Kia Sedona to sit out a year

Reports from Kia in the U.S. indicate that the company won't be offering its Sedona minivan in 2013.

The Sedona came to market almost five years ago and, apart from a minor facelift in 2011, it hasn't changed much since. Which means that, compared to its competitors, it's getting a bit long in the tooth.

The Sedona's twin under the skin, the Hyundai Entourage, disappeared after  2009, following just two years on the market.

Those same reports suggest that, unlike the Entourage, the Sedona's departure won't be permanent. A replacement is said to be in the works for the 2014 model year, which means it could be introduced any time after January 1, 2013.

Whether or not it will continue the Sedona name remains to be seen.
If Kia design chief, Peter Schreyer, achieves the same level of styling panache with it that he has with Kia's current products, it could potentially turn the minivan market upside down.