Kia Grand Carnival Reviews

With heaps of space, flexible seating and the punch of a big V6 engine it's no wonder the Kia Grand Carnival has become a family favourite.MODEL WATCHThe Grand Carnival won't win any beauty contests, but it's not intended to. Its bulky box-like shape is perfect for the purpose for which it was created, which was to move large families efficiently.Inside it can seat up to eight in three rows of seating that can be shuffled around, folded or removed altogether depending on the need. Removing the second row and folding the third one leaves an enormous cavity that can be filled with all manner of things, from cargo for a small business to sporting or camping gear for weekend fun.From 2006 the Carnival used a 3.8-litre V6 that developed 184 kW and 343 Nm, enough to give it the punch many Aussies still demand from their cars. The downside is that it can be quite thirsty. Kia offered a five-speed auto across the range, with the added feature of manual shifting available on the Premium range-topper.On the road the big Carnival drove well, although its bulk meant it was never going to brilliant, the suspension was at its most comfortable when loaded, and the throttle reaction was a little on the sharp side.All models were well equipped, even the base model had auto air and cruise on top of the expected things like power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and CD sound.IN THE SHOPUnlike the first Carnivals the second-generation models only see the inside of a workshop when it's time for a service. Owners report that they are more than happy with the reliability and function of their cars, few report any issues at all. Check for service records and inspect bodywork for damage and the interior for the sort of wear and tear caused by transporting kids.IN A CRASHThe Carnival has most of the safety gear demanded by today's buyers. All models came standard with dual front airbags and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, but the EX-L had the added safety of head and side front airbags. The best of all was the Premium, which also had electronic stability control. The only downside was the lack of three-point seat belts in the centre seating positions in the second and third rows.UNDER THE PUMPWith a big and bulky shape and a large engine the Grand Carnival was never going to be a fuel miser. The official claim was 12.8 L/100 km, but expect mid-teens if you can't keep your foot out of the throttle.OWNERS SAYJohn James' company runs four Carnivals, three of which are driven by sales reps, and he could not be happier with them. The company used to run Falcon wagons, but switched because of the high number of warranty problems with the Fords."There have been virtually no mechanical problems, they have plenty of power, they're very comfortable and they have a huge space for carrying things, which makes them ideal reps cars."AT A GLANCEEngine: 3.8-litre V6 petrol; 184 kW/343 NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic, front-wheel driveEconomy: 12.8 L/100 kmBody: 5-door, 8-seat peoplemoverVariants: EX, EX-L and PremiumTHE BOTTOM LINEBig efficient people transporter that gets the job done.RATING3.5 stars

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.VALUEI 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.TECHNOLOGYThe 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.DESIGNSitting 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.SAFETYThe 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.DRIVINGYou 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.VERDICTAs 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 SiPrice: from $39,990Engine: 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6Transmission: six-speed automatic, front-wheel drivePower: 202kW @ 6300rpmTorque: 336Nm @ 4500rpmFuel consumption: 10.9litres/100km, tank 80 litresEmissions: 259g/kmSuspension: MacPherson strut (front); multi-link (rear)Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated, anti-lock, stability controlDimensions: length 5130mm, width 1985mm, height 1805mmWheelbase: 3020mmCargo volume: 912/2380litresWeight: 2117kgWheels: 16in steel.

Here's our guide to the five biggest-selling people movers on the market (2010 year-to-date, VFACTS).

