The Focus Is On Safety With The Kia Carnival Facelift

SYDNEY – June 15, 2010: Australia's most popular people mover is now safer, more fuel efficient and priced to set new value standards in the segment.

Since its launch towards the end of 2005, the current model Kia Carnival has dominated the people mover segment, finishing each year as Australia's top-selling vehicle.

From January 2006 to April this year 17,258 new Carnivals have been sold. This represents 29% of 59,521 cars sold in the segment over the same period.

The new and improved Kia Carnival will take to the Australian streets from June 1 with a refined model line-up that offers more safety features, better fuel economy in the petrol Grand Carnival and greater value across the new seven-model range.

The Grand Carnival will adopt the new Kia naming strategy with Si replacing EXE and SLi replacing Premium. Platinum will remain the top of the range while the SWB Carnival EXE has been replaced by the new look SWB Carnival S which is available with automatic transmission only.

Safety no option
Safety is no longer an option in the family-oriented Carnival range with the addition of side and curtain airbags, enhancing an already extensive safety package.

When added to Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS braking and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as well as an energy absorbing steering column, strong steel anti-intrusion beams and ladder like steel floor reinforcements the new Kia Carnival is well appointed in case of an emergency.

SLi and Platinum models will also benefit from the inclusion of a reversing camera integrated into the rear-view mirror.

Side mirror mounted indicators also provide surrounding traffic with improved visibility of the new Carnival's turning intentions.

More power less fuel
The petrol Grand Carnival has received a new heart, a 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 Lambda II which offers an increase in power to 202kW@6300 rpm compared to the former 3.8L V6 Lambda's 182kW@6000 rpm.

The increased power does not come at a cost to the environment. In fact the new 3.5L V6 complies with Euro IV emissions requirements compared to the 3.8L V6 which complied with Euro III.

This relates to a decrease in fuel consumption of 1.9 L/100km to 10.9 L/100km and a reduction in emissions, down 43 g/km to 259 g/km.

The Lambda II is also matched to Kia's new electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-new, innovative six-speed automatic transmission is the most compact six-speed unit currently available anywhere in the world. It has 62 fewer parts than a five-speed unit, is 54 mm shorter, weighs 12 kilos less and boosts fuel economy by up to 12%.

Fresh exterior look
The Carnival range has received the Schreyer touch of magic including the family-look Schreyer grill, 16" steel wheel covers for the S and Si models and stylish 17" alloy wheels for the SLi and Platinum models.

The new Kia Carnival range will go on sale throughout Australia from June 1, 2010 and will be available in seven colours. Clear White, Midnight Black, Crystal Blue, Clear Silver, Cashmere Beige, Cherry Cocktail Red and Titanium Silver.

Kia Motors Australia President and CEO Mr MK Kim said the timing for the Carnival range refresh is ideal.

"The Carnival is leading an extremely competitive segment and its time once again for us to make changes to ensure those customers continue to receive a good quality, safe eight-seat vehicle at a very reasonable price," Mr Kim said.

"The people mover segment has been under attack for several years now, firstly by the introduction of seven-seat SUVs and then more recently by a global economic downturn affecting families, car rental companies and the hospitality industry - the segment's three core markets.

"Early indications are that the refreshed Carnival range is entering at a good time. April sales alone are up 51% compared to April last year in the people movers segment. We're proud to introduce an eight-seat vehicle which sets new standards in safety and fuel efficiency in such an important family driven market."

Carnival range prices start at $36,990 for the Carnival S. The Grand Carnival enters at $41,490 for the petrol Si and ranges to $56,990 for the diesel Platinum.