Kia chose New York to unveil its all-new Carnival, a smart move as people movers are very much a major part of the automotive scene in the US of A. Australians also like people movers, though many opt for the macho look of an SUV rather than a bus-type people mover. Cleverly, the new-in-2015 Kia Carnival has a bold look that may suit both types of Australian buyers.
Incidentally, while the Americans simply refer to this vehicle as the Carnival, the Australian importers use the name of Grand Carnival.
STYLING
The big grille certainly gives new Carnival a semi-SUV look. Interestingly, the all-new Carnival completes the restyling of Kia’s entire lineup by the famed German car designer Peter Schreyer.
However, while other models in the South Korean maker’s range have become increasingly bolder with each new iteration, the so-called ‘Schreyer grille’ is on the subdued side on the Carnival. There’s no denying the size of the grille, it’s just that the shape doesn’t really stand out from the crowd. Perhaps that’s because family buyers aren’t into the radical side of automotive design.
INTERIOR
The 2015 Kia Carnival is aimed at maximising interior volume, both in the cabin and luggage area. There’s a real cabin-forward stance which promises well in this area.
We are told that considerable attention has been given to providing a quiet, comfortable cabin. Carnival is available in seven and eight-passenger configurations, though at this stage the precise Australian specifications are yet to be finalised and we may not get both seating choices here.
Despite the overall width and height remaining virtually unchanged, the all-new Carnival provides more front shoulder room and greater leg room in all three rows of seats.
The horizontal design theme of the dash and instrument panel creates a sense of width and provides a more upmarket feel. As well, the use of soft-touch materials adds gives it a more upmarket feel. As before, the new Carnival has various interior storage options.
INFOTAINMENT
Using the UVO Infotainment & Telematics system the Carnival is interesting in that it will be the first Kia model to offer four new eServices safety features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. The Kia app connector can provide you with Pandora, iHeart Radio and Yelp.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
A Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-litre V6 engine will replace the 3.5-litre V6 found in the current Grand Carnival. It produces up to 205 kW of power, and it has been tuned for mid-range torque. However, top torque of 336 Nm isn’t reached until the engine is revving at a skyhigh 5200 rpm – a figure that may never be reached by the typical people mover owner. We will have to wait until we can get behind the wheel of an all-new Carnival before commenting on the engine.
The engine is mated to a high-tech six-speed automatic transmission.
As the Americans don’t particularly like diesel engines only the petrol unit was discussed in the New York reveal. We certainly anticipate that Australian buyers will be able to buy a turbo-diesel, probably an enhanced version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit seen on current models.
SAFETY
Kia Carnival’s body uses 76 percent Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) or High Strength Steel (HSS). These advanced materials provide a high degree of rigidity and collision protection in a relatively light body.
Though testing is yet to be carried out the all-new Kia Carnival is targeted to achieving the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) five-star overall vehicle safety rating. It’s likely it will also achieve maximum results in Australian testing.
All new Carnival models will come with active safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and ABS brakes.
Particularly interesting features are Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control for improved dynamic control that’s very handy in relatively tall vehicles.
For easier parking and vehicle manoeuvring, the Surround View Monitor provides images from cameras placed around the vehicle.
All-new Kia Carnival is coming to Australia in the first quarter of 2015, with specifications and prices to be announced closer to that time.
