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First Drive: 2015 Kia Grand Carnival
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First Drive: 2015 Kia Grand Carnival

·
March 17,2015
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4 min read

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Kia held an exclusive and lavish drive event for the media for a model which doesn’t come to mind instantly – the all-new Grand Carnival (Check out prices and specs). Yes, the Carnival has also gotten the Grand treatment as Kia believes this can be THE choice of commute for families on long trips. Available in 11 seater version as well, the new Carnival is poised to be the answer to big family trip problems. It is meant to compete against the Innova (Prices of Innova) and surprisingly Fortuner (Prices of Fortuner) as it is marketed as a CUV with MPV characteristics. Though, it would have been simpler to compare it with the Previa (Prices of Previa) and Odyssey (Prices of Odyssey).

First thing you would notice is the not-so-MPVish styling. The Carnival looks GOOD – for an MPV. It doesn’t have those dull uninteresting looks as MPVs are not meant to be lookers; they are made for one task only – to carry passengers from point A to B. That would explain the long routes we were part of during the event. From Abu Dhabi to Dubai and back to Abu Dhabi on long straight roads is not the ideal way to test a car but now I understand that the Carnival was never meant to be tested in the ‘motoring-journalist’ manner (with thrashing the gas pedal and turning steering at high speeds like a hooligan) but rather like a passenger to be driven in a calm and composed manner. And, for that this MPV scores excellent marks.

That’s because of one important factor which is the car’s USP – the interior. The Carnival is a great place to be in. Using high quality materials and generous dose of leather – cream color ofcourse – and soft suspension, the ride quality of this MPV is the best in the segment. Also, with the multiple add-ons like navigation, blind spot detection, cameras, smart cruise control and so on, this vehicle offers more than plenty for the price gap. Even though the official prices have not been confirmed – the Kia executives were not ready to disclose – judging by the competition, the top model will cost less than 140,000 AED. If you compare the ride quality and the ‘luxury’ features, this is comparable to the Mercedes Viano and other premium-MPVs – if there are any. And that’s the point, there are hardly any car-makers who focus on the MPV market which is going downhill and soon will cease to exist. So, Kia is showing the world that look there is an alternative to all those crossovers if one just wants to carry kids to a picnic.

Coming to the actual drive, well, there is nothing much to say. The Carnival is powered by a 3.3 liter V6 engine producing 270 BHP and mated to a 6 speed auto. The steering is light and gives minimal feedback. And, due to the extra weight, the engine starts crying once you put your foot down and the car doesn’t push instantly. The drive did not include any twisty roads to test the vehicle dynamics as such and frankly no one buying this car will care about any of that. It is a ‘pick up keys and drive’ kind of a car and I completely agree. 

Lastly, there is the space. Well, to the extent of being a people carrier, the Carnival can easily carry 7 – 8. There is enough leg room for all 3 rows but head room is, well, average. Also, folding the third row is kind of a muscle-man’s job as the mechanism is heavy. But once it’s folded, then you have enough space in the cargo bay to sleep. Though, I don’t know how anyone can fit 11 adults in the car and I wouldn’t advise anyone to do so as the 4th row will be too cramped even for kids. Also, Kia execs promoted the spacious center console by showing that it can fit a laptop. So, there you go. If you ever felt like storing your laptop in an MPV; now you can.

Final words – Kia gets all the basics right with the all-new Grand Carnival i.e. looks, comfort and space. And, just for that I will buy it – though I need to have a family of my own first.

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