Three days, two nights and many smiling miles – by Calvin
When it comes to the Kia Carnival, we’re hardly strangers – having previously driven the spine of Mzansi in one, ala Cape Town to Sun City. And we did so with three boisterous young lads in tow, albeit with great help from the Carnival’s electronics and drivers aids, functioning almost autonomously.
This time was completely different, a couple’s retreat spanning just 500km. Some of it windy tarmac, other bits on gravel, but all of it beautiful. We began in Strand, on a roadtrip that would span Franschhoek and Montagu. Rather than the flagship SLX 7-seater model (at R1.1mil), we were given the keys to the model just beneath it, the 2.2 CRDI EX+ AT 8-Seater at R949,995 and while concessions were made, you’d be hard pressed to notice any.
A premium van, like few others can
The Kia Carnival has quite a lineage by now, all of it as a comfy people carrier in the vein of the Chrysler Voyager. Remember that? And yet, Kia has moved the game on leaps and bounds since then, delivering a posh bus that looks good in any surrounding. Park it outside a fancy restaurant or in the bush, and the Carnival fits in. Each of its occupants are spoiled with climate control, charging points and a bevy of stowage areas and bins. It’s like a living room away from home, but on wheels, and with bluetooth. Selfishly, I reckon the best seat in the house still belongs to the pilot.
Not just because the 2.2l turbodiesel is good for 147kW and 440Nm, and that as I’ve mentioned before it’s almost clever enough to drive itself – but it’s genuinely a joy to drive, almost saloon-like. The controls are responsive, the captain’s pew is a comfortable one and it has that rare quality of not tiring the driver. Which is usually me, but Kelly’s not shy to share the wheel so…
A Second Opinion, by Kelly
Prior to the weekend experience with Kia, I’ve spent a lot of time with the Kia Carnival and it’s predecessor, the Grand Sedona. And I haven’t changed my mind about it: I’d buy one in a heartbeat if I could.
Admittedly, most people movers and similar vehicles have become more appealing to me as I’ve gotten older. But none have stuck with me quite like the Carnival. Its a stylish vehicle that can honestly take you from the boardroom to the beach with ease.
Some of my personal highlights of this vehicle include the smooth driving experience, the interior that’s bigger than many small apartments in Cape Town and the long list of standard features no matter which model you choose.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle like this one and you want one that feels sophisticated and modern, the Kia Carnival should definitely be on your list of considerations.