Some fall for the high-riding visibility, many feel safer, and a vast majority realise a versatile wagon is the best way to meet the changing and demanding needs of a 21st century lifestyle.Large four-wheel drives were easy to dismiss as high-priced Toorak Tractors less than 10 years ago, but today's SUVs have flooded every area of new-car showrooms. They come in every size and most price ranges, from compact $20,000-somethings right through to Range Rovers and Porsches with showroom stickers in the $200,000 range.Women with families were originally forced into suburban work with four-wheel drives which were bought as weekend escape machines, but nowdays there are dozens of SUVs which have been designed to meet the real needs of women.Nissan even created a virtual woman — 50-something, independent and successful, kids away from home — when it was developing its latest  Murano SUV. The result is a car that's fine for blokes but ticks the boxes for females.  So, what do some regular Australian women think about a range of the most popular SUVs sold in Australia today?Claire Heaney road-tested the Subaru ForesterMum of Hannah, 10; Patrick, 8 and Lucy 5.There was much excitement when I told the kids we were getting a new car - for the weekend.  That was tinged with horror when they learned I, and not their father, would be in the driver's seat.They think I am a candidate for one of the ‘worst drivers’ shows on telly. And they also hate the fact that when they start clobbering each other I pull over to the side of the road until they promise to stop.  Nonetheless, they waited with anticipation when I left to collect the new car - a Subaru Forester AWD wagon.First impressions were pleasing. It was lovely - black, sleek, not too big and fitted with roof rails.  Then, as I was handed the key, I was told it was a manual. I was struck with fear. Once I got it reversed, I kangaroo hopped home.The kids gave the car the once over, giving it the thumbs up. Although the eldest thought the black duco looked a bit "Goth". Seating negotiation was finalised. Our own car is a Toyota Avensis, a small seven-seater that fits the three kids easily. It also means they are separated over two rows of seating. No fighting over window seats.We popped the bulging booster seat in the middle and I turned myself inside out to buckle them in. Their dad reluctantly slid himself into the front passenger seat. White knuck led, it reminded me of my Dad trying to teach me how to drive.Fairly soon, I was working my way up through the gears with ease. There were a few hiccups such as when we stalled on the Westgate Freeway. "Hey, this isn't a carpark," my eldest advised.  But once we were out of town and headed for Torquay it came into its own. We noted what a smooth and quiet ride the Subaru offered.I experimented with the cruise control but the dual range, providing for low gear if you are driving in sand or up a steep hill, wasn't needed.  The seating, once I remembered it did not have armrests, was really comfy.   There were upsides about only have three seats on offer. We avoided the usual badgering about whether a friend could accompany us on our outing. "It's just us today, guys, we can't fit anyone else in," I told them, barely able to suppress my delight.Sitting side-by-side there was a bit of elbowing and poking going on but the upside was the great wagon space. We had no trouble fitting a picnic, beach bags, boogie boards and other things that would normally be tricky.Although we are getting to the end of child seats, the clever child restraint attachments would have been welcome not so long ago. I also loved the ease in which one or both the back seats could fold down to create a very big space at the back.While we may have outgrown such a car, we could see why they are so popular. Two kids at the back, with the armrest and drinks holder and easy on the fuel would be in heaven.Likes:Great fuel efficiency.Armrests and drink holders in the back.Stylish design.Dislikes:Bit cramped for three kids in the back.I'd go crazy trying to keep a black car clean - so bear that in mind when choosing the colour.Wendy Tuohy road-tested the Toyota LandcruiserMum of Angus 11, Lachie 10 and Eliza, 6This car is not a runabout.  In fact, employing its 2.5 tonne, V8 grunt for the school run or supermarket is like saddling up a stallion for the St Kilda pony rides.  Not that driving it isn't a heap of fun.With awe-inspiring power and excellent suspension -- and much better cabin stability than you'd expect being so high off the ground -- tooling around in Cruiser is a driving novelty.Everything about it is big, including the gas-guzzling, 4.7 litre engine.  It seats eight, and space in the middle row is so generous it feels about like the whole interior of a smaller car.  The outsized rear vision mirrors offer panoramic views, and the storage compartment in the front console is big enough to hold a handbag -- or small gas bottle, if you are using this as the luxurious bush tractor it so obviously is.And you could almost fit a Smart Car in the boot.  But for all its size, the LandCruiser is surprisingly easy to handle.Thanks to a range of new high-tech features, steering is light and agile, and stopping is unexpectedly smooth.  Though in the city, you find yourself riding the brakes a lot.The five-speed auto engine takes off and effortlessly gathers speed as if itching to head straight for the open road -- not the next set of lights.  Because of its ample space and many creature comforts (leather seats, four temperature zones, sun roof, 10 air bags) you can understand why these took off as people-mover alternatives.But given its power, weight, and the fact its impact zone with a normal car would be at their head-height, it's also understandable why many disapprove of urban Cruiser use. Let alone the carbon cost.  And reverse parking is a drag.Sure, reversing cameras help but the LandCruiser just isn't an easy vehicle to back between two normal cars outside the local shops.But try one for the fun. Men will look at you like they want to jump in -- women like they'd rather shoot the tires out.Likes:Interior spaceDriver and passenger safety featuresExcellent power steeringDislikes:Hard to reverse parkBlocks other drivers view of the roadToo much power for townRuth Lamperd road-tested the Kia Carnival GrandMum of Joe, 10; Daniel, 8 and Charlie 5Moving three children and their friends around the suburbs means practicality overtakes image on the freeway of life.  While diesel people mover, the Kia Carnival Grand, looks a lot like any other uninspiring longish-nosed van from the outside, its high-end versions on the inside offer luxuries that make the grown-ups feel a little like royalty.Buttons operate nearly everything and dual air conditioning with personal vents stop squabbles among the passengers.  There are no more heaving on sliding doors or swinging off upward opening boot doors. Power operation makes entering and exiting simple enough for even five-year-olds to manage.  That means far less work and bother for the big people.The steady flow of childrens quizzing from the back seats are easily heard by the driver thanks to good insulation from road and engine noise.  This is in spite of the diesel engine making it sound more like a truck from the outside than an eight seater van.A power lag from a standing start like pulling from a side street into a space in a busy road is nearing danger levels if not in reality, at least in driver perception.  Stick your foot to the floor and about a second will pass before you feel any real power and then it comes on so strong that you are pushed firmly back into your seat from the delayed acceleration.It can provide some scary moments in traffic and belies the ample power otherwise under the bonnet. Hitting the speed limit on a freeway happens deceptively easily and ensures the cruise control albeit a bit shaky in its sensitivity gets a good workout.  There are airbags at every turn and in the event of a head-on crash, manufacturers reassure the nose collapses downwards, ideally leaving drivers legs intact.Good driver vision of surrounding traffic is impressive.  In the child-friendly stakes (although we didnt test what happens when slow-closing power doors if a kids finger is in the way) its right up there.A pop-down fish-eye mirror affords the driver a view of little passengers in the back two seat rows. Anything which gives mum a mythical set of eyes in the back of her head has got to be good.Likes:Power doorsEase of folding down seatsDislikes:Weak airconditioningLag on take-off

