QUOTE(revolt @ Jul 24 2018, 11:09 PM)
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Hi Castreal
I wasn't aware of an impending Grand Carnival facelift here, seen a video of the 2019 Grand Carnival (maybe Australian) and to me it looked quite identical save for a few bits here and there, the only notable item I recall was the electric parking brake (but only on the higher spec model). So I didn't think it was a worthwhile wait and potentially miss the tax holiday, granted its a bummer if a facelift comes right along after we make a purchase.
The G10 variant I am looking at is the SE, and for Carnival the KX.
I test drove the G10 maybe less than 5km around Ampang Hilir & Jalan Ampang, so not much to form a reliable impression but I thought it had pretty decent get up and go, then again my expectations might not be as high as others. Instead I'm relying on local professional YouTube reviews to be informed where performance matters. However we did spend quite a bit of time fiddling the cars (all 3 variants) in the showroom. My thoughts:
- Build and finish quality - cheap plasticky feel is what immediately comes to mind
- Large boot (assume 7-seater configuration)
- Sunroof & rear panoramic glass roofs a nice touch but wonder how the fabric shades will fare over time
- Like the 360 camera for what it does, but feels like 1st gen tech
- Tire pressure monitoring another nice feature
- 220V power socket nice but hope it does not end up being some kind of hazard (again my reliability concerns)
- Given all the kit on this car I'm surprised no auto chromatic rear view mirror and no power folding mirrors (SE)
- Hardly the prettiest car on the road, does not stand out, does not make a statement (my own opinion)
- I think resale will be poor given the stigma on Chinese cars
That pretty much sums up my thoughts. So some negatives there but in the end I suppose its about how it makes us feel when we're in it.
wkc5657, thanks for the additional background info.
I was told by a quite reliable KIA source that the current Holiday promo Grand Carnival are all sold out/booked. Next batch that comes in will be the new facelifted models. Which variant still unsure (maybe don't want to disclose yet). Whether it is subject to SST is still unknown.
The facelifted Kia Carnival in general gains a series of interior enhancements, more safety tech and an
eight-speed automatic gearbox for its 3.3-litre V6.
- Reconfigured nose and bumper design, and a fresh headlight configuration with distinctive LED headlamps and “ice cube” fog-lights.
- Centre console featuring a wireless phone charging pad, sunglasses bin, and an electrically activated parking brake.
- Safety wise: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist technology.
I would think with SST, this would probably cost around 200k

it's moving on to a separate category already, more luxurious category.
On the G10, the SE version do have quite some big differences compared to Exec, that's is why i thought it might be worth the price upgrade.
- Build and finish quality - cheap plasticky feel is what immediately comes to mind.
I didn't really notice that to be honest, there are brands out there that cost more or less the same with plastiky parts. Estima for example, Vellfire to a certain extend still looks a bit cheap with the plastics. The G10 Exec variant does feel more luxurious in terms of the captain seats. - Large boot (assume 7-seater configuration)
Agree- Sunroof & rear panoramic glass roofs a nice touch but wonder how the fabric shades will fare over time.
i don't plan to use them as often, should be fine I guess.- Like the 360 camera for what it does, but feels like 1st gen tech.
The video quality is crap, i agree. but the way it stiches the 360 its done better than a lot of other models.- Tire pressure monitoring another nice feature.
I like this very much, my passat only warns me the pressure is low, doesn't tell me which tyre and what pressure.- 220V power socket nice but hope it does not end up being some kind of hazard (again my reliability concerns).
So far feedback from other owners, this is still fine, just don't overload it.- Given all the kit on this car I'm surprised no auto chromatic rear view mirror and no power folding mirrors (SE).
EXEC has power folding mirrors, didnt really notice the Chromatic tho- Hardly the prettiest car on the road, does not stand out, does not make a statement (my own opinion).
This looks so much better than Serena Hybrid and Biante, even Sharan to a certain extend. If you tint the rear passenger windows all black, it does make it look a bit Estima'ish
- I think resale will be poor given the stigma on Chinese cars.
I think of it as a Conti Designed, Chinese manufactured car