MPV Search: Kia Grand Carnival VQ

When I was at the car showroom looking at the Kia Carnival, I also saw the Kia Grand Carnival VQ there. The differences between the China made Kia Carnival and the imported Kia Grand Carnival VQ are quite marked:

• The VQ is four wheel drive instead of front wheel drive.
  
• The VQ has Disc brakes all round as opposed to drums at the back of the Carnival.
• Side curtain style airbags for all three rows on the VQ. Only front row air bags for the Carnival.
• Smaller turning radius - 5.51m on the VQ which is amazing vs 6.3m on the Carnival.
• Alloy engine block on the VQ which means a lighter nose. Cast iron block on the Carnival.
• Slightly bigger fuel tank on the VQ - 80l vs 75l which I hope translates to a slightly longer touring range.
  

In all, the extras that you get appear to be more than worth the additional 70k RMB to the price.


Source: Kia Motors

A look at the car reveals a standard sized MPV for its class with pretty standard specifications.

Engine: 2.7l V6
Power: 139Kw @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 249 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Top Speed: N/A
Gas consumption: 9.6L/100km
Gas tank: 80l
Dimensions: 4810mm long x 1985mm wide x 1760mm high

When stacked against my requirements, the Kia Grand Carnival VQ passes with flying colours:

• The doors on both passenger sides and the rear hatch are electronic and may be opened using the remote key and an assortment of buttons.
• Five star crash test ratings along with air bags all round including side curtain air bags for the second and third row. More importantly, the doors are disabled when the car is in motion. This is very critical when you have young children with itchy fingers.
• The interior is very comfortable and flexible enough to be configured in a variety of ways. This would make the MPV a very versatile people carrier and yet be able to haul large items in a pinch. The DVD comes standard as well and there is enough little compartments spread out so that small items like drinks and other knick knacks may be stowed. I do like the hooks at the back of the third row seats where you could hang grocery bags to prevent them from moving around as well.
• Modifications wise, with the current spec sheet, I reckon I would only look to swap out the rims and tyres (they're Hankook) for some lighter alloys and grippier rubber for improved ride comfort and probably a switch to Evans NPG+ coolant which I had excellent experiences with on three other cars.
  

In all, this MPV popped out of nowhere and passed with flying colours on my requirements list. It was not even on my initial shortlist and on paper, I think I will put this on the top of my list already. All it needs is a test drive to cement its position and I believe I will sign on the dotted line for the Kia Grand Carnival VQ MPV.