Kia Grand Carnival Si V6 2011 Review

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People movers have never been big sellers in Australia, and they've been even more on the nose lately with the dramatic shift to mid-sized SUVs able to carry seven passengers.

But while sales of most family freighters, including Honda Odyssey and Toyota Tarago, have plummeted in recent years, Kia's cut-price Carnival and long-wheelbase Grand Carnival have managed to hang on top spot in the sub-$55K people mover class, a position it has held since 2004.

In fact, following the mid-2010 upgrade that brought improved safety across the range and better performance via a new V6 petrol engine and six-speed auto, Kia's people mover has stretched its in-class dominance to the point that last month it achieved 41 per cent of people mover sales in Australia – up 35 per cent year-to-date and widening the gap from its closest rival, the van-based Hyundai iMax.

Having tested the somewhat disappointing diesel version of the eight-seat Grand Carnival last year, we're now pleased to report the slightly cheaper, entry-level Si petrol variant is a much better proposition when it comes to on-road dynamics.

The latest 202kW/336Nm 3.5-litre petrol engine in the Grand Carnival is a punchy performer and proves that a people mover can be every bit as satisfying behind the wheel as some of the more fancied SUVs.

As a replacement for the slightly less powerful 3.8-litre V6, the all-new 3.5-litre V6 makes light work of the 2117kg, Grand Carnival with zippy acceleration and meaty mid-range urge. It works seamlessly with the new six-speed auto to make the daily drudge a smooth, swift and daresay fun experience.

Such is the drive train's eagerness to please that 'chirping' the front tyres from the lights is an ever-present possibility, while the V6 freely revs (sings!) all the way to the redline with a very un-people mover like rorty note at higher revs.

Backed up by sharp turn-in and good body control in corners, reassuring brakes and a forgiving ride, the Grand Carnival is endowed with mid-sized SUV-type poise and polish.  While not quite up to Ford Territory road-hugging standards, it's a far cry from a previous generation Carnival I drove in 2002, which felt like the body was leaning over even before entering a corner!

Despite its relatively upright form, the petrol Grand Carnival slices the air on the freeway, with only a tad of wind noise to disturb the interior ambience.

All this on-tap grunt though, does come at a cost at the bowser. With Kia claiming that the new 3.5-litre V6 is more economical than the previous 3.8 (10.9L/100km Vs 12.8L/100km), our weekly fuel figure of almost 17.0L/100km came as a surprise, given that most of the time there were no passengers or extra cargo on board.

Less startling is the Grand Carnival's price, which as tested in entry level Si grade, begins at a very reasonable $39,990.

Apart from the cheap-looking hubcaps and utilitarian interior with its light grey (read: easily soiled) fabric trim, it shapes up as solid value for those who don't want to pay extra for such niceties as leather, electric seats, steering wheel audio controls, powered sliding doors and powered tailgate, available on more expensive SLi and Platinum variants.

Importantly, all variants are now fitted with front, side and full length curtain airbags which together with stability control bolster its safety credentials. There's still a major blemish to the safety scoresheet though, with no lap sash belts on centre seats in second and third rows.

The Si Grand Carnival's interior is as light-filled and family friendly as its more expensive siblings, although not quite as practical as it misses out on removable second row seats and third row seats that fold flat.

Comfy but flat and unsupportive seats aside, my only real gripe was a slightly awkward fit behind the wheel, partly due to the fact the wheel could not be adjusted for reach to accommodate my long legs.

Audio sound was decent and there's a cubby hole in the dash for iPod storage and USB connection; one of many handy storage areas throughout the cabin.

But where people movers like the Grand Carnival really make sense for big families and commercial operators is with third rows that can actually seat two or three adults in comfort for extended periods, unlike most seven-seat SUVs. They also don't lose their cavernous boot spaces with the third row seats up.

Then there are the little things that make life easier for busy mums or dads, like the child-watch reflector in the overhead console to keep an eye on domestic disputes, and walk-through access from the front seats for when things really get out of hand.

Good all-round vision aided by big side mirrors makes changing lanes and backing into parking spots easier than you think, although the parking sensors and rearview camera available on the Platinum would have been nice.

In fact, with its light steering and tight turning circle the 5.13m-long Grand Carnival is surprisingly easy to negotiate through tight underground shopping centre car parks, more so than some SUVs or utes I've driven lately.

Passengers in the back are well looked after with theatre-style seating, three 12V outlets, adjustable backrests and headrests, and more cup holders and storage pockets.

Hinged side windows for the third row and dual-zone multi-adjustable air-con (Platinum gets tri-zone), also ensure no-one suffocates back there.

Despite the now year-old mid-life makeover, the Grand Carnival is never going to win the styling war against its more rugged-looking SUV rivals.  But it does show that at least in V6 petrol form, you don't have to lag behind at the lights when rushing the kids to ballet practice.

It's just a shame that the performance of the latest V6 is negated by the potential for 'fuel shock' when it comes to fill-'er-up time.

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