Equipment and Features

Though Kia has provided an honest hauler with a low entry price, the Carnival is not just a stripped-out box on wheels. If it isn’t in the Grand Carnival already, chances are you don’t need it and won’t miss it.

There are separate air-conditioning controls for rear occupants and power windows all-round, including the third row’s swing-out glass. Entertainment is provided care of a single-disc CD player with MP3 playback, which also features iPod connectivity.

Steering-wheel mounted cruise control comes standard too, plus there are additional front and rear 12-volt power outlets.

Dual front airbags and stability control are included and front-seat side-airbags and curtain-airbags come as optional equipment.

Engine choices are the 3.8 litre petrol V6 or the 2.9 litre turbo-diesel four cylinder tested here, which puts 136kW of power at 3800rpm and 343Nm of torque on tap from 1750rpm through to 3500rpm.

The Drive

It took us a little by surprise that the Grand Carnival loves the open road. Loping stretches of country freeway feel like home behind the wheel of the Grand Carnival.

Wind noise is minimal, tyre noise subdued and the engine is barely perceptible. The size of the car disappears and the suspension (leaning to the ‘soft’) does an admirable job of blotting imperfections.

It is not sophisticated, nor is it ‘dynamic’ (it’s a bus after all), but it works very well for normal highway work.

Kia claims an excellent fuel consumption of 8.5l/100km on a mixed-cycle test, a figure that should be absolutely obtainable. TMR recorded 8.9l/100km on test, which covered roughly two-thirds urban work with the rest on undulating country roads.

If you live in rural Australia with big distances to cover and a big family to move about, then the Grand Carnival is the ideal versatile family transport. It’s such a shame that the same can’t be said for it in town.

In the urban sprawl the big Kia loses some of its composure. Engine noise becomes a noticeable companion as revs rise and fall. The engine’s lack of low-rev thrust can also make progress tiresome if loaded up.

The enormity of the Grand Carnival’s exterior dimensions becomes apparent too – finding a large enough parking space isn’t always easy. Of course, a reverse camera or parking sensors would make squeezing into spaces a whole lot easier, neither of which come standard.

It’s a big car and it is simply not ‘at home’ in tight streets, tight parking spaces and tight stop-start driving.

The Verdict

When it comes to value for money, the Grand Carnival is a very tough contender. Inside it offers plenty of seats, enormous space and a long features list.

Working strongly in the Grand Carnival’s favour is its open-road performance. The diesel engine, comfortable ride and very low fuel-consumption earn it some serious points here.

On the other hand, you will need to think hard about its intended purpose if it is going to spend its life on city streets.

In town you’ll always be aware of the size and weight of the car. And, not least, if you plan on filling every seat, the lack of proper seat belts for centre occupants will be a constant cause for concern.

Comparatively though, at a family-friendly $41,990 (plus on-road charges), the Kia Grand Carnival EXE CRDi makes a strong case for itself. There are very few competitors that offer nearly as much at that price point.

For seating for eight on a budget without having to turn to the second-hand market, in the Grand Carnival EXE CRDi, Kia provides a no-nonsense option worthy of consideration.

Likes:

• More than enough space
• Plenty of decent-sized seats
• Open road comfort
• Low price
• Exceptional fuel consumption from diesel engine

Dislikes:

• Lap-only belts on centre seats
• Engine noise and power delivery around town
• Trim colour (shows scuffing)