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For over two decades and three generations Kia’s eight-seat Carnival has been the go-to vehicle for anyone needing to move a tribe in both the private and commercial world.
Since its arrival in 1998 as the affordable choice for those who most needed a purpose-designed people mover, through to the new fourth generation model with style and sophistication to rival even its most aggressive SUV challengers, Carnival remains the most sensible and desirable choice for anyone prioritising space, comfort and safety.
“The Kia Carnival has always provided practicality, comfort, space and power, which has seen it consistently hold an unchallenged segment share of up to 51 per cent.” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Damien Meredith said.
“The all new Carnival still provides these essentials but adds on class leading features, with an outstanding design and driving features similar to a SUV. The appeal has increased; possibly to shoppers looking at the Upper Large SUV $100,000 segment.”
Based on Kia’s new mid-size platform which is shared with the impressive new Sorento, the Carnival offers more value, space, refinement and capability than its predecessors and any current challengers.
“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle,” Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group said. “The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world.
“It improves the quality, versatility and usability of its predecessors, while making travel far more relaxing and more enjoyable for families. With a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies to provide owners greater value in their daily lives, the new model solidifies Kia’s role in its segment. It sets a new standard for MPVs.”
For Australian buyers the fourth-generation Carnival will be available in four specification levels _ S, Si, SLi and Platinum _ in both petrol and diesel engines. Both the Smartstream 3.5-litre GDI V6 petrol (216kW and 355Nm) and Smartstream R2.2-litre CRDI diesel (148kW and 440Nm) drive the front wheels through a Kia-developed 8-speed automatic.
As usual with Kia, the Carnival comes stacked with features right across the range.
The entry-level S specification comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rack, solar glass windshield, 8-inch AV unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4.2-inch TFT LCD cluster, 6-speaker sound system, manual temperature control, drive mode select with normal/eco/sport/smart, keyless entry, cloth seats, rear parking sensors, rear view monitor with dynamic guidelines, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel and a full safety suite including class-first technology (see separate safety section).
In addition the Si adds 18-inch alloys, 12.3-inch AVN unit, 8-speaker sound system, dual zone automatic temperature control front and single zone rear, premium steering wheel and shifting knob, and front parking sensors.
Stepping up to the SLi brings privacy rear glass, smart key with push button start, artificial leather seats, surround view monitor, power tailgate with auto close, smart power sliding doors, one-touch power doors and tailgate, eight-way power driver’s seat, auto up/down windows, electrochromic mirror, Safe Exit Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
At the top of the range the Platinum leaves little to be desired, adding electronic shift by wire, 19-inch black alloy wheels, 12-speaker Bose sound system, rear occupant alert, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, paddle shifters, dual tilting and sliding sunroof, eight-way integrated memory seats with 4-way lumbar support and rear heated seats, ventilated front seats, LED interior lamps and second and third row sunshade blind.
Pricing (RRP) will start at $46,880 for the S petrol and rise to $64,680 for the Platinum version of the same engine. The diesel starts at $48,880 for the S trim and tops out at $66,680 for the Platinum. Premium paint is a $695 option.
Design
A character evolution
The new Carnival represents a design evolution with a sense of solidity, futuristic details, and SUV-inspired forms and surfaces. It brings a stronger, more stylish presence to the segment as a result.
