The RACV's Vehicle Operating Costs survey showed that it would cost an average of $216.68 per week over five years to run a Kia Carnival EX auto, almost $12 per week less than a Honda Odyssey ($228.00 per week) and, not surprisingly, almost $51 per week less than a Toyota Tarago GLi ($267.61 per week).

The survey calculations were based on a five-year/75,000km ownership period and took into account standing costs that include depreciation, loan interest costs, registration, licensing, insurance and RACV membership. It also considered operating costs such as fuel, tyres and servicing.

"Kia Carnival's low running costs and overall affordability have been clearly recognised by people-mover buyers across the country," said Bill Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kia Motors Australia.

"For 34 of the past 40 months, the Kia Carnival range of people-movers has been the No.1 choice amongst people-mover buyers and it topped the national sales charts again in April, according to industry statistician VFacts.

"In April 2007, two out of every five people-mover buyers in the mainstream under-$55,000 segment chose a Kia Carnival or Grand Carnival, and the Carnival range outsold the next best seller - the Toyota Tarago - by almost 2-to-1. In the 40 months since the beginning of 2004, Carnival has outsold Tarago by more than 60 percent," remarked Mr Gillespie.

The sales performance and affordability of the segment-leading Carnival and Grand Carnival will come as no surprise to many satisfied Carnival owners. Kia Carnival has long been famous for comfort, convenience, an affordable price-tag and a range of extras designed for maximum versatility.

Two models - the standard Carnival and the long-wheelbase Grand Carnival - cater for a wide range of uses but both offer seating options up to a full eight seats in a 2+3+3 configuration, as well as allowing owners to choose how much luggage space they really need.

The Kia Carnival, with a 136 kW 2.7-litre V6 and 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission, offers eight seats with a fully-removable 2nd row and long-slide/removable 3rd row rear seats. Removing both 2nd and 3rd rows provides a fully-flat floor throughout.

The Kia Grand Carnival delivers even more space and pace, with a 184 kW 3.8-litre V6 and a 5-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission. It offers eight seats with increased luggage capacity, but the fully-removable 2nd row is complemented by a 3rd row that folds into a well in the luggage compartment to again provide a fully-flat floor throughout.

Carnival's flexible seating and strong performance are not the only criteria when it comes to choosing a people-mover. Safety is a major factor when it comes to moving large families or a business crowd," said Mr Gillespie.

The Kia Carnival is recognised as an industry leader in safety, proven by the five-star crash safety rating of the Grand Carnival from the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 'Top Safety Pick' honour from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), and 3-point seatbelts on all window seats are standard across the Carnival range, with front side and curtain airbags available as an option. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is standard on the top-of-the-line Grand Carnival Premium.

Other features common to all Carnival models include tri-zone air-conditioning, dual sliding doors (electric on the Grand Carnival Premium), cruise control, power steering, power windows and heated mirrors, 6-speaker radio/CD with glass antenna, front foglights, remote central locking and security alarm with panic button.