More safety, fresh look for Kia Carnival

The 2018 Kia Carnival has received a mid-life nip and tuck that brings cosmetic changes as well as a new eight-speed automatic transmission and improved safety and entertainment packages.

Priced from $42,490 plus on-road costs (up $1000), the eight-variant 2018 Kia Carnival line-up looks set to continue its domination of Australia’s most family-friendly segment.

Carryover engines continue to offer the choice of petrol or diesel power across four familiar trim levels: S, Si, SLi and the range-topping Platinum.

However, the 3.3-litre petrol V6 (206kW/336Nm) and 2.2 turbo-diesel four (147kW/440Nm) are mated exclusively to a new eight-speed automatic transmission for greater efficiency and performance, while the unique Australian suspension tune has been tweaked further.

There’s no sign of a hybrid (or all-electric) Carnival, but Kia Australia confirmed it will release its first pure-electric model – either a Rio-size light-car or a version of its first small SUV due in late 2019 – by 2020.

Big-ticket changes to the Carnival include the introduction of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard across the range, as well as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

“AEB has been added because it’s what customers want. In effect it’s a response to the market.” said Kia Australia product boss Roland Rivero.

Where safety kit is concerned, the range-topping Platinum also adds rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, high-beam assist and lane-change assist.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is now standard on all Kia Carnival models, while exterior styling tweaks to the bumpers, grille and headlights bring the Carnival into line with the Korean manufacturer’s latest design aesthetic.

The 2018 Kia Carnival’s most discerning passengers – in the second and third rows – have not been forgotten, with the addition of dual 10.1-inch touch-screens for the second row being a sure-fire winner.

Pricing for the 2018 Kia Carnival is up $1500 for Platinum grades, $2500 for the SLi and Si, and $1000 for the entry-level S grades.

Kia Australia expects the entry-level petrol S to be favoured by rental buyers and the SLi diesel to be the volume-seller for private buyers.

“Since its launch three years ago the third-generation Carnival has dominated a market segment that values space, comfort, practicality and safety over all else,” said Kia Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith.

“It is a genuine eight-seat vehicle that can take both passengers and their luggage without fuss.”

How much does a 2018 Kia Carnival cost?
3.3-litre GDI S — $42,490
3.3-litre GDI Si — $47,990
3.3-litre GDI SLi — $52,490
3.3-litre GDI Platinum — $60,290
2.2-litre CRDI S — $44,990
2.2-litre CRDI Si — $50,490
2.2-litre CRDI SLi — $54,990
2.2-litre CRDI Platinum — $62,790
* Prices exclude on-road costs