Kia has rung in some major changes to the lineup of its Carnival people mover – Australia’s best-selling people mover.
Most significant improvements are under the bonnet with a new 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
The 202kW/336Nm, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine replaces Kia’s 2.7-litre version and is the exclusive engine for the entry-level Grand Carnival S long wheelbase (the previous short wheelbase model has been discontinued).
For buyers of Kia Grand Carnival Si, SLi and range-topping Platinium models, the engine choice is the 3.5-litre V6 petrol or Kia’s 2.2-litre CRDi R-Series turbo-diesel.
We know that 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is a beauty and in the Grand Carnival it delivers 143kw/429Nm (that’s 86Nm or 25 per-cent more torque than the previous diesel Grand Carnival).
There’s also a new six-speed automatic transmission for all models – the newer design is actually smaller, lighter and less complex than the outgoing five-speed automatic.
Bluetooth functionality is added to the Kia Grand carnival with steering wheel remote controls.
Kia Grand Carnival Si, SLi and Platinum models also score metallic interior trim highlights, roof rails, electric controls for the third row windows and rear air-conditioning controls. Si versions gain new 16-inch alloy wheels.
