Kia Grand Carnival EX Premium 2007 Review

Road Test

Seems some kids have all the luck. Like when their 'olds' opt for the Kia Grand Carnival EX Premium; the people-mover with a name almost as long as its 3020mm wheelbase! That's at least 70mm beyond other peoplemovers, including the regular Carnival.

It's no secret the Carnival clan owns the lion's share of the peoplemover market, out-selling the nearest competitor by over 50 per cent, largely due to the from-$33K 2.7-litre V6 Carnival offering unrivalled pews/price value.

But as buyers' expectations have grown, so Kia's family tree has sprouted another branch with the 3.8-litre V6 Grand Carnival EX priced from $37,990, plus optional Luxury and Safety packs. The top Grand Carnival is the $50,990 Platinum model, but frankly, it's hard to see past the $43,990 Premium level for real-world dollars and sensibilities.

Like its siblings, the Premium's highly-specified engine takes ULP, comes with a smoothly effective Tiptronic-style five-speed automatic, and delivers 184kW and 343Nm of torque to easily cope with hefty loads and steep hills. Mind you, rather than just serving an ego trip, all that muscle comes in handy because the Premium weighs almost 2100kg unladen.

In full acceleration with just one or two people aboard, the GCP lifts its nose and storms from 0-100km/h in about 10.5sec -- feeling impressively urgent while doing so. It also sounds seriously aggressive when given a hearty squirt, in contrast to the noticeably quiet demeanour that prevails while bowling along on light throttle. So while responsive performance is available when needed, near effortless cruising is the GCP's real forte.

It's pretty steady on its feet too, for such a plush big box. Small bumps and such go virtually unnoticed while larger disturbances are blotted with supple absorbency. Importantly, the comforting ride quality isn't won at the expense of suspension discipline and body control for dips and undulations are answered without bouncy wallowing.

Although high seating amplifies the body roll, the Kia doesn't lurch and lean to exaggerations during forceful cornering. The big fat Hankook tyres take the brunt of trying manoeuvres, especially at the front because the Grand Carnival is a committed understeerer. Even so, the handling is suitably responsive and confidently secure in the dry, while in the wet its reduced adhesion remains co-operatively predictable.

Unlike the well weighted but slightly slow and listless steering, the brakes are not only amply arresting for town and country driving alike, but have very good pedal feel.

Helped by large mirrors, the high seating gives great fields of views in all directions, except immediately behind; where a camera or even distance sensors would be a boon because reverse parking something this size into tight spots can be a challenge.

Mention of mirrors is a reminder that there's a child-watch reflector, secreted in the overhead console when not needed.

Among other rear passenger conveniences are electrical opening/closing rear doors (operable manually also, or remotely from the key fob), rear aircon controls, and overhead ventilation outlets above the middle and rear seats.

Although the third row's cushion height is a bit low for average adults, there's ample room in all directions. However, while the Premium includes front, front-side and full length curtain airbags as standard, having only lap belts for middle and rear row centre passengers earns a large demerit.

When cargo takes priority, the third row folds flat into the floor, filling the deep luggage well that's open when the seat is upright. The centre row seats can be tipped forward to uncover more floor, or removed entirely to extend the deck from the front seats to the tailgate.

Spare wheel? A space-saver, stored beneath the offside middle-row passenger's feet. At least a bag is provided for the full-size flat tyre, so it won't dirty other luggage.

Apart from leather trim and serviceable grey décor throughout, the Premium also features power windows and mirrors, folding front-seat armrests, hinged between-seats tray with four cupholders, sizeable centre bin, two gloveboxes, another two front cup holders (and multiple rear ones of course), large pockets with bottle holders (front and rear), sunnies holder, six-stack CD player, four coat hooks, several carry hooks, three 12-volt power sockets, cruise control, among other things -- not least ESP stability system and ABS braking with brake-force distribution.

Clearly, the Grand Carnival Premium is loaded, as they say, even before its laden. And since it's a pretty decent drive as well, the kids (and grown-up passengers) won't be the only ones to enjoy it.

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