Obviously, it has a strong safety cell protecting everyone inside. But there are little features that give me that warm safe feeling.

Things like

• Rear view camera with guidelines – always helpful when parking
• Blind spot monitor and collision avoidance function
• It’s a big car so backing out of car parks is helped by the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
• Emergency braking for pedestrians, cars and turning a corner if needed and
• The best one for me is a safe exit warning.

On top of those there are airbags everywhere, even for the third row seats. Also, if you do happen to get in an accident the door locks unlock, making access easier.

The hands free automatic tailgate opening on the top three models is a handy feature. So often you have bub in your arms and need to access the boot area. I really like that idea.

Also lets mention that unlike many people movers in the past, This people mover is kind of cool for kids. As they get older, they love the space.

So, my overall impressions of the Kia Carnival is that it is Mum and Bub approved.

Motoring Minute Video – Kia Carnival part three

Other Kia Carnival Reviews for new mums

• Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best new mum car part two
• Part one – Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best mum car part one 
• Kia Carnival GT-Line – is this the best family car available
• Family holiday – GT Line driven to the Gold Coast
• Kia Carnival – Why it is so good for a family

Readers can find more details  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Carnival – best new mum car Part 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First up is the space inside. Theres room for eight people if needed. On top of that there is still plenty of room for luggage. That’s something many SUVs don’t have.

Also keeping the driver and front passenger comfortable are electric adjusted seats with heating and on some model’s – ventilation.

There are five isofix and top tether points for baby seats. And with the middle row of seats able to slide you can adjust how much room you need. The seating is practical and flexible.

Little comfort features like air vents for all the seats, cup holders and storage everywhere, are appreciated.

There’s space for everything – pram, nappy bag, groceries – plus plenty of room for more kids down the line.

I’ve said it before, but what really seals it for me? The sliding doors. Whether it’s getting a capsule in or helping kids climb into the back seats without hitting the car next to you – it’s honestly a lifesaver.

The Kia Carnival makes it all so easy.

If you’re starting or growing your family, the Carnival just gets it. It’s the mum car I keep coming back to. The Kia Carnival is Mum life Upgraded.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Carnival  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV Motoring Minute Video Part 2

Instead of the Kia Carnival – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best new mum car part two appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Carnival comes in a choice of five different models with three different engines. There is a petrol, a diesel, and a petrol hybrid version. The Hybrid comes with a six speed automatic transmission. The others with the familiar 8 speed automatic.

The Hybrid is available in the base, middle and top spec models.

Being a Kia, even the entry level model the “S” is well equipped. However, as you go up the grades the level of features grows.

I’ve driven all of the engine choices over the years. For the next three weeks im driving a GT-Line hybrid version.

This comes with almost everything you could want and is a luxurious family transport.

The hybrid engine is quiet and smooth to drive. Its reasonably economical, more so around town, rather than on longer trips.

Here the diesel excels. However, the difference between these two isn’t that much to be honest. The pure petrol version isn’t that great on fuel economy and probably should be avoided as a choice.

Pricing for the Kian Carnival ranges from around $52,000 dollars through to $76,630 dollars for the Hybrid GT-Line im driving. All plus the usual costs

Over the next two weeks we will look at just what makes the Kia Carnival so popular for larger families.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

MotoringMinute Kia Carnival Video part one.

Readers can find more details about the Kia Carnival  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Kia Carnival – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best mum car part one  appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I’ve just spent another week in one and as an expecting mum, it just makes sense.

There’s space for everything – pram, nappy bag, groceries – plus plenty of room for more kids down the line.

But what really seals it for me? The sliding doors. Whether it’s getting a capsule in or helping kids climb into the back seats without hitting the car next to you – it’s honestly a lifesaver.

It’s super practical, drives beautifully, and is packed with features that actually make mum-life easier – think storage everywhere, rear climate control air conditioning, and proper comfort for everyone.

It’s also the only car that even when using all the seats, it still has a huge boot area. Carnival will comfortably seat 8 people.

Mums can choose from either a Petrol, Diesel or Petrol hybrid motor. I would choose either the diesel or hybrid.

The Kia Carnival is priced from $55,990 through to $78,340 dollars plus the usual costs

If you’re starting or growing your family, the Carnival just gets it. It’s the mum car I keep coming back to. The Kia Carnival is Mum life Upgraded.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Carnival GT-Line     – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Carnival GT-Line  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Carnival GT-Line  could also look at the following: Ford Tourneo, Hyundai Staria, VW Multivan, Toyota Granvia, Hyundai Palisade,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Kia Carnival GT-Line – is this the best family car available appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Well for one of our contributors, Anthony Hood, it was a Kia Carnival.

