WeeklySA_AdminVERSATILE: Positioned uniquely between rugged SUVs and traditional people movers blends both worlds in a premium spacious interior with cutting-edge technology
By Ali Mphaki
It’s a sad reality that large people movers, MPVs if you like, such as the VW Caravelle and the Mercedes- Benz V Class, for example , have over the years become too prohibitive a price.
So much that this market segment has seen a 31 percent drop in sales over the past five years, with manufactures scratching their heads trying to fathom how to stay afloat and turn downward trend.
Whilst this is happening, reports seem to suggest the Kia brand has been somewhat sparred the ignominy of poor sales, with the overall sales of the brand bucking the trend with 28 ercent sales increase in the same period.
Products like Picanto, Rio,, Sportage, and to a certain extent, the 7/8 seater Carnival all came to the party in showing brand Kia’s resilience in the face of.mounting pressure. Unleashed to the South African market in 2022, replacing the Grand Sedona, the Carnival broke cover as the first Kia to cost more than an R1-million in Mzansi.
Whilst.not a premium brand, the 2022 Carnival, offers what Kia calls a more value-for-money edge than its more expensive rivals with fewer features.
Call it a game changer of sorts.
Fast forward to 2025 we see the newly enhanced Kia Carnival with its striking SUV design, which delivers a bold and commanding presence.
Premium design touches such as large two-tone mirrors, black and chrome rocker panel mouldings, and a rear skid garnish underscored its upscale appeal. Completing the SUV-like stance are stylish 18 – or 19-inch aluminum wheels fitted as standard.
Whether you are an enthusiast or not, inside you will find the enhaced Carnival exudes some sophistication, where sleek design elements and some quality material combine to create a refined and harmonious cabin.
Slim, metal effects air vents enhance the .modern feel, complemented by a two-tone leather interior. Beyond its upscale design, the Kia Carnival shows its versatility, with seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim.
Two trims are offered, the entry-level Carnival EX and flagship SXL. The three-row MPV is also available with either seven or eight seats, depending on the model selected.
The EX comes with eight seats in a 2+3+3 arrangement, whereas the SXL features a “Slide-Flex” seating system that allows owners to arrange the two chairs in the second row into multiple configurations.
Upgrading to the SXL will then add a wireless phone charger, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a heads up display, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dual sunroofs, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system etc.
The South African pricing for the new Kia Carnival is as follows:
Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi EX – R1,049,995
Kia Carnival 2.2CRDi SXL – R1,299,995
This includes a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 6-year/90,000km service plan.
