MPV that drives like a SUV

SPACIOUS: KIA CARNIVAL IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND CARRIER

- Jaco van der Merwe

When you hear the word multipurpose vehicle or MPV, the cars that spring to mind are concoctions with body-coloured rear windows configured to carry a mix of passengers and cargo.

Although the Kia Carnival is technically classified as one, it is just too damn suave to be associated with the usual riffraff of the MPV circle.

Much more fitting is the American description of minivan. The Kia Carnival offers many van-specific vestiges like proper legroom and headroom for all three rows of seats, sliding rear doors and versatile space. Yet it looks, feels and behaves like a posh SUV.

In other words, it is the perfect solution for those stuck between a large SUV and a van. Surprisingly, it is the only of its kind in South Africa.

The Kia Carnival, previously known as the Grand Sedona, was introduced under its new nomenclature locally three years ago.

A few months ago, it received its first update in the form of styling and tech enhancements and a streamlined model lineup.

After starting life with four models, the range is now down to only two. The entry-level EX and the flagship SXL. After a few adventures in the pre-facelift model, The Citizen Motoring recently sampled the new EX model, which at R1 049 995 is R250 000 more affordable than the SXL.

Straight off the bat, the updated Kia Carnival sports square new touches up front, making it look much more modern. It features new LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running diodes alongside a Tiger Nose grille.