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.ExteriorWe 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.InteriorClearly 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 performanceBoth 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.SuspensionIts unibody construction together with McPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension give the Grand Carnival a smooth comfortable ride with minimal body roll.SafetyA 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.PricingThe 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 saysMy 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 

The latest Kia Carnival, the VQ series, comes with the choice between standard and long wheelbases.

Most people prefer to put their family into a four-wheel drive, even though the Honda Odyssey is a wonderful device and the Chrysler Voyager has been the people mover pace-setter for years.Styling is the big drama, because they are big boxes. Usually ugly, too.But there are powerful reasons for moving a people mover higher up the list to consider, particularly if you really need to carry seven people in car-like comfort and safety.The latest Kia Grand Carnival proves the point.It is an all-new, bigger, much better model of the vehicle that has been Australia's favourite people mover in recent years.The Grand can even carry eight people, or provide cabin flexibility and seating choices most families only dream of.We have not been as impressed by a people mover since our first drive in the "giant egg" Toyota Tarago.Toyota has lost the plot since then, but the first purpose-designed Tarago — there was a previous model in the 1980s, but it was a delivery van with seats — had a combination of space and comfort, performance and value then impossible to beat.Now there is the Grand Carnival, which does it all for $36,990.It has a new 3.8 litre V6 engine with a five-speed automatic and real performance, airconditioning, remote central locking, power steering, roof rack, tinted glass and electric windows and mirrors, with electric opening for the middle row of windows.On the safety front, there are twin airbags and anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and optional side and window bags. But Kia has missed one target — with only lap belts in the middle seats of the two three-seat rows.The South Korean company says the Grand is all new, which means more built-in refinement and safety, as well as the new mechanical package.The quad-cam V6 engine, with variable valve timing, produces 184kW and 343Nm. That's up from 132kW and, crucially, 220Nm in the previous 2.5-litre Carnival.The shortie Carnival continues and Kia is regularly delivering more than 200 a month to lead sales in the people-mover class.The numbers could change in coming months as Kia moves to direct distribution in Australia, but it is a winner.And it has made an impressive comeback after the early engine troubles that sent many Carnivals back to dealers for major work.The Grand Carnival is surprisingly good in a lot of ways. Most ways, actually. It is a brisk drive, handles acceptably well, is not a gas guzzler and has the sort of refinement, comfort and space which many families really need in their new car.It does a much better job of carrying people than the vast majority of four-wheel drives and it is impossible to do better on the value front.The flexibility of the cabin is incredible. The middle row of seats do a double-fold job for access to the third row, and they fold flat to the floor to create a huge boot space.The seats also lift out, there is a walk-through between the front buckets, and even the doors are sliders on both sides.And so we come to the test car, one of the vehicles Kia had at the Australian Open tennis. It's stacked with stuff not included in a regular Grand Carnival: rain-sensor wipers, full leather upholstery and electric sliding side doors.None of it is essential, unless you want to impress your friends with toys and trinkets.We disregarded the extra gear, though Grand Carnival buyers could still snap up one of these cars with about $10,000 of added fruit as a secondhand deal from a Kia outlet.Apart from the huge cabin with all those seats, we were were most impressed by the performance. The Grand really gets along, and you don't have to push it hard. It has more than enough torque for overtaking, still does well with a full load, and won't kill the budget at refuelling time.The handling is fine for the class and the job, but it will never be a sports car. And it is pretty easy to park, with a turning circle that is actually tighter than the shortie Carnival.Lined up against its rivals, the Grand Carnival does not have the class or refinement of the Honda Odyssey, but it has a lot more space and will carry more people.It is much better value than a Voyager, beats the Mitsubishi Grandis on value and space, and is far better looking and more proven than the Ssangyong Stavic.And the Tarago, the former king of the class? Too expensive, not enough space and doesn't go.Which means the Grand Carnival now runs second overall to the Odyssey, but leads the class by a comfortable margin after you have done the value adjustment and taken into account that it puts the "people" into people mover in 2006.More families should be looking at a Grand Carnival before they dive straight into a trendy four-wheel drive

