Kia Carnival 2 EX (185 cv , 2.9 CRDI)

[manchette]

Hi all

I was looking for a 7 seats car that i could keep for a long time. I 1st thought of Toyota Previa but there's only few available used ones in France where i live (they stopped selling it in 2006 if my memory does me not trick). I therefore looked at other car sellers and then tried the Kia Carnival 2 LX for 1 hour approximatly and liked the impressions i had while driving it
I decided to buy a 2009 Kia Carnival 2 EX, it has a 185cv and 2.9 CRDI motor.
I'd like to keep this vehicule as long as possible (10 years or more if possible).
I'm supposed to receive the Carnival early may , i therefore i have many questions

Can you please tell me what's the difference between Sedona and Carnival ?
Different names for different markets and same vehicules ?

As i 'm new to Kia cars and diesel motors can you please tell me your impressions about this brand and car ? Is this a good quality/price value ?
Have you had a good experience with Carnival/Sedona and why would you recommend it (or not ?)

Thanks a lot

[manchette]

Hi, guys
any tips on this ?
Thanks

[dodiecl]

The name designation is dependent on market. The cars are essentially the same. Of course, the standard equipment and options list differ from market to market, even if ostensively belonging to the same equipment grade, like LX or EX.

In my country, KIA did not enjoy a high reputation previously. Today, however, like its sister company Hyundai, it is fast picking up. In fact, so is its price which is no longer lower than its Japanese counterpart.

I understand that KIA today is truly a global network even for design and manufacturing.

Regarding diesels, KIA is midstream compared to the latest developments in Diesel. It has direct injection (CRDI) but that's old hat for Europe, which is now in the piezo injector age. It has VGT or variable geometry Turbo which is fairly recent, but it does not have variable cam, air intake or new anti emissions devices like urea injection. Still, the engine is strong, flexible and very drivable as far as I am concerned. Vibration is tamed in the Carnival but noise, though low enough is still higher than what a gas engine creates.

The car is very roomy and very comfortable. The ride is harsher than say the Chrysler Minivan but again nothing to complain about. I can fill it with passengers and luggage and it does not squat or bottom out in bumps.

It does not have any problem cruising at 140Km. Faster probably but never went faster than that. Overtaking is easy, though you may have to kick down and so will hear more engine noise.

I hope that your 3rd seat is of the stowable variety because that configuration really allows for a large luggage capacity. The only negative to this is that the spare will be a space saver type.

The van is quite heavy, probably needed for impact safety but then it feels solid.

I like this car so much that last year I bought a LWB EX CRDI auto and now just bought a SWB LX CRDI manual.