The Kia Grand Sedona has been around the South African market for a while and in fact, when we got the opportunity to sample it, Kia had already announced an update. The Grand Sedona hasn’t been a best seller for Kia and that’s not a slight for the car or Kia. MPVs generally do not do well in South Africa and like everything else; they are losing ground to the ever so popular SUV.

The Kia Grand Sedona competes with the likes of the Mercedes Benz V-Class, VW Caravelle and Hyundai H-1. It is perhaps closer to the H-1 in terms of pricing. The entry level model retains for R596,995. Unlike the above-mentioned vehicles, the Grand Sedona doesn’t share their boxy shape. It resembles the typical MPV, just larger. The shape isn’t an issue for the Grand Sedona because like the competition, it can seat 7 or 11 people.

You’re probably thinking that seven to eleven people is quite much and that it surely is cramped. Not at all. Our test Grand Sedona has ample room for your family and friends to sit comfortably. The first row and second row seats are better than the third row, bigger and plusher. The third row is also comfortable but a bit smaller. The next question is boot space. It’s massive just as it is deep. The spare wheel is cleverly tucked away under the right hand side passenger door.

One of the biggest sellers of the car is its practicality. It’s easily accessible with electronically operated large doors. The space and passage between the middle benches makes accessing the third row hassle free. The large windows on the large rear passenger door make the car appear even more spacious.

The front interior quality is good. The layout is not cluttered. There’s a generous touch screen that connects via Bluetooth, USB and has Aux capability. There’s a deep centre console which is helpful for keeping valuables from prying eyes. Well, if that’s just for storage, wondering where you can cool a drink? The cabin hole acts as a refrigerator and has that converted for you. The only dislike is the faux wood on the steering wheel. It feels out of place and distracts from the drive.

Outside, the front is dominated by the large Kia tiger nose grille. It makes the car imposing and stand out as a friendly giant. The side profile looks good with floating lines and window design. The back also looks attractive with beautifully designed LED lights.

Our test Kia Grand Sedona was powered by Kia’s 2.2 diesel with 147 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque. The engine bequeaths the Grand Sedona with good acceleration and ample power when overtaking. The car takes corners generously and has no noticeable body roll that its competitors are known for. The ride quality is good and the car is really comfortable.

We took the Grand Sedona to Harties. The roads in that part of the country can be harsh, uneven and narrow. The Grand Sedona glided along comfortably. The other notable strength of the Kia Grand Sedona its impressive ability to negotiate corners. The twisting roads of Harties seemed uneventful (in a good way) in the Kia Grand Sedona as it took them well.

The Grand Sedona range is pride as follows:

2.2 CRDi EX 7-seat R596,995
2.2 CRDi EX 11-seat R612,995
3.3 V6 SX 7-seat R707,995
2.2 CRDi SX 7-seat R727,995
3.3 V6 SXL 7-seat R755,995
2.2 CRDi SXL 7-seat R775,995

Prices include a 5 year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, a 5 year/ 100,000 maintenance plan.