Kia Carnival: A world of adventure awaits

15 March, 2024

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Lerato Matebese, publisher/editor for Mail & Guardian and car fanatic, got the opportunity to test out the Kia Carnival in all its greatness. While he had so many great things to say, don’t take our word for it. Check out how his experience of the Kia Carnival here.

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It comes with dual sliding doors and seating for seven in the entry-level EX and the flagship SXL. Power is delivered by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine (148kW and 440Nm) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With all seats in place, it provides 1,138 liters of luggage space, making it perfect for family road trips.

Between the EX and SXL, there’s the EX+, which includes eight seats as standard, making it the most versatile of the three trim levels. This model, which we used for our trip, offers practicality without sacrificing the conveniences and comfort features expected from Kia’s flagship model.

We embarked on our journey from Gauteng towards Mpumalanga on a winter Friday afternoon. The vehicle performed admirably, with the diesel engine delivering ample torque for easy traffic maneuvering and overtaking. The interior provides an excellent view of the surroundings, and while wind insulation was generally good, there was some wind noise from the driver’s side window seal. However, the vehicle’s overall performance was smooth, with plenty of legroom for passenger comfort.

On the N12 and N4 highways, the Carnival displayed competence as expected, but it truly excelled on the R36 towards Sabie, where its suspension demonstrated impressive performance. The damping was supple, and the vehicle maintained excellent body control, even on winding roads, offering spectacular views.

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The Panorama Route is undeniably one of the most beautiful roads in South Africa, though it could benefit from improved maintenance. The Carnival’s comfort continued to impress as we soaked in the breathtaking scenery.

On Saturday, we journeyed from Graskop Gorge Adventures to Hoedspruit via Tzaneen on the R532, encountering fewer potholes. The Carnival handled these challenges smoothly, demonstrating agility. The two-hour journey to Kapama River Lodge was comfortable, thanks to effective climate control, and the vehicle achieved a commendable fuel efficiency of approximately 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

Our return trip to Johannesburg on Sunday via Nelspruit and the N4 was equally comfortable, resulting in great memories with friends. The Kia Carnival excels in its segment, offering space, comfort, and numerous convenience features for an enjoyable driving experience.

With a starting price of R869,995 and a top-end price of R1,094,995, it delivers exceptional value in its segment, making it a highly competitive option. So, should you consider buying one? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

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