Kia Carnival

Positives: It is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that makes 190bhp and 441Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offers smooth gear shifts and ample pulling power for both city and highway driving, ideal for long-distance cruising. The three drive modes, Eco, Normal, and Sport, alter responses for either a more dynamic drive experience or improved fuel efficiency. The light steering and well-judged handling make U-turns and high-speed driving easier. The Kia Carnival has a comfortable ride quality and efficient soundproofing minimises noise within the cabin. Negatives: This engine can feel underpowered at times, especially when fully loaded and driving up a steep incline. We suspect the ground clearance may be low (with full load) on rough roads due to the underbody spare wheel placement. Its fuel efficiency is lower than expected, with real-world numbers often under 10kmpl in city driving. Kia Carnival Key Specifications: Fuel Type Diesel Engine 2151 cc Turbocharged Transmission Automatic (TC) Mileage (ARAI) 14.85 kmpl Power 190 bhp Torque 441 Nm Read more

Positives: The three-zone automatic climate control, dual sunroofs, and auto-dimming IRVM enhance driver and passenger comfort. The Carnival is equipped with dual power-sliding doors featuring step illumination for easy entry. The luxurious cabin uses high-quality materials and boasts ample space and upscale features for a premium passenger experience. There is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Bose sound system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 11-inch heads-up display. There’s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charger, along with Kia Connect and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The second-row seats are comfortable, offer dual armrests, have powered seatbacks and can also slide from left to right to aid one’s exit from the vehicle. The left second-row seat can recline completely and has control to adjust the front passenger seat. The third row has adequate head and knee room for two people and can be easily accessed via the second-row captain seat. The bootlid gets hands-free operation and the 540-litre boot capacity expands to 2,900 litres by flat-folding the third-row seats. Negatives: The driver’s visibility around the C-pillar can be restricting and challenging at times. The second-row passengers miss out on tray tables or personal rear screens, which are found in cars at a lower price point. The seat adjustments can get confusing as the controls are found on either side of the second-row seats. The second-row AC controls are placed on the roof (behind the driver) which is not accessible to the driver or the passenger on the left (second-row). Read more

Positives: The exterior features Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille with chrome, full LED headlamps, and LED DRLs for a premium look. The SUV-like stance with sculpted body lines and large wheels highlights the upscale design. The Carnival boasts large connected taillamps and chrome rear detailing, adding a level of sophistication to the overall design. Its interior boasts a black-beige theme with brown upholstery, brushed metal accents, ambient lighting, and practical storage spaces for style and functionality. Negatives: The exterior paint shades are limited to only two colour options – black and white – which may not suit all preferences. Read more

Positives: Level 2 ADAS features include forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, blind-spot detection, smart cruise control, and lane keep assist. There are eight airbags, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management, which ensure high levels of occupant safety. Negatives: The Kia Carnival has not received any crash test safety ratings from the NCAP agencies. The lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control feel intrusive when driving on narrow or congested roads. The automatic braking sensitivity requires adjusting, as it can be unexpectedly abrupt at times. Read more