From February 2008 issue

List price when tested: £19,545
Kerbweight: 2168kg
85% match: 1843kg
Max towing weight: 2000kg
Towball limit: 85kg

THE KIA SEDONA is a true heavyweight of the MPV world. Tipping the scales at well over two tonnes, it makes a suitable match for big twin-axle tourers which many people carriers couldn’t cope with.

The 2.9-litre engine is comfortably up to the job of hauling all that weight. With 183bhp and 253lb.ft to call upon, the Sedona pulled an Abbey Expression 550 from 30-60mph in 14.1 seconds. The engine’s flexibility impressed as much as outright muscle, so there’s less need to change gear when towing than when driving some rival MPVs.

Good grip but heavy steering

It’s a stable tug as well as a strong one. At motorway speeds it held a straight course with little need for steering corrections. The Sedona gripped well in our emergency lane-change test, too, although the heavy steering gave the driver’s biceps a workout.

The removable rear seats do the same for your back. They’re fiddly to get in and out and heavy when many rivals now have seats which simply fold away into the floor. On the other hand you can’t argue with the cabin space. Even those in the third row have a reasonable amount of room, although if all seven seats are used luggage space is tight. Big families will probably want to invest in a roof box.

The ride is comfortable enough to keep passengers happy, although if you enjoy driving you many find the Sedona rather ponderous, and its sheer bulk can be intimidating around town. Steep depreciation and poor economy are further black marks.

We say
Towing: 4/5
Solo: 2/5
Practicality: 3/5
Buying & owning: 3/5

Verdict: 3/5. Will tow much heavier vans than most MPVs, but interior is not as flexible as some rivals’.

Braking 30-0mph: 11.3m

Find out more about this car at www.whatcar.com