He took the Carnival GT Line with the 2.2L diesel engine and 8 speed automatic transmission.

I asked him what he thought, and his response was simple – I loved it he said.

He specifically mentioned little things like the fact that it didn’t really matter how much luggage the five of them took the Carnival swallowed it with ease.

The seating plan also allowed the boys to be separated so they wouldn’t fight during the trip.

There are USB ports everywhere so each boy could have their own iPad plugged in. Cup holders everywhere as well. Large windows allowed great visibility for the passengers of the endless motorway.

The rear electric sliding doors are so practical in crowded Gold Coast car parks.

Other factors he mentioned are that even though its relatively big it doesn’t feel big driving it. It drove like a big SUV, smooth, powerful and economical. And he appreciated the safety features on the long drive.

The huge digital driver instrument panel and central screen showcased a myriad of information. Its also not that expensive for what you get at around $72,900 plus the usual costs.

There is a reason why the Kia Carnival has over 80% market share in the people mover segment. Its that good.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Carnival  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Kia Carnival GT Line driven to the Gold Coast appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Its edgy design creates discussion and tends to polarise people.

However, setting looks aside the Staria provides plenty of room inside for up to eight passengers, all with adequate room. The top model Highlander is packed with comfort and safety features.

It comes in a choice of three different specification levels, two engine choices and either AWD or FWD depending on engine choice.

Engines are either a smooth and economical 2.2L diesel or a powerful 3.5L V6 petrol engine. Both come with the 8 Sp sports AT from the Hyundai/Kia group.

More importantly the Staria rides and handles like an SUV, which comes from the fact that it sits on the same platform as the Palisade, Sorento, Carnival etc. Not bad for a people mover.

Pricing is from $49,000 through to $60,000 plus the usual costs.

Overall the Hyundai Staria provides a worthy choice for larger families that don’t want opr need a larger 4WD and want more space.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Staria HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Staria RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Hyundai Staria thoughts 

Quick notes

• Everywhere I went people commented on its design.
• Comes in both petrol and diesel. My preference is diesel as it comes with AWD
• The AWD diesel and the 8 Sp AT is a well proven combination in the Hyundai group.
• It rides and handles like an SUV
• But its definitely a people mover van for steering, go through the corner before turning.
• Its awkward to reverse park in suburban car parks.
• Front seats are comfortable
• Middle seats are slightly bench style. Third row needs middle row slid forward for leg room
• There is no facility for third row child seat attachment.
• Middle row seats have USB ports and self controlled A/C
• Seat folding isn’t practical, and nowhere as good as the Kia Carnival. The rear door opens nice and high for weather cover.
• Comes with wireless smart phone connectivity and charging tray – that’s practical.
• Base model Staria misses a couple of safety features
• Base model also misses out on auto tailgate and the anti jamming features as well.

Instead of the Hyundai Staria buyers could also Look At

Large van style people movers are more popular now especially as most are built on SUV platforms. However the segment is dominated by the Kia Carnival. Other options include: VW Multivan, Toyota Granvia, LDV Mifa.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post We drive the Hyundai Staria people mover van 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

For those amongst us that aren’t sure what it is, well its an eight seat people mover based on the Ford Transit Custom long wheel base.

There is a two model line up, the Active and Titanium X.  Both models will accommodate people, but come with a flexible, clever track mounted rear seat arrangement as well as power slide rear doors.

Beyond traditional fore- and aft- movements that allow for owners to modulate legroom, one or all three of the second-row seats can be turned to face rearward for a conference layout. Additionally, the middle seat of the second row can be folded into a small table with cup holders.

The adjustments are boundless with owners able to entirely remove single seats or rows to suit their needs. All six of the rear seats can even be removed. Ideal for when owners need as much cargo carrying space as possible. ISOFIX points are available on both second and third rows.

The Tourneo comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, with 125kW and 390Nm. This is delivered to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing is around the $65,000 – $70,000 mark plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Ford Tourneo – Everything you need to know

TO LISTEN TO THE Ford Tourneo RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Ford Tourneo to launch in Australia this year appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The LM stands for Luxury Mover and is aimed at executive transport, premium shuttle services or for the family that wants more.

Based on the same platform as the Toyota HiAce, the LM will come with a choice of two hybrid engines and two model choices. They are the LM 350h and the LM 500h. Both models can be either 2WD or AWD.

The top model LM500h Ultra Luxury will be available in early 2024 and comes with four premium seats, the rear two that recline. It also comes with a privacy screen, climate concierge, a 48 cm entertainment screen and 23 speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

For those stressful commutes there is also a mini chiller bar.

Pricing for the Lexus LM vehicles will range from $160,888 through to $220,888 plus the usual costs.

