Should we go the gadgets?

Question

Should we go the gadgets?

Kia Kia Advice Kia Carnival Kia Carnival Advice Kia Carnival 2004

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DUE to an unexpected soon-to-arrive set of twins, I recently bought a 2004 Kia Carnival, which had done 12,000km. I am happy with the way it drives other than fuel consumption, which is too high. I'm also disappointed with the lack of power, but that could be because I am used to driving an XR8 Falcon. Can anything be done to improve economy without jeopardising the remainder of the warranty? Do aftermarket gadgets such as fuel savers work? The ads suggest a 15-20 per cent increase in performance and similar decrease in fuel consumption.

Answered by CarsGuide

30 December 2005

Graham Smith

THOUGH the engine is a 2.5-litre V6, it's still a small unit for such a large vehicle. Being used to a V8, you may be using too much throttle. Look at your driving style, and make sure you aren't carrying unnecessary weight. Also, make sure your tyres are properly inflated. I'm sceptical about the gadgets. It's impossible for the average person to establish whether the maker's claims are true. Unless they can show valid test data from an independent source, I wouldn't believe any claim they make.

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Should we go the gadgets?

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