Kia Carnival / SedonaThe powertrain is also mostly carry-over, with a 269-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels and offering relatively smooth, strong acceleration and good responsiveness. Both versions now include Sportmatic manual control.

A hydraulic power-assist steering system, multi-link rear suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes all add up to what we've noted in past model years is a pretty comfortable ride but handling that's uninspired compared to segment leaders like the Honda Odyssey.

i just tried one of Kia Models name Kia Grand Carnival The new 2.2-litre turbodiesel might be smaller in capacity than its 2.9-litre predecessor but it produces more power and torque and is smoother, quieter and more responsive. Output is 143kW and 429Nm of torque, an increase of 7kW, but more importantly an 86Nm boost in pulling power.

Add a six-speed automatic transmission, up from five, and the combination copes surprisingly well with the Carnival's beefy 2100kg plus body weight. And fuel use drops 3.7 per cent to a combined average of 8.1-litre/100km.

Brand New Mini Cooper S featuring G'ZOX Quartz 7 Body Coat. The Cooper S nets you a more powerful four-cylinder 2.0 litre turbocharged mill (part for BMW's new B48 range), has 192 hp and 280 Nm, a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and a 233 km/h top speed.

Paired to the same Aisin six-speed automatic transmission (no manual, as to be expected), the Cooper S getting the upgraded Sports Auto version with a Launch Control function. Great fuel economy is standard across the range, with claimed figures of 5.4 litres (Cooper S) per 100 km.