2016 Kia Carnival Si Diesel Review – The Comfiest Of Crowd Carriers
The Skinny: If it’s space for people that you’re after, you won’t do better than the Kia Carnival. In dollars per cubic-metre, it’s possibly the best-value vehicle currently on sale.
Though it’s not the easiest thing to park, and it’ll never handle like a sports car, for comfort and build quality (not to mention the best warranty out there) this diesel family bus is a walk-up start for anyone needing to carry a crowd.
Big, it is, but it’s also reasonably frugal – thanks to a very nice diesel engine – and quite a bit better to drive than you might expect.
Vehicle Style: People Mover
Price: $47,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 147kW/440Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four cyl | 6spd auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 7.7 l/100km | tested: 9.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Buying a people-mover is both a blessing and a curse. It’s nice because you’re surrounding yourself with friends and/or family, the people you care for, and who care about you most.
But the downside is that this can be a lot of people.
Kia’s angle with the Carnival is if you’re going to be shifting bodies, you may as well do it comfortably. And comfortable you will certainly be. In fact, the Carnival has some of the best seats and the best ride in the segment.
While there’s a petrol version on offer, it also likes a drink, which is why we chose the diesel Carnival. It does cost $2500 more, but with more torque and better fuel economy, it’s the more pragmatic choice.
Kia News and Reviews