THE ROOMIER MOVER

VALUE

The Kia Carnival is enormous, so you get a lot of car for your money. It’s priced from about $47,000 drive-away in rental-car spec, but we tested the fully-loaded Platinum model with an optional diesel engine. Normally sold for about $70,000 drive-away, the top-end Carnival has been discounted by about $3000. It’s loaded with gear including chrome bodywork elements and polished 19-inch wheels that set it apart from lesser models. Other goodies include automatic LED headlights, a 360-degree camera and 7-inch digital dash readout you won’t find on the entry grade. A seven-year, unlimitedkilometre warranty seals the deal.

COMFORT

The lengthy equipment list justifies a $20,000 premium over the cheapest Carnival. You also get heated and cooled front seats with electric memory adjustment, a JBL stereo and 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Other luxuries include a powered tailgate and sliding doors that make life easier for small or older passengers. Three-zone airconditioning with dedicated rear controls is nice to have. Space is the true luxury, though. There is room for an adult in every seat, and a particularly impressive 960 litres of cargo space (measured to the roof ) with the car in seven-seat mode. Passenger comfort is also catered for with 10 cup holders bolstered by a bottle space in each door but only three of six power outlets are USB points.

SAFETY

The Carnival originally earned a four-star crash rating that ANCAP upgraded to the full five stars after running changes in 2016. All current versions have full-length curtain

airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control and lane-departure warning. Platinum models add rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane-change assistance to make life a little easier.

DRIVING

Lower and lighter than SUVs such as the Toyota Prado or Ford Everest, the Kia is much easier to drive (and more comfortable) than four-wheel-drive alternatives. It’s relatively quiet, with sound road manners and a cushy ride designed to please folks in the back rather than parents with driving ambition. Excellent visibility and gadgets such as the 360-degree camera make it manageable in town. Carnival customers choose from two engines — a 3.3litre V6 petrol unit or a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel. The diesel costs $2500 more but brings a significant reduction in fuel use along with impressive 1250 kilometre range. We came away impressed by the effortless performance of the 147kW/440Nm diesel helped by a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

ALTERNATIVES TOYOTA GRANVIA, FROM ABOUT $68,500 D/A

With the Tarago consigned to history, Toyota’s enormous fridge-shaped Granvia fills the people-mover role. Budget $82,000 or so for the Granvia VX to match the top Kia’s luxo appeal.

HONDA ODYSSEY VTI-L, FROM ABOUT $51,000 D/A

Smaller — and cheaper — than the Carnival, Honda’s Odyssey isn’t quite as suitable for several adults, but works well for families.

MAZDA CX-9 AZAMI, FROM ABOUT $66,500 D/A

While it’s not as roomy as the Kia, Mazda’s top seven-seater is beautifully finished, better to drive and reasonably fashionable.

VERDICT

Few cars are as fit-for-purpose as Kia’s Carnival, which nails the people-mover brief. Though it isn’t sexy, it makes a lot of sense.