2009 KIA Grand Carnival CRDi at MIMS
February 27, 2009 by Matt Brogan
KIA’s ever popular Grand Carnival has finally been released in diesel format.
The new 2.9-litre turbo-diesel CRDi will join the 3.8-litre V6 petrol variants when the 2009, VQ model Grand Carnival goes on sale later this year.
With 136kW of power @ 3,800 rpm and 343Nm of torque from 1750-3,500 rpm, the four-cylinder, intercooled turbo-diesel engine features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and common rail direct injection (CRDi), mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The sum of all this means a 33 percent gain in fuel efficiency to produce a combined ADR fuel consumption figure of 8.5 litres per 100 kms.
The new diesel Grand Carnival will share the same specification grades as the existing petrol models – EX, Premium and Platinum – and will still feature KIA’s 2+3+3 seating configuration. The fully-removable 2nd row is complemented by a 3rd row that folds into a well in the luggage compartment to create a fully-flat floor throughout.
On the safty front, both diesel and petrol engined Grand Carnivals feature dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), and 3-point seatbelts on all window seats as standard, with front side and curtain airbags available as an option. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and front and side curtain airbags are standard on the Grand Carnival Premium and Grand Carnival Platinum.
All 2009 model Grand Carnivals also feature dual -zone air-conditioning, dual sliding side doors (powered on the Premium and Platinum), cruise control, power steering, power windows and heated mirrors, iPod compatible 6-speaker radio/CD, front foglights, remote central locking and security alarm with panic button.
The Premium and Platinum models add features such as alloy wheels, leather seats (powered driver’s seat on Platinum), while the Platinum model also adds sunroof, powered rear door and upgraded audio.
The 2009 Kia Grand Carnival range starts at $38,890 recommended retail price (RRP) plus on-road costs for the 3.8-litre V6 auto, with the diesel range starting at $41,990 RRP plus on-road costs for the Grand Carnival EX with standard ESP.
The Grand Carnival range runs to the top-of-the-line Grand Carnival Platinum diesel at $53,990 RRP plus on-road costs. Metallic paint is a $450 option on all Kia Grand Carnivals.
Print it: 
About time. So many customers looking for diesel in Carnival. Well overdue
Bit dissapointing to see they have used the same 2.9CRDi used in the SWB models in Europe. It is gutless in them so will be worse in the Grand. Sort it out Kia, you need to do better than this if you want to get more of the market, including those who occasionally tow boats and trailers
It is disgusting that they continue to provide only six lap-sash seat belts and make a full set of airbags an option, when these cars are sold in the US with eight lap-sash belts and standard curtain airbags.
Just some Calcs for you on the justification of buying a diesel over a petrol. Assuming 15000km travelled per year, combined consumptions of 12.8L/100km (Petrol at $1.15L) 8.8L/100km (Diesel at $1.25L), Cost differance of car new is $3,100 (Diesel over Petrol)……. it’s a no brainer. It would take 5 years 7 months to break even on cost if you buy a diesel. This obviously assumes identical maintenance cost over the period.
I would say after owning a 2.9CRDi Sedona (Carnival) in the UK and a 2.5L petrol Carnival in oz, the petrol one performs maginally better however this is nothing like the 3.8L petrol which wipes the floor on them all. Unless a 3.8L diesel is considered why would you buy a 2.9CRDi in a Grand?
As for the lap belts on the centre seats, come on Kia its not the 1970’s! Think of your market on this one…..Families…..Kiddies…..SAFETY!
c,on nobby who are you?