Kia Carnival

The real essence of MPV’s lies inside. This goes exactly right with the Kia Carnival, its interiors will steal your eyes. It has first-class air-travel inspired layout that is specially designed to grab attention. Plus, there is plenty of room for everyone in this car, be it first, second or third row, the seats are wide and comfortable. Inside it, Carnival offers you a 7-inch colour TFT supervision instrument cluster, ambient temperature display, premium steering wheel and shift knob, tri-zone climate control air-conditioning with rear controls, etc. Moreover, the premium JBL sound system integrated with 8-speakers is the crux of this cross utility vehicle. In terms of boot space, you’ll get 960 litres with all seats unfolded, 2220 litres with last-row seats folded, and it grows up to 4022 litres with second-row seats folded. 

Carnival was never presented as a fancy car, it’s been always known as price affordable people mover. This year, it gets excellent exterior changes. With the ramped-up look of the front face to the integration of LED tail-lights in the rear, Carnival has evolved as a fresh and attractive MPV. This year, it has grown more stylish and well-equipped with the essential features. Apart from some minor changes, the exterior is unchanged. You’ll get 17-inch steel wheels with the base grade S, 17-inch alloy wheels with Si, 18-inch machine finish alloy wheels with the SLi, and 19-inch chrome finish alloy wheels with the top variant Platinum. 

Unlike electric power-assisted steering wheel system that comes with nearly all the cars, Kia Carnival comes with a hydraulic power steering system. And, it harmonises right with the size and nature of this car. Engineers at Kia Australia has retuned the suspension settings, the front spiring is now stiffer and shock absorber damping is revised to upgrade and perfect the handling as per Australian road conditions. Furthermore, with the increased body rigidity, noise, vibration, and harshness levels are significantly dropped. Now, the cabin is much quieter when compared with the last year model. Kia has worked pretty well in enhancing the Carnival from every major aspect. 

Carnival is a powerful family car, it’s powered by 3.3L V6 DOHC GDI petrol engine or you can choose to get hands-on 2.2L VGT CRDi diesel engine. The first one can produce a maximum power of 206kW at 6,000rpm and torque of 147Nm at 3,800rpm, while the later one can produce a maximum power of 147kW at 3,800rpm and torque of 440Nm at 1,750-2,750rpm. Kia has dropped the six-speed transmission from Carnival. Now, it’s equipped with the newly inducted eight-speed automatic transmission. It ensures the creamlike delivery of power at each gear shift. It’s standard among all the grades. The petrol engine gives you the combined mileage of 10.8l/100km, while the diesel engine gives a combined mileage of 7.6l/100km. 

It’s one of the safest CUV with 5-star ANCAP ratings. The body strength of Carnival has improved further with the increased ratio of advanced steel that makes it more rigid and strong. Plus with an array of standard active and passive safety features, this wagon is like safe home for passengers. Despite the big size and heavyweight, Carnival's braking capacity is accurate and best in the class. The front wheels are fitted with 320mm ventilated disc, whereas rear wheels are equipped with 324mm solid disc. 

Kia Carnival is a perfect family hauler, it’s big on style, features a sleek and sophisticated design, that goes in synchrony with the looks of this CUV. Although there aren’t any major changes in this year’s model, but with the minor tuneups and upgrades, it looks a bit refreshed. Carnival is a sweet alternative to the three-row SUV’s. However, it lacks the power and punch of sports car, but being a mid-range car it offers great features and extraordinary comfortable interiors.