While the outgoing Kia Sedona minivan is a modest looking people mover that gets the job done, the next-generation model looks to bring some flair into the market as the South Korean automaker continues to perform leaps and bounds to revamp its line-up with a new image. [check out our recent Kia review!]
The bold Kia KV7 concept was first unveiled at the 2011 North American Auto Show in Detroit. A styling exercise that featured a chiseled fascia and an arrow straight character line that slices across a stocky, squarish body, Kia VP Michael Sprague has confirmed that the KV7 will serve as inspiration for the next Kia minivan.
To ease the transition of the two models, the Kia Sedona willbe axed from the 2013 model year, making for a single year hiatus before the new model debuts. Kia Motors America spokesman James Hope says, "The minivan segment has been and will continue to be important to Kia. Although there will not be a 2013 model year Sedona, our plans call for the current generation vehicle to be available at dealerships through 2012, with production scheduled to resume in 2013."
Kia Marketing Vice President Michael Sprague adds, "With the KV7, what we see coming eventually is materials on the vehicle that we'd like to see incorporate or getting a Kia that's Wi-Fi enabled; it's just a matter of how soon."
