2019 Kia Carnival Pricing and Specs

Some oil consumption is normal for engines, and modern engines seem to use a little more than some older designs. That's because modern engines are designed with low-friction piston rings which are great for fuel economy but can lead to slightly higher oil consumption. However, 700ml per 1000km does seem high for what is not an especially high-performance engine, and one that has not travelled very far in the scheme of things.

It wouldn't be the first time a dealer (of any brand) has tried to fob off a customer concern with such a response, so I reckon you're on the right track by contacting Kia Australia's customer service division. I'd also follow up with a phone call as well as an email, but experience suggests Kia is one company that takes customer satisfaction seriously.

Your car is still covered by the factory seven-year warranty, so provided it's been serviced correctly, if there is a fault, it should be covered. Further investigation is warranted, including a compression and leak-down test to show if there's any deterioration in the performance of the engine's piston rings. Your local state motoring club is a good source for these tests, particularly as manufacturers tend to take the clubs and their mechanical inspections seriously.

A better option for someone with a tribe to transport would be a peoplemover, such as the Kia Carnival, Hyundai iMax, or VW Transporter. They’re made for that purpose and much more practical than an SUV.

The most expensive new Kia is the Carnival Platinum listed at $62,790. For more info on the latest models check out our pricing and specs page, and you'll find all Kia reviews and news here.