Grander Than the Grandeur: Kia Previews All-New Grand Carnival and Sorento

According to 17th century poet Joseph Addison, there are "three grand essentials" to happiness in this life—something to do, something to love and something to hope for. And these words are clearly understood by the people behind the launch of a recent MPV and a mid-size cross-over SUV.

Columbian Autocar Corporation, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, held the media preview of two new generation models: the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento and the all-new 2015 Kia Grand Carnival at the Blue Leaf Events Place in Taguig. The event was graced by Kia Philippines executives led by CAC president Ms. Ginia Domingo as well as executives from Kia Motors Corporation. The all-new Grand Carnival, this time, exudes an elegance thanks to its European-inspired design. Up front, the black with chrome bar radiator grille seemingly beams a playful smile to any passersby that is then accentuated by both its “almond-eyed” projector–type headlamps on each side. The rear tailgate is fully automated—especially when hands are full. Also, power sliding doors in the second row can be operated with a touch of a switch. Once you have stepped inside, the elegant cockpit with chrome and wood accents highlight the detail of sophistication with all controls and switches within reaching distance and the wide 3.5-inch OLED-type multi information display which stands among the rest.

The long wheelbase (3,060 millimeter) produces an expansive and luxurious cabin with outstanding leg room for a seven-seater. Folding the third row seats instantly creates a bigger space for stowing cargo. The all-new MPV is available in six colors: Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Bright Silver, Platinum Graphite, Aurora Black and Titanium Brown.

Meanwhile, introduced simultaneously is the mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the all-new Sorento. This stylish behemoth is a tad more refined than its predecessor thanks to Kia’s Namyang design studio in South Korea and significant input from the brand’s Frankfurt, Germany, and Irvine, California, design studios. The distinctive fascia formed by the dark metallic tiger-nose radiator grille and wrap-around projector headlamps gives it a solid vehicle stance.

Similar to the Grand Carnival is the horizontal layout of the instrument panel but with different materials and trim accents. The wraparound dashboard is proof of the premium interior motif. This seven-seater SUV’s luggage capacity has been increased by 17.5 percent.

Drivers can capitalize on the drive mode select system and steering assistance systems for normal or spirited driving. To save on fuel, an Eco mode is available that adjusts shifting points in advance. The all-new Sorento is offered in eight colors: Silky Silver, Imperial Bronze, Aurora Black, Metal Stream, Snow White Pearl, Sunset Red, Platinum Graphite and Clear White.