It is true that the South African MPV market remains relatively small, but one only has to look to Renault’s phenomenally successful Scénic range to realise the possibilities.
Sales figures for the larger MPVs are not as great as those for the more affordable Scénic-sized models, but are expected to grow as newcomers continue to arrive. This growth is mirrored to some extent – and perhaps exceeded – by the rising popularity of diesel power. It is, therefore, understandable that a marriage between MPV and diesel takes place, and the result is vehicles such as Kia’s new Carnival TD – promising MPV versatility, combined with the fuel economy and power of a modern turbodiesel.
Of course, the Carnival is no newcomer to our shores, having been on sale for the past two years, and is perhaps one of Kia’s most convincing models to date. In fact, Kia’s oldest three models available locally, (the Carnival, Shuma and Sportage), still comfortably outsell the newer Rio, Carens and Spectra ranges.
It’s not hard to distinguish the diesel model featured here from its petrol-powered stablemates, as it sports a fairly aggressive bonnet-mounted air scoop to feed the turbo installation’s intercooler. For the rest, the TD shares the Carnival’s generic, but still modern, MPV styling.
Diesel MPVs are still few and far between, with only the much pricier new Chrysler Grand Voyager and slightly cheaper Volkswagen T4 Caravelle fighting for the same buyers. However, this Korean does more than just play the value card well. Its 2,9-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine develops 93 kW at 3 600 r/min and boasts the impressive torque figure of 331 N.m at a mere 2 000 r/min. The engine is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. Although that distinctive diesel clatter is clearly audible at start-up it stops short of sounding agricultural, and smooths out once on the road.
At just over two tons the Carnival is heavy, but the engine will get it moving deceptively fast, although it does feel a little lethargic below 1 800 r/min. A large turbodiesel MPV such as this will never boast saloon-like performance, but it must be said that the Carnival took quite a few of our team by surprise. Our test unit even managed to beat Kia’s claimed performance figures. The benchmark zero to 100 km/h sprint took only 14,73 seconds, and an eyebrow-raising top speed of 170 km/h was recorded – next time you see a big MPV with a gaping scoop looming large in your rear-view mirror, don’t sneer…
Of course, the advantage offered by most diesel engines is economy. Although the Carnival’s fuel system was incompatible with our flowmeter (preventing steady-speed measurement), tank-to-tank comparisons confirmed the Kia as being no diesel-guzzler. Our average economy figure worked out at 9,09 litres/100 km in mixed driving (including performance testing). Expect a range in excess of 800 km from a 75-litre tankful.
Many MPVs are sold on the promise that they combine carlike handling with minibus space, but few are able to deliver on this. The Carnival succeeds admirably. Its front suspension uses the familiar MacPherson struts coupled with a stabiliser bar; the rear comprises a hefty tubular dead axle, located by coil springs, multi-links and a Panhard rod. The ride is not as compliant as, for example, the Chrylser’s, but the firm suspension enhances stability and handling prowess.
With passengers and some luggage on board the ride becomes more comfortable. You sit high in the Carnival, and this commanding view is very welcome indeed when it comes to parking the vehicle. But the Kia, for its size, is not difficult to manoeuvre in town. The power-assisted steering is light enough to make squeezing into a tight spot, if not a cinch, then at least a lot easier. Luckily the assistance is not overdone as on some vehicles of this type, and gives good response, also on the open road.
As mentioned before, interior comfort and versatility are also MPV selling points – they are perhaps the two factors that can most easily make or break it for this type of vehicle. The Kia has a large interior entered by means of a sliding door on each side. Seating uses the 2-2-3 layout, with the middle seats able to swivel through 180 degrees so that the people in the back and middle can hold a conference.
The middle backrests can also be folded forward to form tables for the rearmost passengers. These tables have moulded shapes that include cupholders. Both rear and middle seats can be moved forwards or backwards on runners, to change the layout of the interior, but their drawback is that they cannot be removed. The transport of large items, therefore, becomes a problem, especially as you will definitely not want to put the leather upholstery (optional on our test- unit) through much abuse.
At first glance the interior of the Carnival looks promising, but a few shortcomings spoil the picture. For one thing, access to the rear bench requires a fair knowledge of gymnastics. And, with more than four people on board, luggage space is minimal. However, there is a sturdy roofrack, thankfully blessed with cross-rails too.
Once everything and everyone are on board though, the Carnival is very comfortable. Rear passengers are taken care of by separate air-con vents and four reading lights. Fold-away coat hooks are provided, and there are cupholders and a lidded stowage compartment for the rearmost passengers. There is also a 12V power socket in the boot, and the rear side windows are electrically operated. The centre windows cannot be opened, but fortunately the air-conditioning is very effective.
Facing the driver is a modern-looking panel with all the usual instruments, including a rev counter. The facia carries controls for the rear window wash/wipe, demister, front and rear fans, headlight beam adjustment, power mirrors and exterior mirror adjustment. A handy covered storage space for CDs is located at the bottom of the centre console, and a cupholder pops out just to the left of it. More cupholders are located at the side of one of the centre chairs. A receptacle in the centre of the roof, above the windscreen, is shaped to house a pair of sunglasses and a sliding tray is located underneath the front passenger’s seat. Standard equipment on the Kia also includes a Panasonic radio/CD front-loader, with a removable face, that provides good sound quality.
The layout of the instruments is generally good, although some switches (such as the rear window wash/wipe) are hidden behind the steering wheel. It is also too easy to accidentally turn the headlights to main beam when indicating at night – unintentionally blinding oncoming traffic. Driving position is generally good. The steering wheel adjusts for height; the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable for height, reach and backrest angle and also features lumbar support. The gear lever, perhaps placed a little too far forward, shifts smoothly.
Build quality seems good, with no rattles or squeaks popping up during our time with the vehicle. The quality of some of the plastics used is below par, though, and the leather upholstery has an artificial smell. Also, the fake wood looks just a little too fake. Safety and security are increasingly important factors when considering a new car, especially for one costing almost a quarter of a million rands. It therefore comes as a surprise that the Carnival is not equipped with airbags. We believe it should, at this level at least, have dual airbags. The Carnival is equipped with ABS brakes that proved effective in bringing the heavy Korean to a halt without fuss.