Driving Kia’s Carnival people-mover – the high-grade 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-
speed automatic GT-Line at $73,060 plus on-road costs. A spacious three-row 8-
seater, and as a large family carrier nothing comes close. Kia Australia has
tweaked the suspension on the latest series, with modified front springs,
upgraded shock absorbers and recalibrated power steering, and it makes the
Carnival shrink around you, behind the wheel feeling much smaller than it really
is aided by an excellent 360-degree camera and front, side and rear sensors.
148kW of power, 440Nm of torque gives it gutsy low down pulling power although
as a front driver it can get some torque steer pull through the steering wheel
under heavy acceleration. And it’s a shame in some ways it doesn’t have all-
wheel drive. Economy, Kia claims 6.5L/100km which I got close too and with a 72-
litre fuel tank the range it offers is impressive. Whether full laden or just with a
driver the suspension tune is compliant with great ride on any surface. With three
available drive modes a really pleasant vehicle behind the wheel apart from the
overzealous lane keep assist, driver attention monitor and speed sign recognition
which is simply over-reactive. Warranty 7-years unlimited km. Servicing $1,519
over three years. I’m David Berthon

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When it comes to moving a large family around nothing else comes close to the 8-seat Kia Carnival - it dominates the people mover segment with around 80 percent of the sales – there’s now 11 variants including a petrol/electric hybrid although diesel represents around 90 per cent of the volume. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-speed automatic Carnival GT-Line at $73,060 updated mid last year and gaining a $5,400 price lift. This is a big people mover – 5.15 metres long and spacious with three rows of seats and if you have a large family, it’s the bees’ knees. You may shun a people mover over an SUV however the Kia Carnival will change your perceptions. With rear power sliding doors its just so safe and practical – the flexibility of the interior a high point with the ability to turn the second row into individual outboard seats, the centre seat can be removed, making a walkthrough to the third row. The prestige GT-line has no options apart from paint and is loaded with features. Yes, it lacks a full-size spare wheel, just a space saver, however the deep luggage compartment is the bonus. The Carnival GT-line simply the burger with the works. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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Ten years ago it was our best selling large SUV but hard times have fallen
on Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and it has been axed from the local market after
nearly 30 years on sale. The big American built SUV has suffered a fall from
grace with sales sliding 94 percent since 2014 and at its peak it was
averaging around 1400 sales a month. The current fourth generation seven-
seat Grand Cherokee L arrived in late 2022 along with a $20,000 price
increase however as sales have retreated discounts of up to $28,000 have
emerged on the remaining stock. In the tough market conditions Jeep
managed just 4634 sales in 2024, just 1247 being Grand Cherokees.
Stellantis Australia, Jeep’s local distributor, says the decision allows it to
focus its efforts on placing the right products in the right segments that
have the greatest relevance to their customers. I’m David Berthon

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