provides retractable lower leg rests. And while some configurations
feature segment-unique second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort, all
2015 Sedona models offer a third-row that provides the convenience of a split
folding 60/40 in-floor retractable design.
The
Sedona's sophisticated interior design theme is brought to life with a modern
color palette featuring solid or two-tone color options in beige, gray and
burgundy for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The top-line SXL trim features
standard ultra-soft Nappa leather seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the
same Chromium-free leather found in the K900 luxury sedan.
Building
on the next-generation UVO Infotainment & Telematics system, the all-new
Sedona will be the first Kia vehicle to offer four new eServices features:
Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Additionally, with
the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free
from iTunes or Google Play. The Kia app connector is now available for
partnership with the content community, including Pandora, iHeart Radio and
Yelp. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in
the new UVO system, including Siri "Eyes Free" and Local Search -
powered by Google - for finding locations, addresses and points of interest.
Sirius XM Travel Link, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports
scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Sedona the perfect
companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.
From
front to back the Sedona offers numerous convenience features, including Kia's
first application of the newest high-power (2.1 AMP) USB charging port and a
115-volt AC outlet to charge small electronics as well as a dual glove box that
offers a cooled lower storage area. For easier parking and vehicle maneuvering,
the Surround View Monitor8 provides real-time images from cameras placed around
the vehicle. Smart Welcome, automatically illuminates the door handles and
unfolds the power retractable side mirrors when a vehicle key fob is detected.
A hands-free "Smart Tailgate" opens the rear lift gate automatically
when the key fob is sensed for three seconds, and its programmable function can
be tailored to the user's height preference.