FIRST DRIVE: Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D video review

The Kia Grand Carnival made its Malaysian debut earlier this year, but is it proper MPV, or just a commercial van with seats? Well, we got ourselves the range-topping variant of the eight-seater – the 2.2 CRDI EX – and set out to see if you should you buy this over similarly-priced grey-market Toyota Vellfire and Alphards.

Priced at RM185,888 with insurance, all variants of the Grand Carnival are equipped with a R 2.2 litre CRDi turbodiesel four-cylinder engine providing 190 hp at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque at 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The mill is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.2 CRDI EX’s equipment list includes projector halogen headlamps, LED-type rear combination lamps, power sliding doors, keyless operation (entry with push-start) as well as a smart power tailgate. It also wears 18-inch alloy wheels finished in silver (shod with 235/60 profile tyres), a roof rack and a black radiator grille with chrome accents.

UPDATE: The Grand Carnival 2.2D EX has been officially replaced by the new 2.2D SX

On the inside, the 2.2 CRDI EX is marked out from lesser variants with its beige two-tone leather seats and triple-zone automatic climate control system with cluster ioniser. The Grand Carnival distributes its eight passengers across three rows of seats, all with their own set of ceiling-mounted air-conditioning vents.

FIRST DRIVE: Kia Grand Carnival 2.2D video review

For practicality, the second-row seats are foldable in a 40:20:40 split, and can be slid forwards for easier access to the third row. On the other hand, the rearmost seats, can be folded flat in a 50:50 split to create more cargo space at the back. Boot luggage space with all the seats up is 359 litres, going up to 2,718 litres when they are folded.

Safety-wise, all variants of the Grand Carnival come equipped with six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, ABS and hill assist control as standard. Also included are Isofix child seat mounts, with two located on the outer seats at the second row, and one more at the third row on the driver’s side.

Without further ado, here’s our man Hafriz Shah as he gets you better acquainted with the big MPV, and if you should get one. For full detailed specifications of the Kia Grand Carnival 2.2 CRDI EX and its other variants, head on over to CarBase.my.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • (Like) Kia Grand Carnival.
    (Dislike) recond Toyota Vellfire

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 113 Thumb down 13
  • citizenjohn on Nov 06, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    Erm. The black & brown leather just makes it looks cheap. And they cud have styled the seats pattern much better than a lazy t at seat and backing. It all screams cheap, even if its not cheap.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 37
  • Exora owner on Nov 06, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    My exora never give me a headache and if I sell the 2012 car today i still make money and can put a downpayment for a new ..can you do the same with Kia? after sales is ok…service cost is lower compared to brv…try Proton Bandar Baru Klang…they are excellent

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 65
  • It would be great if it’s a hybrid, to further cut down the fuel consumption. :)
    And some weight cutting would be lagi best.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  • Better go for Maxis G10 Premium, with pilot seat, air suspension, lot more…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 20
  • Halia on Nov 06, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    Why the guy at the back looks like Kunyit? Fancy flowery shirt with brown boat shoes. Typical kunyit outfit.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 35
  • lilytan on Nov 06, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    Kia used to be the value-for-money brand back during its Forte days. But now other brands such as honda and mazda have surpassed it. Kia (probably naza) need to be more generous to win back the market.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • 12yrsold on Nov 06, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    So the problem is with Naza & Not Kia. I get it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
  • Victure Johan on Nov 06, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    I am seriously thinking to buy a Naza Kia Grand Carnival for my family and the person driving it everyday will be my wife. However, the size of the vehicle scares her espeically driving in tight spots in hypermarkets parking and also to park the huge vehicle. I dont mind that Naza Kia Grand Carnival dont have Lane Watch Camera,Smart Parking Assist, Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information, but…but… but…. at least Please Equip this MONSTROUS VEHICLE is a 360 Camera so that drivers and buyers will have more confident to drive and park the car in tight parking spaces in Malaysia …. come on Naza Kia …. this is a big Family Vehicle and Safety is Paramount ….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 0
    • Anon anon on Nov 07, 2017 at 1:20 am

      My dear fren , Victure Johan , no need to buy these big car to your wife if afford to buy rm180k car & you scare about vehicles size , just buy mini cooper , you wife will smile all days

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
    • jibby v2.60 on Nov 07, 2017 at 7:10 am

      i’m holding my purchase after feeling so disappointed with the equipment offered. compared to US carnival spec, it’s like heaven & earth. i’ll wait for next facelift / next gen then gonna buy it, if naza didn’t stingy on the equipment. owai..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Sharan on Nov 07, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      Better for u to buy a preowned VW Sharan 2.0 tsi petrol. U get all that and more, better handling and power. Easily does 200 kmph on highways and still feels stable. Try that on a hellfire and alfart.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • Dude chill. Nobody drives 200kmh with their family on board.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
        • Atari on Apr 21, 2018 at 6:18 pm

          i was just about to say. typical ‘kia soo’ paultan readers. no one drives 200km, with or without family.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Nov 06, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    Does the Carnival able to run on 2M diesel?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Adam bin Muhammad Nadzir on Jan 31, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    Why there is no Bluetooth? It supposed to have Bluetooth.
    And plus,there is no Sirius XM Satellite Radio for Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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