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Road party: 2022 Kia Carnival 2.2 CRDI

Wallow in luxury

Posted: March 21, 2022

The numbers
Prices: EX seven-seater at R799 995, EX+ eight-seater at R879 995, SX Limited seven-seat at R999 995, SXL seven-seat at R1 024 995.
Engine: 2151 cc, DOHC 16-valve, Smartstream D4HE four-cylinder CRDI turbodiesel
Power: 148 kW at 3800 rpm
Torque: 440 Nm between 1750 and 2750 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 10.7 seconds
Top speed: 190 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: About 8.9 l/100 km
Tank: 72 litres
Luggage: 627 – 2785 litres VDA. Captains’ Chairs cannot fold
Turning circle: 11.7 metres
Ground clearance: 172 to 180 mm
ANCAP safety rating: Five stars in 2021
Towing: 454 kg unbraked, 1588 kg braked
Garage space: 5155 long x 1995 wide x 1775 mm high
Standard tyre sizes: 235/60R18 (EX and EX+), 235/55R19 (others)
Warranty and roadside assistance: Five years, unlimited km
Service plan: Six years, 90 000 km      

                                                      
Only Americans could call this van “mini”. It looks as big as a maisonette; 40 mm longer than its Grand Sedona predecessor on a wheelbase stretched by 30 mm, 35 mm taller and 10 mm wider. Most of the added length is behind the rear axle, benefitting cargo space. It shares its platform and uprated, more economical, 2.2-litre diesel motor with the new Sorento.

Power is up by one kilowatt and weight, thanks to all that extra metal, although countered to an extent by the lighter engine and smarter construction, increased by 14 kg. Kia evidently changed the gearing, though, because it’s now 2.9 seconds quicker on the zero to 100 km/h sprint. Top speed remains as before. All four versions use the same eight-speed, electronically assisted, torque converter automatic transmission.

Most obvious changes include a 72-litre fuel tank vs the previous 80, vented disc brakes at the back rather than solid, front discs now 345 mm in diameter instead of 320, motorised power steering replacing hydraulic and top models now sporting 19-inch wheels.

Safety kit has been upgraded. All versions now have a seventh airbag; ABS brakes with EBD, ESC and hill start assistance; electric parking brake with autohold; automatic LED headlamps, DRLs and brake lights; ISOFix mountings on third row seats for all models, as well as on second row in the eight-seat EX+, and pdc at both ends. Second-row Captain’s chairs on the three seven-seat models - EX, SX Limited and SXL - do not have ISOFix.

Progression through the range adds front fog lamps, a rearview camera, around-view monitoring, blind spot collision avoidance assistance, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping aids and forward collision avoidance. The only difference between the two top models is that SXL substitutes a 12.3” SuperVision cluster for the standard four-inch unit and ups the sound system to BOSE surround-sound with 12 speakers.

All have stacks of cup holders, powered USBs for Africa, 8.0- or 12.3-inch infotainment centres with CarPlay and Android Auto, drive mode select, rear fog lights, courtesy lights in all rows, roof racks, cruise control, folding electric mirrors and air conditioning. The latter progresses to automatic from EX+ upward, at which level the tailgate becomes automated and side doors are powered. These have individual kiddie locks. There’s much more but we suggest you download a brochure.

Our test unit was an SX Limited so the ladies occupying the Captain’s Chairs, on a time-share run to the Drakensberg, wallowed in luxury. Praise from there included “comfy”, “lovely view outward because the head restraints don’t block our view” and “love the dual armrests.”

With the third row seats folded down into the floor, the deep cargo bin makes way for a flat expanse 1.4 metres long and 1.2 wide. Total length, between the Captains’ Chairs and up to the centre console, measures 2.4 metres; useful for carrying fishing rods, or some long timber home from the hardware store.

This handy storage unit is on the left side panel

The Spacesaver spare is slung under the body below the right-side sliding door. Access to its lowering bolt is covered by a snap-off plastic cap. Friendly tip: Carry a small, plain screw driver along with you because no key known to mankind will be able to lift it.

Unusually, the third row seats are usable by adults. Headroom was comfortable for the six-one backseat driver while knee- and foot space rated as adequate.

Driving impressions: Enough power without getting silly, excellent gearbox, suspension that soaked up the worst of some unavoidable  potholes along the route and a tight turning circle for its size.

Verdict: A fine family bus almost worth its eye-bulging price of effectively R1-million.

Test unit from Kia SA press fleet.



What We Do

This is a one-man show, which means that every car reviewed is given my personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.

Every test car goes through real world driving; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads or goat tracks as well. As a result, my test cars do occasionally get dirty. It's all part of the reviewing process.

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