Kia Carnival 2.2 Smartstream: Family vehicle review

If you are looking for a comfortable, fuel-efficient large, and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), your options are extremely limited right now in the Malaysian market. Yes, you can buy the very popular Toyota Alphard from the reconditioned car importer and if your budget is lower you can buy a brand new Nissan Serena from Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

However, if you need a proper 8 seat MPV with ample luggage space to take a weekend holiday then your options are limited to van-like people mover which lacks comfort and drive dynamics.

There are some vehicles of this category that can be configured to seat up to 11 passengers in comfort, but right now in Malaysia, there is only one that literally dials things to 11 passengers in comfort and 8 passengers with ample luggage space in the rear. Meet the all-new Kia Carnival.

While most of us are used to the idea of the nuclear family, it’s really not the norm in many Malaysian households. Often, we have larger than the average family, which very often includes parents, children, and the domestic helper. This all-new Kia Carnival is one of the only vehicles for sale in Malaysia right now that is equipped to take on the weekend car role for families such as these.

To accommodate 11 occupants, KIA cabin planners have configured this latest Carnival with 4 rows of seats.

Moving this large people mover is an efficient and powerful 2.2-litre turbo diesel. It produces a strong 440Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm allowing for good acceleration when fully loaded with passengers, so you don’t have to overwork the engine to get it going.

The brand new 8-speed automatic provides for diesel sipping when cruising on the open highway. Yes, this is a diesel-powered vehicle and it is surprisingly quiet (almost petrol-like engine note) and returns good economy even in city commuting.

This Kia Carnival asking price is RM196,340 which is much lower than a used recon Toyota Alphard and a little more than a Nissan Serena which is much smaller.

You get a fully imported well equipped MPV with power sliding doors on both sides and a host of standard safety and advanced safety features. Standard safety technologies in the all-new Carnival includes 7 SRS Airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Driver Knee, Side, and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers as well as Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

In terms of advanced safety, this KIA Carnival comes equipped with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). The BCW, under certain conditions, can detect vehicles traveling in the next lane.

Whereas for RCCA, the system helps detect most approaching cross-traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross-traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver.

Kia Motors and their new local brand guardian, Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd also give you an awesome warranty and after-sales for a worry-free ownership experience. You get a 5 years warranty and free maintenance with a mileage limit of up to 100,000km.

This Kia Carnival is available in 6 different colours which are Astra Blue, Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal, and Flare Red.

KIA Grand Carnival Specifications

Engine: Smartstream CRDi four-cylinder turbodiesel

Capacity: 2,151 cc

Power: 199 PS @ 3,800 rpm

Torque: 440 Nm @ 1,750 – 2,750 rpm

Gearbox: 8-speed semi-automatic

0-100 km/h: 10.7 seconds

Top speed: 200km/h

Price: From RM196,340.80

Also Read: Kia Carnival awarded with top honours for its looks