Having a luxury people mover for the family is actually kind of cool. It combines limousine like qualities with an abundance of space.

I’M looking forward to driving these.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE LEXUS LM RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Lexus LM details

The LM showcases the finest of traditional Japanese omotenashi hospitality of anticipating guests’ needs in advance, offering levels of comfort and amenity normally imagined with first and business class airplane travel.

The luxury mover will be available with a choice of two hybrid powertrains in keeping with the Lexus Electrified strategy of developing powertrains that combine strong performance with reduced fuel consumption and lower tailpipe emissions.

Lexus LM 350h Sports Luxury

LM will be sold initially in seven-seat configuration with the LM 350h Sports Luxury, available in both two- and all-wheel drive, priced from $160,888 and $165,888 respectively¹.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with series parallel hybrid system produces 184 kW and 270 Nm for swift and smooth performance, sure to be appreciated by rear seat passengers as they are pampered in unrivaled luxury.

Once the sliding door is opened the two reclining business-class-like seats draw attention, with a third row boosting capacity to seven. When not in use the supplementary row may be conveniently folded away at the push of a button to maximise luggage space.

Lexus LM 500h Ultra Luxury

In early 2024 the LM range will be crowned with the four-seat LM 500h Ultra Luxury, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine boasting more than 200 kW and all-wheel drive for sublime responsiveness. It is priced at $220,888.¹

The centerpiece of the LM 500h is its rear cabin, dominated by two VIP throne seats with genuine first-class levels of comfort, overlaid with extensive Japanese Takumi craftsmanship and a Lexus-first Rear Climate Concierge for holistic control of the cabin environment.

Fully raising the glass behind the front seats creates a personal and private oasis of relaxation and quietness for chauffeured guests, who can enjoy unparalleled business or entertainment pleasure with a world-first 48-inch widescreen along with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

They may even wish to do so while enjoying a cool drink from the LM’s inbuilt mini chiller.

LM Comfort

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the LM will delight customers with the ultimate in comfort and a level of opulence never seen before in a luxury mover.

“With the LM our designers have taken omotenashi thoughtfulness and Takumi craftsmanship to unprecedented levels,” Mr Pappas said.

“There is no Lexus like it, and almost certainly no other vehicle like it. LM is the ultimate expression of Lexus ‘making luxury personal.’

“It is a great Lexus to drive but an even better Lexus to be driven in. Passengers will be hard to surpass the LM for the ultimate chauffeur-driven experience.”

Lexus customers and guests attending Melbourne’s week of fashion, fun and hospitality in early November surrounding the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be amongst the first to be pampered, with an impressive fleet of chauffeur-driven LMs heading to and from the Flemington track from November 4^th to 11^th.

Mr Pappas went on to say that Lexus dealers throughout Australia had been inundated with customer enquiry ever since the second-generation LM was revealed at 2023 Auto Shanghai in April, and subsequently confirmed for Australia as part of a global rollout to more than 60 countries.

“The reality is that demand will initially exceed supply for this vehicle by a significant margin, so we therefore need to manage customer expectations,” Mr Pappas said.

Lexus LM Pricing

1 Manufacturer’s recommended retail prices provided for media purposes only. Statutory charges or other on-road costs not included. On road costs vary from State to State and can be found by contacting the relevant government authority. Optional colours or features at additional cost.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Lexus LM: The Ultimate in Personal Luxury Arrives in December appeared first on Motoring Minute.

If you are thinking an all-electric version of the popular Sorento then add some you have the picture.

The exterior design displays some bold and adventurous features as well as minimalist and clever interior styling.

Clever features such as swivelling middle row seats, front and middle row seats that recline so occupants can rest while recharging and two 12.3 inch screens for drivers information and information connectivity technology.

The flat floor EV architecture allows clean interior lines and maximises useable interior space.

It will come in both six and seven seat versions and offers space for all occupants.

The full details will be revealed close to the end of March and we will let you know when they are available.

The Kia EV9 represents a pivotal step forward in the company’s journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

If the EV9 is anything like the stunning and exciting 3V6 then  Kia will have another winner EV SUV on its hands

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE KIA EV9 SUV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia EV9 Highlights

• Strong SUV identity fused with elegant EV styling to reshape both the segment and way of life for the electrified era
• Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV9 combines contrasting qualities of nature and modernity in its character
• Sleek and bold exterior expresses confidence, clarity, and calmness
• Kia’s E-GMP flat-floor EV architecture amplifies interior space with third row seating, enhancing comfort while exuding a sense of high sophistication
• EV9 readied to debut globally later this month, accelerating the brand’s transformation towards a sustainable mobility solutions provider

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Kia EV9 an all electric seven seat SUV appeared first on Motoring Minute.