When it comes to moving a large family around nothing else comes close to the 8-seat Kia Carnival – it dominates the people mover segment with around 80 percent of the sales – there’s now 11 variants including a petrol/electric hybrid although diesel represents around 90 per cent of the volume. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-speed automatic Carnival GT-Line at $73,060 updated mid last year and gaining a $5,400 price lift. This is a big people mover – 5.15 metres long and spacious with three rows of seats and if you have a large family, it’s the bees’ knees. You may shun a people mover over an SUV however the Kia Carnival will change your perceptions. With rear power sliding doors its just so safe and practical – the flexibility of the interior a high point with the ability to turn the second row into individual outboard seats, the centre seat can be removed, making a walkthrough to the third row. The prestige GT-line has no options apart from paint and is loaded with features. Yes, it lacks a full-size spare wheel, just a space saver, however the deep luggage compartment is the bonus. The Carnival GT-line simply the burger with the works. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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