Most cars have some kind of gimmick to make them stand out. The Grand Carnival has a few – the electric sliding doors and seating for eight people.A big brother to Kia's Carnival, the Grand takes people-moving to a bigger, better level. It has a larger, stronger engine – a 3.8-litre V6 with more power (increased to 184kW from 132kW). In girl torque, that just means it didn't miss a beat driving in the city or on a two-hour open-road trip to Moonta Bay.It has enough grunt to get you there safely with oodles in reserve for overtaking the endless stream of cars towing boats and caravans. But it comes at a price – a few more stops at petrol stations.Sitting high gives great visibility but there is no top-heavy feeling as with some taller people movers.Cruise control is a breeze to use – once you find the "on" switch behind the other cruising buttons on the steering wheel.The Grand comes with a five-speed auto plus manual shift options. But it handles the road smoothly and with such ease that there was no need to use it. Besides, it's probably a boy thing. The all-important seating options send the Grand to the top of the class.There is room for eight adults with two people up front plus two rows of three seats. All have plenty of leg and head room, and all come with their own airconditioning vents and separate temperature and air-flow controls for the rear section.Rear passengers have window vents they can open – as long as they can put up with road noise and fumes. For a long haul with just four people, the back seats fold into the floor to allow for luggage – 2.3cu m. That equates to a huge Esky, four bags of clothes, fishing rods, buckets and tackle boxes, food for a week – and then some.The Grand seems to have all requirements covered. And there is no need to sacrifice good looks for practicality. It's a nice-looking car inside and out.The dash is classy (apart from the fake woodgrain), the sound system is impressive and all gadgets are easy to operate. Given the extra room though, it's a great example of where radio controls on the steering wheel are warranted.The upshot: it moved me.Kia Grand CarnivalRemote-control sliding doors.Individual airconditioning controls front and back.Eight cup holders plus eight more for bottles in the doors.Fake wood-grain panels.Centre console is not strong enough – it folds down like in Honda CRV but collapses under weight of four drinks if you hit a bump in the road.Parallel parking takes practise.

