Embarking on a journey of celebration and family reunion for my convocation, I found myself at the helm of the Kia Carnival 11-seater, ready to take on a weekend filled with memories. Here’s how this remarkable vehicle elevated every moment of our convocation adventure.
Day 0: Setting the Stage
As I picked up the keys to the Kia Carnival, I was greeted by its impressive stature. With its dimensions of 5,155mm in length, 1,995mm in width, and 1,775mm in height, the Carnival commanded attention with its spacious and commanding presence.
It’s not often you encounter a vehicle that combines size with efficiency, but the Carnival managed just that, clocking an impressive 16.7km/L on our trip despite the weight of the vehicle being 2,129kg. The 2.2L Turbo CRDi engine from Kia’s own stables, pushes out a respectable 199hp and 440Nm of torque: drive is to the front wheels through an 8-Speed Automatic transmission.
Its commanding presence on the road was matched only by its thoughtful design, with a wide windshield and strategically placed side mirrors that ensure good visibility.
Day 1: Family Reunion, Kia Carnival Style
The great versatility of the Kia Carnival was most apparent when I went to pick up my family when they arrived at the airport. While it comfortably accommodated our party of six, its spacious interior offered ample room for luggage; the rearmost row easily transformed into cargo space.
My family members were so amazed by the Kia Carnival’s versatility and spaciousness, and my father was impressed by the immense torque and the smoothness of the 8-speed transmission. He was equally surprised by the fantastic fuel economy that we could achieve.
The Kia Carnival can carry up to 11 people in total.
In our scorching afternoon sun, the Carnival’s sunshades provided much-needed relief, ensuring our journey remained cool and comfortable.
And the 3-zone climate control ensured personalized comfort for all occupants.
For the rear passengers, the second-row occupants get a separate air-conditioning control unit up on the roof, and almost all seats get a vent located on the roof lining.
Day 2: Navigating Urban Terrain
As we navigated the city streets, the Carnival’s intuitive design proved to be a game-changer. Parking in tight spots become a breeze thanks to its 360-degree camera system which Kia also call it as surround view monitor(SVM).
And those sliding rear doors? Pure genius – no more worrying about dinging neighboring cars in tight spaces at the same time offering effortless access. The doors can be controlled either by the passengers or the driver through remote switches located in the front cabin.
There is also a safety mechanism that does not allow the doors to be opened, unless the gearshift is in P.
At the graduation ceremony, the family savored the momentous occasion, knowing they had arrived in style and comfort.
Additionally, the front passenger’s seat adjustment is electronically operated, which they can control from the bottom left of the seat. Meanwhile, the rear passenger can adjust the front passenger seat’s seating position by pressing the button on the side – like a boss, to give them more leg room.
Day 3: The Road Less Travelled
Venturing beyond the city limits, we embarked on a scenic drive to Semenyih and beyond on both highways and trunk roads. Despite its size, the Carnival impressed with its fuel efficiency, clocking an impressive 16.7km/L, while the comfy seats and quiet cabin make the journey a breeze.
And with its smooth ride and responsive performance, the journey felt more like a leisurely cruise than a road trip. On the return journey, playing music through Apple CarPlay elevated everyone’s spirits.
Conclusion: Memories Made, Adventures Shared
As our convocation weekend came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the unforgettable experience we shared with the Kia Carnival 11-seater. From its thoughtful design and fuel-efficient performance to its spacious interior and cutting-edge features, this 11-seater proved to be more than just a mode of transportation – it was a catalyst for adventure and connection. Thus, whether you’re embarking on a family getaway or simply cruising around town, the Kia Carnival promises to turn every journey into an unforgettable experience.