The next generation of Australia's number one people mover, the Kia Carnival, was revealed at the Chicago International Motor Show and when it arrives in Australia late this year it will provide Australian families with more space, performance and equipment but, says Kia Automotive Australia, it will retain pricing that has made Carnival a byword for value for money.

The completely redesigned Kia Carnival will offer considerably more power than its predecessor and will be substantially larger in all key dimensions, providing more passenger room and versatility. New features found on the all-new Carnival will include a standard fold-flat-into-the-floor third-row seat and the option of power-sliding doors and tailgate.

Utilizing an all-new platform, the new Carnival's longer wheelbase and increased length and width contribute to the minivan's nearly 15-percent improvement in passenger room over the previous Carnival. Fresh styling cues and additional standard and available equipment were designed to bolster Carnival's established position as a value leader in the highly competitive minivan market.

"The Carnival is Australia's number one people mover and it has lead Kia's Australian growth, making it an incredibly important vehicle for the company, so Kia has paid careful attention to every detail during its redesign to make sure this new people lived up to the reputation it has built during the last six years," says Edward Butler, General Manager of Kia Automotive Australia.

"The all-new Carnival offers considerable upgrades, not just in styling and appearance, but in practical applications such as performance, safety equipment and standard and available features that will make it fully competitive against all its rivals."

The original Carnival went on-sale in 1999 and quickly gained recognition for its tremendous value and generous list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. Not only did the Kia Carnival, at a launch price of $29,990, make the family-friendly abilities of a V6-powered people mover available to thousands of Australian families for the first time, the clearest indication of its remarkable vale for money is that six years down the track, not only is the Kia Carnival STILL $29,990, that price now includes on road costs and, over its life it has gained equipment and features.

With increased power and torque, the all-new Carnival offers competitive power and performance in the minivan segment. Carnival's completely new 3.8-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine is expected to generate more than 180 kW - a massive increase over the previous engine - and 340 Nm. of torque. This new aluminium block engine is mated to a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission. Despite its increase in size, the new Carnival is expected to be significantly lighter than the previous model when compared on an equally equipped basis. With more power, less weight and a new chassis with independent suspension, the next-generation Carnival is designed to be more rewarding to drive than its predecessor.

The new Carnival's four-wheel independent suspension system is comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar in the front, while the rear suspension uses a multi-link design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar.

Stopping power has increased with the addition of a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system with larger diameter vented front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. Carnival models come with new, larger wheels and tyres, including 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70 R16 tyres or 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60 R17 tyres.

Competitively sized, the new seven-passenger Carnival's generous dimensions and monocoque construction boost both passenger and luggage space, with greatly improved ride and handling. Adding to the Carnival's space and versatility, flip and fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating and a new, simple-to-operate 60/40 split-folding -into-the floor third row seat is standard on all models to create a larger flat cargo area when the seat is folded, and providing a large rear cargo area when the seat is deployed Available in two trim levels -- LX and EX -- the all-new Carnival maintains Kia's tradition of high-value by offering a generous list standard features and amenities. Besides ABS, six airbags and a five-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, the Carnival LX also comes with tri-zone air conditioning, sliding door power windows, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, captain's chairs for the second row and keyless entry with an alarm system.

The Carnival EX adds a chrome grille, fog lights, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, heated power mirrors, AM/FM/Cassette/MP3/CD stereo system, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power rear quarter glass, compass, roof rack and wood trim.

In addition to the LX and EX models' standard equipment, the all-new Carnival will offer several option packages for maximum convenience and entertainment. These options include: leather seats with front seat heaters, seat and outside mirror memory settings for driver, backup warning system, power sliding doors, power tailgate, power adjustable pedals, power sunroof and a premium entertainment system featuring a DVD player and 11 speakers.

Australian pricing and equipment levels for the all-new Kia Carnival, which will go on sale in late 2005, will be announced at the local launch.

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