2012 Kia Grand Carnival Gets R-Series Diesel
2012 KIA GRAND CARNIVAL
Kia has today announced the showroom debut of its updated-for-2012 Grand Carnival range, bringing a host of tweaks and adding the company's new R-Series diesel engine.
Announced in May, the 2012 model-year update for
2012 KIA GRAND CARNIVAL
Kia has today announced the showroom debut of its updated-for-2012 Grand Carnival range, bringing a host of tweaks and adding the company's new R-Series diesel engine.
Announced in May, the 2012 model-year update for the big top-selling people-mover sees the short-wheelbase Carnival discontinued, with its entry-level S specification moving to the long-wheelbase Grand Carnival range.
With the absence of the $35,990 Carnival S, the cost of entry into the Grand Carnival range is now $38,990 for the Grand Carnival S - $2000 short of the previous entry model, the petrol Si.
The Grand Carnival S is offered with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, producing 202kW and 336Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 10.9 l/100km. The new engine replaces the smaller 2.7 litre petrol engine.
Also available in Si, SLi and Platinum grades, the Grand Carnival is now offered with Kia's new 2.2 litre R-Series diesel, producing 143kW and 429Nm of torque. The new engine replaces the outgoing 136kW/343Nm 2.9 litre diesel.
Kia's new six-speed automatic transmission is now standard, replacing the five-speed auto and cutting fuel consumption for the diesel to 8.1 l/100km - down from 8.5 l/100km.
The Grand Carnival range gets a price increase for 2012 (most notably among the diesel models), but gains Bluetooth audio and handsfree calling, along with USB/aux connectivity and steering-mounted controls for cruise and audio control.
The Si specs up with 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and rear chrome highlights, while the SLi and Platinum get a rear-view camera and electric sliding doors in the sticker price.
Rear parking sensors, a sunroof and a powered tailgate are unique to the Platinum spec.
Inside, look for a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob in the SLi and Platinum, while the Si, SLi and Platinum all offer rear-quarter power windows and a front centre table.
Pricing
Petrol
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival S 3.5 petrol - $38,990
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival Si 3.5 petrol - $40,990 (+ $1000)
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival SLi 3.5 petrol - $46,190 (+ $200)
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival Platinum 3.5 petrol - $52,190 (+ $200)
Diesel
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival Si 2.2 CRDi – $44,990 (+ $2400)
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival SLi 2.2 CRDi – $50,190 (+ $1600)
- 2012 Kia Grand Carnival Platinum 2.2 CRDi – $56,190 (+ $1600)
As for a replacement for the ageing Carnival range, Kia Australia's Kevin Hepworth hinted to TMR that a successor is expected to debut internationally in mid- to late-2012.
Styling of the new model remains a secret, but with Ford's boxy Flex people-mover proving a strong seller in the US market, Kia's recent KV7 concept could offer one preview of what lies ahead.