Car Profiles - Kia Carnival

KIA CARNIVAL

One of the minivan veterans (the other is the Previa), the Carnival emphasizes on value on all the things. The LX SWB is a steal over top of the line AUVs especially that a 2.9 CRDi engine powers it. If you want to try an alternative, this is the one.

The Good: Available SWB and LWB versions

The Bad: Heavy

Price Range: P1,165,000-P1,575,000

Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Kia Carnival (2007-Current)

OWNERSHIP DETAILS	EX LWB	LX SWB
Price	P1,575,000	Discontinued
Warranty	5 Years or 100,000kms	5 Years or 100,000kms
ENGINE SPECS
Engine	J 2.9 DOHC 16V I4	J 2.9 DOHC 16V I4
Horsepower	158hp @ 3,700rpm	158hp @ 3,700rpm
Torque	343Nm @ 2,000rpm	343Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel Type	Diesel	Diesel
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection with Turbo Intercooler	Common Rail Direct Injection with Turbo Intercooler
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual, 5-Speed Automatic
Fuel Tank Capacity	80 Liters	80 Liters
DIMENSIONS
Length	5,130mm	4,810mm
Width	1,985mm	1,985mm
Height	1,760mm	1,760mm
Wheelbase	3,020mm	2,890mm
Curb Weight	2,097kg	2,093kg (MT), 2,114kg (AT)
Body Style	4 Door Minivan	4 Door Minivan
Engine/Drive Type	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive	Front Engine/Front Wheel Drive
Seating	8	8
SUSPENSION & TIRES
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring	McPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link with Coil Spring	Multi-Link with Coil Spring
Front Brakes	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes	Solid Disc	Solid Disc
Tires	235/60 R17	225/70 R16
Wheels	17 Inch Alloy	16 Inch Alloy
SAFETY
Airbags	2	2
Anti-Lock Brakes	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution	Yes, With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Traction/Stability Control	None	None
Other Safety Features	Adds: None	High Mount Stop Lamp, Back Up Sensor, Battery Saver
EXTERIOR
Fog Lamps	Yes	None
Other Exterior Features	Adds: None	Body Color Door Handles, Rear Wiper
INTERIOR
Steering Wheel Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Urethane
Seating Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Seating Material	Fabric	Fabric
Other Interior Features	Adds: 60/40 Split Fold Flat 3rd Row	Front and Rear Power Outlet, Day and Night Rear View Mirror, Luggage Net Hook, Conversation Mirror, Full Bench Type with Slide, Fold and Recline 3rd Row
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Power Amenities	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors with Heat and Fold, Sliding Doors, Tailgate, Rear Quarter Glass	Steering, Windows, Door Locks, Mirrors
Climate Control	Manual, Triple	Manual, Dual
Audio System	AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB/Ipod with Bluetooth and Navigation Touchscreen	AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/USB/Ipod
Speakers	6	6
Steering Wheel Controls	None	None
Alarm	Yes	Yes
Keyless Entry	Yes	Yes
RIVALS	Toyota Previa

See previous generation models of the Carnival:

Kia Carnival/Sedona (2000-2006)

See the pre-updated model of this Carnival:

Kia Carnival (2007-Current)

Used Car Review - Kia Carnival (2007-Current)

It's vacation time and Myk Belmonte throws a van for the road trips you had planned.

2007-Current Kia Carnival

History
In order to expand to Europe, car manufacturers having business there must offer MPVs or people carriers. Why we say so? They have narrow roads which makes an SUV cry and they are obsessed with diesels, which makes them suitable in these types of vehicles that haul people inside.

The second generation Carnival (under the VQ codename) was first launched in 2006 and one unique trait is the availability of both short and long wheelbase models. Since this is a global model, equipment levels and body configurations vary per market which is a good thing when related to the first paragraph.

2007 saw the Philippine arrival of the Carnival and undercut most rivals having a front nose and sliding doors (the Grandis and Starex are excluded here) when it comes to price, since most of them linger above the P2M mark. As with the world market, short and long wheelbase variants are made available in its existence with the model available in LX (emphasized on value) and EX (luxury focused) variants.

Value and Costs
Hate spending a million bucks for a brand new vehicle? Then the used car gods gave you one solution to your question. A decently owned unit can be had for less than a million bucks which is a bargain to begin with. June 2009 and later sold units have a five year warranty, so search for a unit sold during that period to take advantage of that.

Since this van drinks diesel fuel for lunch, maintenance costs is on the low side but do take note the engine has a common rail technology than its predecessor. Do check out the sliding door if it works flawlessly and the various parts with a qualified mechanic.

Exterior and Interior
When it comes to exterior dimensions, the short and long wheelbase models differ from one another. SWB variants has a length of 4,810mm and a wheelbase of 2,890mm while the LWB carries 5,130mm worth of length and 3,020mm of wheelbase. Some early models of the LX SWB wear steel wheels which was later changed to 16 inch alloys.

Space-wise, the LWB models gain an advantage here since the third row has little rear legroom for kids. Not tight but space found in the SWB is significantly smaller than its longer counterpart. Other than the issue of space, interior flexibility is decent with a 60/40 split third row for LWB and the second row seats (for all models) can be flipped forward or removed all together. It is practical with some high quality materials although some of the low end ones are evident. Before anything else, all PHDM Carnivals can accommodate eight people.

Engine
A J 2,902cc diesel carrying 160hp at 3,700rpm and 354Nm at 2,000rpm is the only option for the Carnival which we think you need not to look for other ones. Despite its heavy mass, it keeps up to carrying the occupants whether in a low or high speed fashion.

Driving Impressions
For a minivan, it is stable even if its full to the brim which is definitely important for such a vehicle. Ride is on the comfortable side, a plus for those sick and tired of archaic rides possessed by AUVs. Handling and not so precise steering comes standard, but you should not expect too much since it is made to haul people, not to be raced.

Verdict
Going to the used route gives you unlimited possibilities of purchasing something better for less. Once a million peso vehicle, the second generation Carnival is a great bargain. Have fun conquering new paths this coming summer season!



The Good:

• Cheap to buy
• Spacious
• Diesel pull

The Bad:

• Small space in SWB
• Heavy
• Some cheap touches

The Pick: LWB models

THE SPECS

Engine: 2,902cc J I4 diesel

Power: 160hp @ 3,700rpm

Torque: 354Nm @ 2,000rpm

Fuel Consumption: 7-9km/L (city), 9-11km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual (only available in SWB), 5-speed automatic

Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear independent multi-link

MORE INFO

Price (New): P1,165,000-P1,600,000

Price (Now): P620,000-P1,000,000

Rivals: Mitsubishi Grandis, Toyota Previa

On Sale: 2007-Current

Resources:

http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-carnival-sedona-forum/

Contacts:

Kia Pasay - (02) 852-1490

Kia Quirino Avenue - (02) 564-3084

Kia Congressional - (02) 927-1880

Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/37315263