Kia Grand Carnival 2010 Review

This is probably the fastest Kia on Australian roads. No, we're not in some undercover Cerato coupe with a tweaked engine, it's the Grand Carnival peoplemover.

It packs a big V6 punch, similar to Aussie V8s of less than 20 years ago, and remains the most popular peoplemover in Australia. There are several reasons for that - price, space and flexibility key among them.

VALUE

I wrote recently that the Commodore and Falcon offered plenty of metal for the money and the Kia tribe-shifter is no different. In fact, it is better in some respects, particularly if you have more than two children.

Priced from $39,990, the Si entry-level model the eight-seater offers a 2-3-3 seating layout but sadly only has lap-only belts for centre rear passengers in the second and third rows.

For a base-model Korean peoplemover the features list has a few highlights, including power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, remote central locking, cruise control, USB/3.5mm audio inputs for the six-speaker 6CD sound system, power windows (including electric pop-out rear windows for the third row), seven cupholders and front and rear air conditioning.

TECHNOLOGY

The 3.5-litre V6 replaces the outgoing 3.8, offering 20 more kW (at 202kW) while torque has dropped to 336Nm from 343Nm, but it now complies with the stricter Euro IV emissions.

Fuel use on the combined cycle lab figure has dropped by 1.9 litres to 10.9l/100km - although a more real-world figure is in the mid-teens - but if frugality is higher up your priorities list there is also a 2.9-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder that offers 136kW and 343Nm (with a five-speed auto) and a combined figure of 8.5 litres per 100km.

Part of the petrol version's fuel use drop will have come from the longer legs of the six-speed auto, which is well-suited to duties with the V6 and even at full-throttle the changes are smooth, if a little lazy.

DESIGN

Sitting on 16in steel wheels, the boxy-bodied Carnival isn't going to win any design gongs but it's not as ugly as some of its Korean compatriots.

Inside the benefits of the exterior are apparent, with plenty of room for a versatile and comfortable seating set-up, with big sliding doors providing decent access. The lap-only belts for the centre seat occupants are something that needs to be addressed, but the Grand Carnival does offer good cargo capacity even with all seat-rows up and occupied.

With the second row removed and the third rows folded there's a massive amount of space on offer if you need it, just don't tell any friends who are nomads when it comes to moving house - let them pester the ute and van drivers first.

SAFETY

The Kia's safety features list isn't anything far above the current industry norm, with anti-lock brakes (with brakeforce distribution and brake assist) stability and traction control - the latter does take a while to kick in when the big V6 lights up the front wheels.

The airbags list has dual front, side and curtain airbags but the base-model misses out on the reversing camera and rear parking sensors - given the primary cargo it should now be standard fare not just on this model, but any car with less than adequate rear visibility.

DRIVING

You can't expect first-rate dynamics from a box on wheels and the Grand Carnival isn't the kid-carter to change that. What is does offer is price-competitive transport for a large clan - anyone with more than a couple of kids is going to appreciate the abilities of this big peoplemover. Some of the interior is a bit plasticky but there's a nice sound system, clever and versatile storage in the front and no shortage of grunt to get underway when fully-loaded.

The issues are few - the suspension needs a decent load on board before it settles down to provide a good ride but the main problem is with the accelerator - it's too sharp for this market segment. The outputs are strong and won't be maligned when there's seven on board plus gear, but there will be heads flung back and forward en masse at every light, which is far from ideal.

The absence of lap-sash seatbelts on all seating positions is something that needs to be rectified and the considerable girth would seem to warrant parking sensors front and rear might be a good thing to have as standard.

VERDICT

As a value for money kid-carter the Kia has plenty to offer, but there are shortcomings that come with the lower pricetag. But this brand has shown an aptitude for listening and getting things right.

KIA GRAND CARNIVAL Si

Price: from $39,990
Engine: 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6
Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 202kW @ 6300rpm
Torque: 336Nm @ 4500rpm
Fuel consumption: 10.9litres/100km, tank 80 litres
Emissions: 259g/km
Suspension: MacPherson strut (front); multi-link (rear)
Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated, anti-lock, stability control
Dimensions: length 5130mm, width 1985mm, height 1805mm
Wheelbase: 3020mm
Cargo volume: 912/2380litres
Weight: 2117kg
Wheels: 16in steel.