Owner Review: Driving a large MPV makes me feel fun - My 2018 KIA Grand Carnival

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Basic information

• 2018 Aurora Black Pearl KIA Grand Carnival YP 2.2 CRDi SX Variant

• Price: 184,888.00 (Zero Tax Period with special promo: 169,888.00)

Reasons why I bought this car

Owning 1 compact car (2009 Kenari), 1 C Segment sedan (2011 Inspira), 1 B Segment sedan (2017 City), next I’m looking for the best MPV that can bring my growing family along with my parents & in laws for holiday trips comfortably.

Finally, decided to purchase this Kia Grand Carnival because it gave the best values compared to it's rival.

Car selection process

• I had a budget of: RM190,000.00

• Models that I have considered include: Honda Odyssey RC, Recond Toyota Alphard / Vellfire, Recond Nissan Elgrand, Hyundai Starex

• Reasons why I chose this car:

1. Modern turbo diesel. ✓ Big & deep boot space even with all seats occupied
2. 60:40 split ratio for 3rd row seats
3. Best child restrains safety features compared to other models
4. Best balance between comfort & performance
5. Brand new with 5 years warranty + 3 years @ 60,000km free service
6. Premium feel & impressive interior finishing

User experience

• I have already done 60,000 km

I' ve traveled up north and south, went into the dusun to collect durian & rambutan, going up rocky hills and kampung2 for Raya, most of the time full board, 5-6 adults with 2 car seats. The MPV had never feel lethargic, the drive doesn’t feel like a 2-tonne car at all. It feels light when you push the throttle. The speedometer will go up fast, but only up to 160kmh, afterward, it will feel a bit heavy. But hey, you’re driving a large MPV with family, it shouldn’t drive fast in the first place. But the power is needed to assist the driver, easy to overtake even going uphill.

But like I said, it’s not about power alone, my top priority was the space Grand Carnival offers. With the full board, the standard cargo can be occupied with 6 adults belonging for a 3 day trip with more space left to load shopping bags later. If Alphard (rented it for the family trip before), you need to balance between passenger space and cargo space. Dimension-wise, it wider than Alphard, but not as high. If you bring this to eon mall, both side tires will be on the parking line 🤭.

At highway speed, the car is stable, noise is acceptable, but can be further muted. The suspension is good, despite the “hard” feel when you drive alone. The suspension feels more comfortable with the load. Many reviewers said the steering was very light. It is true, but, after a while, I came to appreciate it. I will not say it bad at all. The lightness made it easier to maneuver especially in tight buildings, driving in town, etc. while speeding, it is still acceptable.

Apart from driving experience, the SX variant comes with a bigger HU and 2 independent seat-mounted android tab in the second row. The powered boot was really helpful when your hand was full, just stand at the back of your Grand Carnival with the key inside your pocket, it will automatically open for you 👍🏻. 

Finally, the best thing about a diesel engine other than its torque is the efficiency. This 2- 2-tonne MPV consumes fuel just like a 1.8-2.0 sedan car. My city drive-in Klang Valley ranging from 9-12km/L. Traveling on the highway, around 14-17km/L, depends on how heavy your right foot is. 

Reliability is too early to brag on since this model just launched 4 years back here. But the outside market, it has been since 2015 and the review was good, it even rated as first choice family MPV in Australia. There’s no regret in buying this car since day 1 of ownership.

Pros&Cons

Pros

• Nice torque. Does not feel like a 2-tonne car until you hit the brake pedal. 

• Hi ground clearance

• Economical. Best FC compared to rivals, even more, economical than my Inspira for both city & highway drive

• Large boot space without the need to sacrifice passenger space. 

• Good handling compared to other MPV

• Useful fancy spec like heated seat & heated steering wheel. 

• Triclimate zone air cond

• Front & rear sensors help to maneuverer in a tight area

Cons

• Premature ABS sensor problem is common

• Full spec 6 speed version not equipped with ADAS

• No aerial view camera

• Braking could be better

Ratings:

• Total Score: 4.7

• Performance: 5

• Quality & Features: 4

• Space: 5

• Ride Comfort: 4

• Fuel Economy: 5

• Price & Cost: 5

Summary

Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D is a practical and true MPV available in the market. It can be a great people mover and a good carrier too when needed. This MPV has a good balance of Comfort, Performance & Space. Since day 1 of ownership, this car has always amazed me. It can outrun most cars on the highway when needed, but not heavy on the fuel consumption.

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