Kia’s new Carnival could be a bit smart for its own good.
The centre seat of the second row can be reversed so it faces backwards, or can be removed completely.
But there’s a problem if parents want to use the seat in the reversed position with a child restraint fitted. It’ll work but unfortunately it’s against the law.
Kia explains this is possible because it is in fact allowed in some countries where the Carnival is sold.
As such the company is quick to point out, the use of a child-restraint in the seat while it is facing rearward is discouraged.
Might have beeen easier to simply disable this feature for our market?
The fourth-generation Carnival, with seating for up to eight people, comes in four grades — S, Si, SLi and Platinum — with a choice of petrol or turbo diesel engines.
The Smartstream 3.5-litre GDI V6 petrol engine delivers 216kW of power and 355Nm of torque, up from 206kW and 336Nm, with claimed fuel consumption of 9.6L/100km.
While the Smartstream R2.2-litre CRDI diesel punches out 148kW and 440Nm — about the same as the current model.
But it’s lighter with an aluminium block, reducing fuel consumption from 7.6 to a family-friendly 6.5L/100km.
Drive in both is to the front wheels through an 8-speed auto.
Overall length of the new Carnival grows by 40mm to 5155 mm, with a 30mm longer rear overhang that creates more space for third-row passengers and best-in-class luggage space.
The lift-over height for the boot is 26mm lower than before at 640mm, making it easier to load.
A power tailgate and smart power-sliding rear passenger doors facilitate access to the boot and cabin.
At the top of the range the Platinum model leaves little to be desired, with paddle shifters, 19-inch black alloys, 12-speaker Bose audio, rear occupant alert, heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging.
There’s also a dual tilting and sliding sunroof, eight-way integrated memory seats with four-way lumbar support and heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting plus second and third row sun blinds.
Carnival is fitted with seven airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems.
Pricing starts at $46,880 for the entry model S with a petrol engine, rising to $64,680 for Platinum with the same engine.
A diesel meanwhile adds $2000 to the price, and Premium paint another $695, bringing the price of Platinum with the lot to $67,375 before on-road costs — or $69,990 driveaway (reckon they’ll throw in the paint for that figure).
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