Sedona is superb simplicity

Keeping it simple isn't always easy when teams of engineers and designers have input into a finished product. But that's just what Kia has accomplished with today's test vehicle, the Sedona Base SWB minivan. Its name is perhaps more complex than any of its controls.

"Base" refers to the trim level, and there's only one for this SWB (short wheelbase) version of the Sedona that is being marketed in the compact SUV category. The longer wheelbase Sedona is also available in Base, LX, and EX versions.

But in the case of the SWB, base hardly means stripped down, especially when it comes to safety features. The Sedona received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It comes with standard traction and stability controls, something needed on any tall vehicle. And it's especially commendable that they are standard equipment on a vehicle that starts at $20,495 and has been advertised locally for less than $20,000.

The only thing I missed were two convenience items -- an outdoor temperature reading and an auxiliary plug for an iPod or other MP3 player -- the first is available on the LWB EX trim; the second is coming in the 2008 models.

My test team -- me at the wheel and four adult passengers -- found lots to like about this car, including:

Comfortable seats. There are captain-style seats in the front two rows and a third-row split seat with enough space for two adults or three children. The fold-down tray between the front seats and space between the second-row seats allows someone rear access without having to go outside.

The sliding side doors and rear deck lid. Neither was power-assisted, yet both operated amazingly easily.

Plenty of power. The more than adequate 3.8-liter V-6 is mated to a five-speed automatic. It was easy to hold the Sedona at a steady speed, even without activating the intuitive cruise control.

Solid armrests. It sounds like a small detail, but a flimsy, wobbly armrest hardly inspires confidence in the rest of the vehicle's construction.

Interior materials. Not plush, but sturdy. Seats and plastic knobs are big enough to work while wearing gloves and seem to be built to withstand the use a minivan gets.

An effective climate control system with separate rear controls.

Cubbies, cupholders, and storage areas all over.

A stable ride that smoothed my least-favorite stretch of potholed road in downtown Newburyport. It's an immediate pass-fail test.

One trade-off in the passenger accommodations is a lack of storage space in back. In the SWB version, the third-row seat doesn't fold flat, but one or both halves of the seat can be removed by pulling two straps, one to tilt it vertically, the second to release the latching mechanism. An adult can lift the seat out, although an extra pair of hands makes the chore easier.

Keeping an eye on what's going on in back is a snap with a flip-down convex mirror that goes in the spot where many vehicles have a sunglass or garage-door opener. Kia put the sunglasses holder in a separate compartment over the driver's door.

The side air bags extend along all three rows of seats, adding safety to the comfortable ride.

You can go to the longer version and the upscale packages to get such items as leather trim, power seats, heated seats, DVD players, backup alarms, sunroof, power liftgate, and power side doors. You also can spend $10,000 more in the process.

Those of us who can do without all those add-ons figure there are fewer things to go wrong with a base model. A car like this can be relatively inexpensive. But cheap? Not at all.