Kia Sedona 2.9CRDi Auto LS 25 September 2006

This is updated from 11 Sept.

Have had the vehicle 25 days now, collected with 8 miles on clock.
The dealer handed over with quarter full diesel. I filled the tank at
20miles, now done 396 since, filled up today 68 Ltr or 14.96 Gln, this
equates to 26.33 MPG.
I waited till the fuel warning lamp came on before filling up, so the
difference is 12Ltr for the 80 Ltr tank.
I now know how much diesel is in the tank when the warning lamp comes on.
I have been driving carefully, and was hoping for 29 MPG, my next refill may
show better result, engines a bit tight at the moment.


I have filled up again at 685 miles with 10.34 Gln this now equates to 28.14
MPG.

I know it will get more than that, but remember these are realistic overall
figures this means standing in traffic queues etc., and it's an automatic.

However the Temperature Gauge is reading about 12% below normal, but it is
consistent.
I will need to have this checked out, in case the coolant isn't at normal
temp. This could cause premature engine wear, and use more fuel.

The windscreen wipers miss a segment about 60mm wide arcing upwards 125mm
right in front of the passenger.
Also when I cleaned the car on the 10th September I noticed a scratch on the
windscreen, in front of the passenger, I know I didn't do it. However on
close inspection a number of flaws were detected inside the glass, the
dealership have ordered a new windscreen, and will let me know when it
arrives.


The car runs very well, the brakes are very good, the steering is light and
accurate, the turning circle is far better than my Freelander 1. So far in
general the Sedona is a nice car, quiet running, no bad vibrations, the
wheels are well balanced.
The suspension is well controlled at the front by the dampers, since the
design load is more constant, but the rear seems less controlled, with more
fidgety vertical movement.


The 5 speed auto box is doing well, but I assist by dropping down manually
on some of the inclines while the bearings are bedding in. The top ratio is
nice and high giving about 35mph per 1000rpm, and it gets into this about
40mph, that's OK when run in, but a little high at the moment.


Just one more thing though, I ordered it with tow bar, but unknown to the
dealership there won't be any until the end of September, apparently Kia
Motors
have not tested them yet, let alone produced any.
Let's hope they keep their promise, I need a tow bar, and only a Kia one
will do.


I have found a Safety related problem just today, 25 September, the rear
passenger doors won't Open from the inside or outside under the following
conditions:-

1 Child safety lock off.

2 Power On/Off switch in the Off position.

3.Doors unlocked.

The handbook quiet rightly says, under these conditions the doors should be
operable.

This means without the use of electrical power.

I followed handbook instructions, re shunt removal for 1 minute, but it made
no difference.

I shall at this stage pass on this information to the dealership for their
comments, and Kia Motors to comment on any of my findings.

I hope to give more information at the end September or early October.


Gordon.