KOREAN car maker Kia made its name with small cars, but it packs a pretty powerful punch when it comes to the business of moving people en masse.

The Sedona people carrier has been a successful family seller over the past six years and its sleeker successor packs in more of everything.

What is instantly noticeable is the height of the new vehicle, which offers more space in its wider, but shorter body; more versatility, with a revised 2-3-2 seating arrangement and improved safety, with six airbags as standard on every model.

From the driver's point of view, it offers a much more engaging drive thanks to a more powerful engine and everyone benefits from the extra quality that packs in the cabin.

Revised suspension, together with the reduced length, a wider track and much stiffer body, gives the new Sedona a tighter turning circle, sharper and more stable handling, a better ride, reduced levels of noise in the cabin and improved stopping power.

In other markets, the Sedona is sold as a 5.1-metre, long-wheelbase model that seats up to 11 people, but the seven-seater version available in the UK has been created specifically for Europe.

Each of the rear seats slides forwards and backwards, reclines, folds in half, stores upright, or comes out of the car altogether.

You can get into a seven-seater Sedona from just under £16,000, but that's a thirsty V6 petrol model.

Nine out of ten buyers of the old model opted for the diesel engine and there's little reason to think that will change with the newcomer.

An extra £1,500 buys the 2.9-litre diesel version, which offers an alluring mix of 180-plus horsepower delivering comfortable motorway cruising and the prospect of 35mpg-plus fuel consumption.

Three trim grades are available and new features include triple-zone air conditioning, electric sliding rear-side doors, climate control and rear electric windows.

The top-of-the-range TS specification model comes with leather upholstery, cruise control, front seat warmers, an electrically-adjusted driver's seat and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Six airbags - front, front side and full-length curtains - are fitted to every model, along with anti-lock brakes.

TS models are available with an optional electronic stability system, combining traction control and emergency brake assist. This is a big vehicle and thankfully the risk of minor parking bumps and scrapes has been reduced, with reversing sensors fitted to LS and TS models.

Auto facts Kia Sedona 2.9 CRDi LS

  • Price: £19,495
  • Insurance group: 13
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 36.2mpg
  • Top speed: 120mph
  • Length: 481cm/189.4in
  • Width: 198.5cm/78.1in
  • Luggage capacity: 38.2 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 17.6 gallons/80 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 206g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/unlimited mileage