An extended road trip is a great way to get to know a new vehicle better and Kia SA gave the motoring media a chance to sample its new Sorento executive SUV and Carnival people-mover over a weekend. In an SUV-obsessed world, is there still a place for a large family MPV?

We all thought the rampant popularity of the SUV would cause the extinction of the humble MPV, butthe semi-luxurious bus is enjoying a bit of a resurgence – Kia claimsthe segment increased by15% last year. Models suchas the Volkswagen Kombi/Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz Vito/V-Class still sell in decent numbers, while the futuristic-looking Hyundai Staria is becoming a commonsight on SA roads.

The vehicles on which most minibuses are based are engineered to transport passengers and cargoas cost-effectively as possible, so it’s safe to say that even their most luxuriously appointed variants aren’t exactly designed to draw attention. The Kia Carnival is a touch different– Kia’s designers didtheir utmost to give the Carnival a distinctvisual identity. This is a vehicle that will make you look twice.

What’s New?

It may be a small detail, but it’s significant enough to warrant a mention–the newcomer’s name. Whereas Kia South Africa named this model’s predecessor theGrand Sedona, Carnival,which isthe global product name, after all,has now been reinstated. Our review of theprevious model stated: “Offering vast space, excellent versatility, sumptuous on-road comfort (forall7 occupants) over long distancesand equipped with more toys to play with thanmost similarly priced SUVs, the Kia Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi SXL may very well be the ultimate family car.” No pressure on the new-generation Carnival, then!

The Carnival is based on a new platform (which it shareswith the new Sorento) and powered by afreshSmartstream turbodiesel engine. Kia claims improvements in its manufacturing processes have resulted in the people-moveroffering better driving dynamics, as well as improved quietness and refinement. The new Carnival is bigger in all directions compared with its Grand Sedona predecessor…

What’s on offer?

Kia South Africa offersthe new Carnival in 4 derivatives, each of which is powered by a new 148 kW/440 Nm 2.2-litre 4-cylinder Smartstream turbodiesel engine that propelsthe large MPV’s front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Most are 7-seaters – theirseat layout is 2-2-3 front to rear, with the second row featuring a pair of individual seats, the sheer novelty of which is unlikely to ever wear off.

There are 4trim levelsto choose from and thesecond most affordable derivative (the EX+) has an 8-seater configuration, which will appeal to buyers who requiremaximum people-carrying ability.

For comprehensive specs, features and pricing, click here.

What’sthe new Kia Carnival like to drive?

On long journeys, aspects such as a model’s cabincomfort, quietnessand on-roadrefinement can be thoroughly assessed. Aroad trip should be a perfect platform for a vehicle of this kindto show off its talents, butgiven the Grand Sedona’s reputation for being excellent at hauling passengersin the lap of luxury, a standard had been set – can the new Carnival at least match, orideally improve on that?

Yes, absolutely. The newcomer’s advanced platform facilitates excellent overall refinement – wediscerned minimal road noise or wind intrusion for the duration of the trip. Comfort levels are at an all-time high and the SX Limited we drove offered an abundance of gadgets and gizmos to keep us entertained. Even in the base (EX) trim, there are plenty of safety and convenience features fitted as standard.

We made extensive use of thecooling functions of the front seats (which can be heated too, during colder months), the wireless charging pad, USB connectivity, as well as the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. As far as safety systems areconcerned, the new Carnival comes well specified across the range. In fact, the flagship SXL could be one of the most safety-oriented vehicles in the segment by virtue of its around-view monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, blindspot collision avoidance assist, blindspot monitor, lane following assist, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision avoidance assist and 7 airbags.

The powertrain is certainly worth a mention too. The Smartstream turbodiesel engine offers credible outputs and, when you’re driving on the open road, it never feels like there’s a shortage of grunt, despite the sizeable model’s heft. The 8-speed automatic generally does a good job, but it’s a bit too eager to kick down gears when the Carnival ascends hills or needs to urgently produceovertaking acceleration.

However, for what it is, theCarnival performs effortlessly – you can easilyovertakeslower-moving traffic on freeways. We experimented withthe drivemodes and found the Smart setting was best-suited to open-road cruising. It generally favours Eco, but will quickly sharpen its responses when you need rapid acceleration. We saw admirableindicated fuel consumption figures of between 7-and 8L/100 km.

As far as driving dynamics are concerned, well, the Carnival handles exactly how youexpect a large people-carrier would. The suspension setup is utterly comfort-oriented– and the newcomer’s forgiving ride quality certainly reflects that– but that’s not to say the vehicle’s ponderous… If youtry to hustle it through some mountain sweeps,it’ll probablyperform better than most would expect it to;in fact, the brakes feelmore than up to the task of reining in momentum. The light steering does its best to mask the Kia’s bulk and makes the newcomerfeel a touch smaller in the confines of an urban environment.

How much does the Kia Carnival cost in South Africa?

The new Carnival comes with a5-year/unlimited-kilometrewarranty (includingroadside assistance), as well as a 6-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.The top-end 2.2 CRDi SXL will arrivein March 2022.

Summary

The Kia Carnival (like its cousin the Hyundai Staria) proves that people movers need not be boring to look at, drive or occupy. This is a well-thought-out and thoroughly resolved offering that carries on exactly where the Grand Sedona left off. The comfort levels and refinement are excellent, and the new turbodiesel engine delivers punchy performance and impressive fuel economy in equal measure.

Its pricing is competitive too.Kia SA pointed out that, whencomparedwith pricier (mostly German)rival products, the newcomer offers superiorstandard spec and more comprehensiveafter-sales support.

With just two people on board the Carnival during one day of driving (which formed part ofthe model’s local media launch), we hardly put the newcomer through the “with the whole family and their detritus on board” stress test. We’re keen to experience the newcomer’s passenger-carrying capabilities over a longer period of time, but, if first impressions are anything to go by, Kia has Made (a) VanGreat Again.