Exploring the Panorama Route in the Kia Carnival: A Luxurious Family Adventure

Home holds a special place in our hearts, and for South African families with a passion for exploring their beautiful country, 'home' extends beyond bricks and mortar to the open road. Our recent journey to Mpumalanga in the Kia Carnival aimed to unravel why this MPV stands out as the ultimate luxury family haven on wheels.

In a decade dominated by the SUV surge, the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) faced the threat of extinction. However, far from fading away, the MPV has evolved into a family-friendly luxury option, catering to those who prioritise space and practicality over unnecessary off-road capabilities. Kia's beloved Carnival, formerly the Grand Sedona, emerges as a top choice in South Africa, offering generous space and practicality comparable to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz Vito, Opel Zafira Life, and Hyundai Staria, all while maintaining a sleek SUV-inspired design.

Our adventure began with a road trip in the Snow White Pearl Carnival 2.2CRDi EX+, departing from Pretoria and heading east on the N4 towards Nelspruit. Despite being more compact than its counterparts, the eight-seater Carnival showcased a remarkable 1,139 litres of boot space, expanding to an impressive 4,110 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The journey took us through picturesque routes, including Schoemanskloof and Sabie, leading us to our first-night stay at Hoyohoyo Angel’s View Hotel, perched above the Graskop Gorge.

Exploring the 'Panorama Route' in the Lowveld, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, became a testament to the Carnival's capabilities. The Graskop Gorge, featuring a 68-metre 'Big Swing' freefall dive, and other attractions like God’s Window and the Three Rondavels, highlighted the versatility of this MPV. En route to our next destination, Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Carnival effortlessly navigated the twists and turns of the roads, showcasing its driving dynamics.

Powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 148 kW and 440 Nm, the Carnival maintained its performance even in challenging terrains. Its fuel efficiency, averaging a mere 7.5 l/100 km during our journey, underscored its economic advantage. The journey to Kapama River Lodge showcased the Carnival's luxurious features, emphasising the difficulty of leaving its well-appointed cabin behind, even for a night.

Kia strategically selected the EX+ grade Carnival, priced at R949,995, for our journey, emphasising its exceptional value. While there are distinctions between the EX+ and higher grades, such as the SX Limited and SXL, these differences did not diminish the fun or comfort of our adventure. The EX+ boasts a range of features, including seven USB points, automatic climate control, shift-by-wire transmission with paddle shifters, and advanced safety features.

In conclusion, our Kia adventure through Mpumalanga highlighted the Carnival's unmatched space, convenience, frugality, and driving pleasure. As we reluctantly headed back home, the serene landscapes of the Lowveld and the joy of piloting the Carnival made a lasting impression. Few rivals in its class can match the allure of the Kia Carnival, making it a compelling choice for families planning their next journey.