Kia Carnival

The fourth incarnation of the Kia Carnival is here and – at 59.2 percent market share year-to-date – it is doing the business.

All right, but 59 percent of a small segment is not that impressive is it? Well, when 59 percent translates into 58 units for its first month in a market where the SUV is king, perhaps that puts a different light on things.

Carnival now offers three different grades, EX, Deluxe and Premium, and all models share the same 2.2-litre Smartstreamtm diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission which suggests – given the price variation between the models – Carnival has quite an extensive features list.

Sitting on a completely new suspension system, Carnival is also more economical than before, returning an average fuel consumption of just 6.5L/100km.

It is still an eight-seater, and in addition to a raft of new features, has a new platform which it shares with the also popular Sorento large SUV.

For Carnival, this means a longer wheelbase and larger body, maximising space for the occupants and providing astounding amounts of storage/ cargo space.

Kia has redefined the original concept of the Carnival MPV, modifying it to better resemble the more popular concept of the SUV, taking design cues from that market segment.

Oh yes, Carnival is still an MPV, but it is sleeker, more stylish and more intelligent in its seating configurations which are so flexible, they can be arranged to form a table, making this not only a superb family touring vehicle, but an excellent luxury corporate transport.

Carnival also provides 627 litres of space in the luggage area.

When the seats are not in use and folded, the cargo area expands to 2785 litres and is accessed via dual side sliding power doors or a key sensing power tailgate in the Deluxe and Premium models.

Infotainment is another key consideration for Carnival which, depending on grade, gives six, eight or 12 speaker audio systems along with either five or seven USB charge ports, again dependent on specification level.

Premium and Deluxe Carnivals feature a large 12.3-inch touchscreen in the Deluxe and Premium models (eight-inch in EX) affording access to numerous infotainment options and the satellite navigation system.

Standard safety features across the range include seven airbags, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist

(FCA) with junction view, and car, pedestrian and cyclist detection; Lane Keep Assist ( LKA); Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist ( BCA); Intelligent Speed Limit Assist ( ISLA); Safe Exit Assist (SEA); Driver Attention Warning (DAW); High Beam Assist (HBA); Smart Cruise Control (SCC); and Lane Follow Assist (LFA); A new Around View Monitor (AVM) and Rear Occupant Alert with Sensor are exclusive to the Deluxe and Premium models.

Pricing for the Kia Carnival starts from $59,990 + ORC, including three years free scheduled servicing (up to 45,000kms) and 24-hour roadside assistance.