You would be forgiven for flinching at the idea of a R1m family vehicle, but the amount is par for the course among buyers wanting a well-equipped steed for a minimum of four, with more space than the average crossover or middle-tier SUV and proven brand credentials. Consumers who want to cover all the bases in their market research would be right to investigate the realm of full-sized MPVs too. Hits in this arena of passenger-friendly iterations of commercial origins comprise names such as theToyota Quantum,Hyundai Staria,Ford Tourneo,Volkswagen TransporterandMercedes-Benz Vito.
One product among these people-movers has a more car-like than van-like execution in design, cabin arrangement and ride height. That is the Kia Carnival. Kia originally launched the Carnival in the 2000s, replacing it with the Sedona before reverting to the Carnival nameplate.
The current version was revealed globally in 2020, going on sale in South Africa in January 2022. In August last year the South Korean carmaker announced the updated version. We were given a taste of it as passengers at that interaction, but last weekthe brand availed a unit for a closer inspection and driving evaluation.
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Pricing kicks off at R1,049,995 for the EX model grade, while the upmarket SXL carries a further premium at R1,299,995. Included with both is an unlimited mileage/five-year warranty, in addition to a six-year/90,000km service plan. The visual enhancements are striking.
An enlarged grille with individual metallic pins, flanked by vertical headlamps and LED inserts resembling eyebrows, gives the vehicle a wider, more assertive posture. The lower air intake sports LED elements stacked atop like Boudoir finger biscuits. From the side, there are new alloy wheel designs for both the regular EX and SXL model grades, 18″ in the former and 19″ rollers for the latter.
The variety on the SXL model shown here is distinctive, standing out amid generic diamond-cut spokes. At the rear, a light bar spans nearly the full width of the tailgate. The clusters on either side are vertical, mirroring the approach deployed at the front.
The Carnival dons its styling enhancements well. The width and length of the Kia measure 1,955mm and 5,155mm, respectively. It feels as large as it measures, whether behind the wheel or seated elsewhere in the three-row vehicle.
Luggage space is not going to be a source of conflict, because with 1,139lavailable (all seats up); each occupant can pack as much as they want. With the second row removed and the third row flat, a significant 4,110lis available. Now, as we have noted before, as much as this is a car aimed at well-heeled families, it has also gained a following in the funeral service industry.
Kia’s own custodians had the previous model on display at Kyalami’s Funerex exhibition in 2022. Those hearse impressions are amplified by colour choice — our vehicle was finished in a shade of pure white. A less severe look than the black or dark blue options, but still giving a “Doves” or “Avbob” type of vibe.
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