[This article was first published on theasianparent.com]
If you’re a parent, you’d know only too well that taking the family out on a drive is a grand affair. Oftentimes it involves the entire troop – kids, grandparents, helper, and all their belongings.
Then comes the never-ending requests and needs to cater to. Chances are, you’re knackered even before you start driving.
That’s why every family needs a car like the all-new Kia Carnival, the world’s first Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV). A car that’s stylish yet spacious, comfy, and most importantly, caters to everyone's needs.
Every time the doors open, it’s as if your family steps into a whole new world while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
We got two families to try it out and they share how the all-new Kia Carnival, a premium luxury GUV in Singapore, makes driving their family around a grand driving experience indeed!
A Mum’s Experience with the Kia Grand Utility Vehicle
I was lucky enough to get chosen to take my family out on a ‘date’ with the all-new Kia Carnival. I didn’t know what to expect at first but from the moment my kids set their eyes on it, they were squealing in delight and excitement. They loved the size of the premium luxury car.
More importantly, everyone got into the car uneventfully which was the first win for me. No tripping, falling, head bumping whatsoever.
If you’re worried about the kids trying to get out of the car without checking, fret not. The Kia Carnival comes with Safe Exit Assist (SEA) technology which prevents the doors from opening when a car is detected to be approaching from either side.
To add some fun to our ride, we were given a few challenges. This kept the kids busy and helped us to discover some of the great features of this car. The first challenge was to locate the button to cool the seat. My mum who had come along with us, located it in no time at all!
At the push of a button, they managed to cool their seats which is perfect for a sweltering hot day.
The second challenge was to locate the USB charging points. In addition to the centre console, there are also USB charging points behind the 1st row seats so those seated in the 2nd row can charge their phones easily. My mum managed to locate these in a jiffy as well. Moreover, there is a wireless smartphone charging tray so if heaven forbid my tween’s gadgets run out of battery, there’s a handy solution.
The car also comes with a huge 12.3” touchscreen infotainment display. Not forgetting the connectivity to Apple CarPlay / Android Auto for easy access to maps and the kids’ favourite nursery rhymes. This would come in handy for parents who need to keep their little ones entertained during car rides.
Parents are sure to love these features. You know what it’s like when you’re trying to keep your eyes on the road, and everyone wants a piece of you. Someone is cold, another is bored or fidgety and so the story goes. I especially love how the Kia Carnival seems to cater to everyone without having to disturb the one behind the wheel.
If there’s one thing that no one likes, it’s fighting for space or feeling crammed. Well, the Kia Carnival lives up to being a Grand Utility Vehicle in Singapore.
It has ample space to comfortably seat 7 people With the one-touch relaxation mode, my mum was able to automatically recline her seat and enjoy a first-class flight experience. “Very comfortable!” she exclaimed and she enjoyed the rest of the ride with a satisfied smile.
This versatility is perfect for the needs of my family. The space works well for us and all families alike.
Parents like me would understand that one of the challenges we face while driving is fighting exhaustion. A moment of distraction can have serious implications as there is no margin for error on the road. I like how the car prioritises our safety with its host of safety and driver assistance systems that make the drive safe and relaxing. These include:
I must add that the smoothness of the ride was blissful! The engine is quiet, and the 8-speed automatic transmission made it so easy to drive. I was enjoying my drive while chatting with my mum and kids. Everything fell into place perfectly! The car also has a very sleek and elegant design element that makes it feel grand and sophisticated.
A great way to break the stereotype. For once I feel like this won’t be called something along with the likes of ‘the mum car’ or ‘the school bus’!
Lena’s Verdict:
“The car is luxurious, superb, and comfortable. The ride was so smooth it felt like cruising more than driving. I’d rate it a 5 out of 5!”
A Dad’s Experience with the all-new Kia Carnival
Kumar, and his family of 5, took the 8-seater all-new Kia Carnival on a test drive. Here’s what they have to say.
Getting everyone (and their dozens of belongings) into the car was a breeze and I even managed to trick my little one into believing the doors open magically – thanks to the automatic opening and closing enabled by holding the key fob nearby for a few seconds and the remote one-touch smart open-and-close function for the rear power-sliding doors and liftgate. A grand new world it was!
I don’t know about you, but I long gave up on the no-eating on board policy. Let’s face it – kids are perpetually hungry. Not only that, but we also often eat between traveling from school to enrichment classes and so on.
The Kia Carnival transforms into a mobile cafeteria with a few simple adjustments. The middle seat can easily be folded down to function as a table, and it comes replete with cup holders, so you don’t have to deal with unwanted spills!
My kids were over the moon that they were having a picnic! The best part was that I didn’t have to sweat it worrying about them balancing food on their laps or where to keep their water bottles. It’s heaven-sent for parents like us!
Did I mention the sunroof? Yes, the sunroof was the highlight of the ride for my kids and it completed the experience of them enjoying a picnic onboard. When I opened the sunroof, it paved the way to a grand new world while driving! It was such a treat!
If there’s one thing parents travelling with kids can never get enough of, it’s space. Child seats are often bulky and fitting them into a car can be a squeeze. That’s definitely not the case for the 8-seater Kia Carnival. My family found it to be spacious and comfortable for everyone, despite fitting in a baby seat and a child booster seat.
The 2nd row seats can also be reconfigured such that the 2nd and 3rd rows face each other. This made it convenient for us to look after our kids while travelling. I’m sure parents will find this a useful feature!
Kumar’s verdict:
“For a car with these features and of this size, it’s a good deal. I’d rate it a 4.5 over 5!”
So that’s the gist of their experience with the Kia Grand Utility vehicle. In a nutshell, they agree that the all-new Kia Carnival is ideal for families like theirs. It delivers a grand new world experience different from the other premium luxury MPVs in the market.
The reviews are just the tip of the iceberg. You really must experience it for yourself to fully appreciate the grand driving experience that this car has to offer.
Book a test drive at any of our Kia showrooms now!
This November, enjoy up to $11,000 worth of deals when you purchase a Kia Carnival at the Cycle & Carriage 11.11 Virtual Spree! Exclusive treats include cash discounts, credits, and more! Plus, play and win additional rewards with the Plinko Perks game with purchase. Shop now at ccspree.sg.
[Source article: sg.theasianparent.com/grand-driving-experience-new-kia-carnival-singapore]
