VQ Grand Carnival

THE new-generation Grand Carnival, codenamed VQ, is altogether a bigger, roomier and far better vehicle than its seven-seater KV11 Carnival predecessor. They shared nothing in common.

As well as the extra seat and interior room, the eight-seater Grand Carnival ups the stakes by offering a 184kW/343Nm 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox with a pseudo-manual mode.

At 5130mm long, the Grand Carnival is 205mm longer than the Carnival and 85mm wider. It has a 3020mm wheelbase and is 1815mm high including roof rails.

Despite being bigger in every respect than the Carnival, the Grand Carnival’s turning circle is smaller – 12.1m versus 13.0m – as a result of a new speed-sensitive steering system and steering rack.

Standard features include a flat-folding third row, cruise control, ABS brakes, tri-zone air-conditioning, central locking, electric (and heated) exterior mirrors, a six-speaker CD stereo, folding tables in the seatbacks, an 80-litre fuel tank and dual front airbags.

The air-conditioning system allows front seat and rear seat occupants to independently set temperatures and fan speeds.

The spare tyre is a centrally mounted space-saver spare, allowing for a deep boot area with all eight seats in place.

Dynamically, the Grand Carnival gets a MacPherson strut front suspension with rear multi-link system that is claimed to offer more passenger comfort, better on-road response and enhanced safety.

The front suspension features a hydro-formed subframe designed to better isolate noise and vibration as well as offer better crash absorption characteristics.