Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need to travel in. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or your next WAV.

Kia Sedona wheelchair passenger upfront position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

Wheelchair user experience

The Kia Sedona always presented itself well for conversion to a WAV, and this one is no exception. The broad, flat, low, lowered floor is a pleasure to travel along to the front passenger position with no need for any dramas along the way like some wheelchair passenger upfront WAVs. On opening up the car’s rear tailgate, a wheelchair user is presented with a cosseted ramp approach which will help them feel like they are already in the car.

The Kia Sedona is a car, so the suspension, specification and looks are that of a car rather than a van, so it’s much easier on the eye. The ride height is ideal for most wheelchair users, and the view through the windows and windscreen is superb. These are rare features to find, and it would be hard to tell the front passenger was in a wheelchair from the outside.

Driver experience

Being a car, the Kia Sedona is more of a pleasure to be in than a van, and for all drivers, that’s very important. The Kia Sedona comes in three specification levels, and the one most desired is the”3″as it has leather and all doors and the tailgate are automated, making life easier all around. It’s easy to drive, and the 2.2 diesel auto version has plenty of power should it be needed. In this conversion, the driver is next to their wheelchair passenger, so it’ll feel as it should in a standard car.

Passenger experience

Traditionally, the Kia Sedona wheelchair upfront WAV will have a driver seat and one behind the driver. This second-row seat is an original vehicle seat, so comfort levels are good and match the rest of the vehicle. There could be one or two tip and fold seats at the rear, but these would have been extra at the time of conversion, so if they do have an extra one or two tip and folds, that’s pretty rare and gives the additional seating to make it more of a family car.

SMV loves

We love the wheelchair passenger upfront Kia Sedona. It’s a car; wheelchair access is simple, and there’s very little to worry about or dislike. Inclusivity is key to this particular WAV and from the moment a wheelchair user enters. The finish is excellent, and wheelchair passengers, drivers and seated passengers will not be disappointed. Road noise is low, build quality is good, and did we say it’s a car.

SMV says

Why not call Southern Mobility Vehicles if this WAV isn’t quite right for you? Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV,a short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs. We are independent WAV advisors so that you will get the best of all worlds; whatever your wheelchair access needs are, it is only one call to 0800 008 7800