Renault Master vs Kia Carnival

What's the difference?

It's only taken the whole decade so far, but the 3.5-tonne van – you know, the really, really big ones ­– has finally been dragged into the 2020s with the latest version of the Renault Master.

Now in its fourth generation since 1980, this oversized box on wheels from France is said to leapfrog all its ageing rivals as a result, including the Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, LDV Deliver9, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter that all debuted some years ago now.

So, how does France’s big new van fare? And where’s the promised all-electric version? Read on to find out.

This is actually the Carnival that Kia always wanted.

See, the last Carnival, the one this replaces, was Covid compromised, missing out on key technologies, as well as skipping an in-depth ride and handling localisation program, due to part supply issues and a freeze on international travel.

This one, though, addresses all of that, which is why you get a new cabin experience, new tech, and a complete overhaul of the steering and handling.

It is, however, significantly more expensive, right across the range.

So, is the Carnival still worth it? Let’s find out.