Kia Carnival 2015 Review

Viewed from the front, Kia's trademark tiger-nose grille is in evidence flanked by suitably modern headlights with LED driving lights for good measure. But it's the Carnival's sides – and particularly the way the window line narrows toward the rear – that creates visual efficiency, concealing the car's size.

The 20mm lower roof line also helps.

The view from the rear is arguably the eight-seater minivan's best angle with an enlarged yet contemporary Euro hatchback-inspired rump that makes its predecessor look prehistoric by comparison. And the roof spoiler doesn't look out of place either.

But as any frustrated parent trying to wrangle their kids – and others' – will tell you, when it comes to people movers it's what's inside that counts.

In this respect the Carnival again comes up a winner, with well-thought-out packaging, from the billions of cup holders and ceiling-mounted air vents to the clever 'stand-up' folding seats that make entry and exit far easier than previously.

All eight seats have lap-sash seat belts and are covered by curtain airbags. The second row of seats fold 40:20:40 and the middle seat can be removed, while in the third and rearmost row the seats split 60:40, folding almost flat into the floor quickly and easily. There's even grip handles to make ingress/egress easier for delicate passengers.

While family buyers may be concerned to hear that the new model's interior is now slightly narrower, it still feels like a grand reception hall inside, with more than enough room to comfortably fit two adults in all three seat rows.

During this test, Kia's family favourite was at one stage carrying five adults, one child (in child seat) and a stack load of luggage and it didn't feel cramped. Two of the adults even sat in the third row with decent leg and foot room, exposing the remarkably good packaging.

This is evidenced in to the assortment of incidental storage too. There's 10 cup holders in total, covering all three rows, plus four bottle holders, two useful glove boxes, conveniently located shopping bag hooks (or handbag hooks as my wife calls them) behind the front seats, and a handy iPad/tablet pocket next to the front passenger.

Those with babies, toddlers and young kids – and seats to match – will be pleased to know there are four top tether anchor points and three ISOFIX positions. The Carnival will likely only attain four-stars from safety authority ANCAP, but will get five-stars in August once a second-row seatbelt sensor is fitted.

Throw in a small drawer in the second row and one of the biggest centre bins you've ever seen – large enough to hide a wildebeest – and you can tell Kia has thought this caper through.

There are even three USB ports (two in the front and one in the second-row) and a trio of 12V sockets – front, rear and boot. All models have separate heating/cooling settings for front and rear. Up-spec models get three-zone climate control.

I also liked that the second-row windows were huge and opened/closed vertically almost fully like a regular car, giving passengers the plenty of fresh air.

And the boot? Deeper than the Mariana Trench. Even with all eight seats in place, the boot devours more suitcases than a Qantas strike, with 960 litres available. Snap down the third-row and you get 2220 litres; flip the second row and you’re left with 4022 litres, roughly enough room for an impromptu performance of the smash hit musical The Pirates of Penzance. It's huge.

All models get an automatic opening powered tailgate too. Nifty.

The whole operation inside and out now has an upmarket look and feel to it, with tasteful finishes for the most and good quality, flush-fitting plastics throughout. Even the entry-level models don't feel like budget people movers.

And if you opt for the range-topping $60K Platinum model you'll get leather everything, powered sliding doors and a load of techno doodads borrowed from the fancy-pants Genesis luxury sedan. That means an awesome 7.0-inch 'super-vision' instrument cluster screen, radar-based 'smart' cruise control, lane-departure, forward-collision and blind-spot warning systems.

With all passengers well and truly taken care of, the view from the driver's seat is very good. The new-look instrument panel and dashboard looks good, works well and offers good ergonomics and comfort. All models are standard with Bluetooth everything, cruise control, speed-sensing door locks, plus a reversing camera and proximity sensors.

The view from the big, wide driver's seat is very good too. It feels more like an SUV with its elevated driving position, providing a good view of the road. The windows are big too, offering good visibility front and sides.

On the move the 2015 Kia Carnival is far more refined than its predecessor and more than sophisticated enough to take on the suave new Honda Odyssey. The Carnival's suspension has undergone significant local testing and given unique parts and calibration to suit Australian conditions, and it's obvious from the outset.

Even in rotten conditions encountered on launch the Carnival proved a safe and sound mode of transport with impressive road holding in torrential rain. Cyclone Marcia, here's looking at you!

Perhaps more impressive was ride refinement – particularly as the big bus lopes serenely over cracks and pot holes – and the quietness inside the cabin.

That the Carnival is refined is welcome, that it can dance the mid-corner tango was a surprise.

The big Kia tracks keenly through corners and when pushed at a moderate pace the driver doesn’t feel its hefty 2092kg weight or significant 5115mm length. There's not a huge amount of body roll and although it's not the sort of car that will ever invite a proper thrashing, it's good to know it's capable if need be.

Indeed, the chassis modifications made to Australian Carnival models make a good car better, and other elements – brakes and steering – are more than adequate.

It's effortless to drive and although the hydraulic power steering (overseas models get electric power steering) is perhaps a touch light and lacking in feel, the car is easy to position on the road, change lanes and turn. The steering wheel controls are great too.

Criticisms? It's more expensive by $2000 now. The Honda Odyssey undercuts it by $2500. And the petrol engine does charge like the old 3.5 V6 yet still drinks fuel at a rapid rate, which means smart buyers who opt for the turbo-diesel will be slugged another $2500 for the privilege.

All models come standard with a six-speed auto which is a diligent, almost dynamic partner. Paired with the 3.3-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine the Carnival motivates easily thanks to its 206kW/336Nm output. But the usually lusty motor's capabilities are severely blunted by the Carnivals hefty weight.

Fuel consumption is rated at 11.6L/100km but I couldn’t best 14.0. But at least it'll tolerate regular petrol, saving you a bit at the pump.

The turbo-diesel is the better choice, offering better acceleration from lower revs and improving drivability as a result. The 147kW/440Nm output is creamy smooth although it is a fair bit louder than the petrol donk. The 7.7L/100km fuel consumption claim seems ambitious. I saw mid 8s which bodes well.

That the car has an 80-litre tank means the diesel can theoretically cover 1000km between fills too.

No longer as offensive as spider poison, the humble people mover has come of age. In many ways it's now the best of breed. We'll need to wait for a head-to-head comparison to be sure, but the Kia Carnival's local chassis tune, seven-year warranty and spacious, upmarket interior will be hard to beat.

Also consider:
>> Honda Odyssey (from $38,990 plus ORCs)
>> Chrysler Grand Voyager (from $57,500 plus ORCs)
>> Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (from $43,990 plus ORCs)