New York 2014: New Kia Sedona MPV previewed

Kia has unveiled a second official picture in a run up to its debut at the New York motor show happening next week.  The new mid-size MPV from Kia is expected to be a US-only car, and will go on sale next year. 

 

According to the picture, the new mid-size MPV will get Kia’s new corporate front-end design, with a larger, more prominent front grille, new LED lighting and a raked windscreen. The new Sedona MPV is slated to be aimed at adventure seekers, and will able to carry eight passengers, as well as luggage. A statement from the carmaker says “the new Sedona will "further raise the bar in styling and specifications for the segment".

 

The new car should continue Kia's trend of giving its models more distinctive styling. Head of design for Kia and Hyundai Peter Schreyer said last year that he wanted to see the two brands gain greater differentiation in the market. 

 

The new Sedona will include a new 3.3-litre V6 GDi petrol doling out 290bhp and 35kgm of torque. The new Sedona may also get a range of diesel CRDi engines. 

 

Kia has said that the model also features its next-generation infotainment and telematics system, dubbed UVO.

 

The Korean manufacturer had decided to phase out production of the European-spec Sedona because of low demand for large MPVs back then, and sales in the sector were steadily declining. "It's hard to make a business case for a large MPV with lots of power and high emissions", said the source.