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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