If you’ve got a large family don’t overlook the latest Kia Carnival  people mover. The word people mover may conjure up thoughts of a large box with little or no sophistication. Far from it, the 3.3-litre V6 8-speed automatic Carnival Platinum a surprise package at $63,990 drive-away, with five star ANCAP crash safety rating, a roomy and versatile cabin – one of the few vehicles that can carry 8 passengers and luggage in real comfort – while most 7-seat SUV’s somewhat compromise luggage space – The Carnival is large yes but it doesn’t feel so on road due to sharp dynamics. Seat versatility is its key – so many seat options that turns it from people carrier to cargo carrier very easily.

The Platinum edition the burger with the lot with a host of power features like a hands-free power tailgate and power sliding rear side doors – great for kid safety . As a driver I’d like manual shift paddles, perhaps subjective, but it does help for quicker down shifts for engine braking on hills. But given its bulk a 360 degree camera is a real bonus so too the rear cross traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors. Great transport on a long trip for a family with climate control air-conditioning to all three rows a multitude of cup and bottle holders and a large cooled glove box.

I’m David Berthon

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