Cheapest People Movers to Run
28-July-2008
The Kia Carnvial
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So you've got more than 4 other people in your family and need an economical people mover that doesn't look like a giant lunchbox? You'll be pleased to hear that the RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) just conducted an annual survey to find out which people mover is the cheapest to run...
And the most economical people mover to run is... the Kia Carnival.
The RACV's Vehicle Operating Costs survey showed that it would cost an average of $229.90 per week over 5 years to run a Kia Carnival EX auto, almost $10 per week less than a Honda Odyssey ($239.36 per week) and almost $16 per week less than a 2WD Ford Territory TX ($245.76 per week).
The second most popular people mover in the Australian market, the Toyota Tarago GLi, costs $283.18 per week to run according to the survey, over $53 per week more than the Carnival for a greater operating cost of $2770 every year.
The survey calculations were based on a 5-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.
About the winner
The Kia Carnival comes in two models – the standard Carnival and the long-wheelbase Grand Carnival – catering for a wide range of users but both offer seating options up to a full 8 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 V6 and 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission, offers 8 seats with a fully-removable 2nd row and long-slide/removable 3rd row rear seats. Removing both 2nd and 3rd rows creates a fully-flat floor throughout.
The Kia Grand Carnival delivers even more space and pace, with a V6 and a 5-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission. It offers 8 seats with increased luggage capacity, but the fully-removable second row is complemented by a third row that folds into a well in the luggage compartment to again create a fully-flat floor throughout.
Price
The 2008 Kia Carnival range starts at $32,990 recommended retail price (RRP) plus on-road costs for the 2.7-litre Carnival EX (5-speed manual) with the 3.8-litre Grand Carnival starting at $38,490 RRP plus on-road costs for the EX (5-speed auto). The top-of-the-line Grand Carnival Platinum completes the range at $50,990 RRP plus on-road costs.
More
www.kia.com.au
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