Most cars have some kind of gimmick to make them stand out. The Grand Carnival has a few – the electric sliding doors and seating for eight people.A big brother to Kia's Carnival, the Grand takes people-moving to a bigger, better level. It has a larger, stronger engine – a 3.8-litre V6 with more power (increased to 184kW from 132kW). In girl torque, that just means it didn't miss a beat driving in the city or on a two-hour open-road trip to Moonta Bay.It has enough grunt to get you there safely with oodles in reserve for overtaking the endless stream of cars towing boats and caravans. But it comes at a price – a few more stops at petrol stations.Sitting high gives great visibility but there is no top-heavy feeling as with some taller people movers.Cruise control is a breeze to use – once you find the "on" switch behind the other cruising buttons on the steering wheel.The Grand comes with a five-speed auto plus manual shift options. But it handles the road smoothly and with such ease that there was no need to use it. Besides, it's probably a boy thing. The all-important seating options send the Grand to the top of the class.There is room for eight adults with two people up front plus two rows of three seats. All have plenty of leg and head room, and all come with their own airconditioning vents and separate temperature and air-flow controls for the rear section.Rear passengers have window vents they can open – as long as they can put up with road noise and fumes. For a long haul with just four people, the back seats fold into the floor to allow for luggage – 2.3cu m. That equates to a huge Esky, four bags of clothes, fishing rods, buckets and tackle boxes, food for a week – and then some.The Grand seems to have all requirements covered. And there is no need to sacrifice good looks for practicality. It's a nice-looking car inside and out.The dash is classy (apart from the fake woodgrain), the sound system is impressive and all gadgets are easy to operate. Given the extra room though, it's a great example of where radio controls on the steering wheel are warranted.The upshot: it moved me.Kia Grand CarnivalRemote-control sliding doors.Individual airconditioning controls front and back.Eight cup holders plus eight more for bottles in the doors.Fake wood-grain panels.Centre console is not strong enough – it folds down like in Honda CRV but collapses under weight of four drinks if you hit a bump in the road.Parallel parking takes practise.

Look no further than the totally new Grand Carnival people mover.It arrived New Years Day and is not just a tarted-up Carnival but a brand new addition to the Kia lineup. Carnival will continue to be sold alongside Grand Carnival but there is a world of difference between the two except in price.You'll pay about $32,000 for an auto Carnival and five more for this seriously good newcomer.Ho hum, I can hear cynics say but they are wrong to snigger at this full size, handsome eight seat MPV.For starters, it runs a potent 3.8-litre, DOHC V6 petrol engine with variable valve timing kicking out a class leading 184kW/343Nm. Nothing in people mover land comes near this. Further improving matters is a five speed tiptronic automatic transmission.The older Carnival made do with much less than this but was merely a family hack whereas the Grand edges towards what could be termed a performance MPV.In addition to the extra oomph under the bonnet is an extra seat giving the Grand a total of eight adult-size pews. And theres a large boot too, not merely a token suitcase space but a whole cubic metre capable of taking perhaps four suitcases and other assorted stuff. Kia has done this by relocating the space saver spare wheel under the centre of the vehicle freeing up a deep rear space that can also be used to easily fold the rear seats flat. Fold the centre seats up against the front seats and you are looking at about four cubic metres of space. And the folding seats are all simple to operate requiring minimal effort.But the centre seats in rows two and three have only lap seat belts.Still, the new Grand Carnival passes the US NCAP test with a five star rating.That would be down to the safety cell body and strong chassis, ABS with EBD to control braking, front and side airbags, (the latter are optional here) and other primary safety equipment.The Grand is fully equipped for the money though our test vehicle was destined to carry Australian Open tennis celebs and scored extra goodies such as electrically operating side slider doors and leather upholstery neither of which you really need.A step up on climate control air is the Grands Tri-zone air-conditioning that, as the name suggests, offers three climate zones inside the vehicle. The Grand also has remote central locking, power windows all around including the side slider doors and flip out rear side windows.Theres even aircraft-style tray tables in the rear seats and roof rails are thrown in as is cruise control and multiple power outlets and cup holders.It really is a practical package offering an extremely high level of comfort for a whole tribe of people.Though driving a people mover can hardly be termed desirable, there is no cringe factor with this vehicle – it goes. Falcon and Commodore sixes would be hard pressed staying with the Grand Carnival despite its 2.0 tonne weight.The auto is a cracker sliding imperceptibly between ratios to accurately harness all available power and torque or alternately, optimizing fuel consumption.The sequential mode is excellent.And what really surprises is the Grand Carnivals ride and handling. Nothing like a "bus, this large lump sits flat and controlled through corners and feels like a sedan to drive apart from the more upright seating position.Theres a multi-link rear and strut front suspension controlling dynamics.Apart from being slightly lower, the Grand is larger all over than the Carnival including the wheelbase and track. It has an SUV look to its flanks and a corporate Kia front style.And its super quiet wafting along at cruising speed in near silence, the big Grand offers huge rear view mirrors, adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker audio and a tight turning circle.Fuel economy hovers around the 12.5 litre/ 100km mark and theres 80 litres in the tank.I have to say the new Grand Carnival was an eye opener to me as good or better than anything else in this segment at a much lower price. Good looking and well built to boot.Now there is something affordable and decent for large families to drive, hallelujah.