Auto News 5

Is it possible to launch a car without launching a car? GM did just that at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, revealing the first image of the 2011 Chevrolet Spark minicar while rolling out onto the show stand the similar 2007 Beat concept. The production hatchback will appear live and in the sheetmetal at the 2009 Geneva motor show, but we sat down with sources close to the program to learn a little bit more.

Is it possible to launch a car without launching a car? GM did just that at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, revealing the first image of the 2011 Chevrolet Spark minicar while rolling out onto the show stand the similar 2007 Beat concept. The production hatchback will appear live and in the sheetmetal at the 2009 Geneva motor show, but we sat down with sources close to the program to learn a little bit more.

My experience with the Sedona was rather limited - just an early morning drive from the airport during which I was more concerned with getting feeling back in my fingers than vehicle dynamics (it was -20 degrees with the wind chill). Still, I was pleasantly surprised when I got in the front seat and saw a modern, nicely turned dash staring back at me. It's a definite step up from what's in our Town & Country, which costs about $10,000 more, and it makes the whole minivan experience a bit less depressing. Just as with the Chrysler van, I was incredibly surprised by the Kia's acceleration. Having spent more time behind the wheel of large SUVs, it's something of a novelty to step on the gas of a big boat and feel it lurch forward with such energy.