Kia Grand Carnival 2008 Review

The sad fact is the majority of people movers out there only come with seven seats at the most, which dramatically reduces the options for families with six kids – or those with even just two or three who have a big social calendar.

Unfortunately, this then increases the chances of those families becoming the chuffed owners of massive fuel guzzling, lane hogging, enviro-killing 4X4’s - complete with CB and snorkel - that will never see dirt.

Exterior

We tested the the Grand Carnival Premium. It’s a big car – 5,130mm long and 1,985mm wide – but Kia have managed to shape it so its long purposeful nose, aerodynamic contours, 16 inch alloys and wide stance make it look contemporary while retaining a classic MPV presence.

Electric sliding doors, sleek side mirror housings, distinctive dual front headlights and a rugged rear help to complete its modern appearance.

You also get fog lamps set within the bumper, high level LED stoplights and a step plate for maximum loading efficiency.

Interior

Clearly the inside is where it’s at in a people mover, and in the Grand Carnival there are a heap of different seating combinations to help give you a pain free ride. Of the eight seats in the Kia Grand Carnival, the comfortable front and passenger, plus the first row of three are slidable bucket seats, with a 60:40 split fold-flat bench up the back. The middle row is removable for extra space.

With the middle seats removed and the third row folded and sunk, the cargo area is a massive 2,280mm deep and 1,457mm wide.

There is also a pile of other features to make travelling with a lively crew as pleasant as possible, including: power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six speaker sound system, triple-zone air condition with individual outlets for each row of seats, 11 cup holders and storage compartments, passenger folding table and seat back trays in the second row, two coat hooks and a shopping bag hook in the cargo area.

Engine and performance

Both the Grand Carnival and Grand Carnival Premium run on a 184kW, 3.8litre V6 engine producing 343Nm. A five speed auto tiptronic-style transmission transfers power to the wheels. Both versions burn 12.8 litres of unleaded every 100km.

Suspension

Its unibody construction together with McPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension give the Grand Carnival a smooth comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

Safety

A comprehensive airbag package, ESP, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, childproof rear door locks, five child restraint anchor points and a security alarm with panic button all come as standard in the Premium Grand Carnival, with an options pack available to top up security in the Grand Carnival.

Pricing

The Grand Carnival Premium starts at $44,490 and the Grand Carnival starts at $38,490 up to $40,290 with the optional safety package.

Halligan says

My wife and I are in the market for a new car. My ideal family cars run to four-door performance sedans and four-seat convertibles, preferably Italian or German. My wife is similar, just drop the Italian.

So a Kia Carnival is not on our shortlist. The idea sends shudders down my spine. Turn up at an eisteddfod or cricket match in a Carnival and suddenly you get the bombardment of “would you be able to drop Jane home, and perhaps little Freddie too.”

Hell, I don't want more than four seats, that way the mother in-law can't fit either.

The first thing you note about stepping into a Carnival is that it seems larger on the inside than is posible by the outer dimensions. It really is like sitting in a bus. The appointments are basic with a few nice extras such as the power assist on the huge sliding doors each side. The seat arm rests and cup holders are nice — my wife tells me so. Visibility is good. I can understand why a lot of families and soccer mums would like one. It would make life for larger families quite a bit easier and is certainly a better option than sticking the 6th and 7th seats reverse facing in the back of a four-wheel drive.

Driving the Carnival is pleasantly surprising, it actually points, tracks and handles quite well. Then again every time I drive a Kia or Hyundai lately I come away impressed. I have also developed a healthy respect for their ruggedness and reliability having flogged an Excel up and down the Freeway for 8 years. The Carnival doesn't feel lethargic either, pick-up is quite good with the transmission changing at all the right times. You can actually push one of these along with confidence.

I clocked around 400kms in the Carnival and while I personally wouldn't buy one I would recommend one to a soccer mum with three kids or more. It's a more practical option than the Pajero or Landcruiser you are probably dropping the kids to school in now.

If you really do go away in that caravan, fine — keep the Landcruiser. If not, get rid of the 4wd and consider this for your five kids.

Rating 7/10