2016 Drive Car of the Year: Best People Mover

The Kia Carnival had no rivals for the 2016 Best People Mover category - because it has no real competition in the market.

Sure, there are some good people movers available, such as  previous winners of this category, the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and the Honda Odyssey. But that have both been ousted by the Carnival in previous contests. And since then, there has been no new people movers arrive in the last 12 months to challenge it.

In reality, no other people mover is as good at moving people as the Kia. The Carnival was an all-new model in 2015 and not surprisingly still feels fresh in 2016.

The judges were impressed with its 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which pulled the big van strongly thanks to its 440Nm of torque and 147kW of power.

The Carnival benefits from Kia Australia's local ride and handling tuning, feeling well balanced during our dynamic testing.

But where the Carnival really separates itself from its rivals its its clever and spacious cabin. There is seating for eight with the two-three-three configuration, and capable of accommodating more than just children  as it can comfortably carry eight adults.

Accessing each row is easy too with large sliding doors on both sides and second row seats that conveniently and easily tilt and slide out of the way. There are air-conditioning vents for all three rows so everyone can be comfortable and bottle holders for every occupant.

Unlike many seven-seaters (both people movers and SUVs) that severely compromise boot space with the third row in use, the Carnival still has a generous boot with all seats in place - and downright cavernous with the third row stowed.

There's also excellent space for odds and ends with small (and not so small) storage boxes, shelves and cubby holes carefully positioned around the cabin.

The Carnival SLi has also had a price cut since winning last year, adding to its appeal, dropping from $52,490 to $49,990. But you still get a well equipped vehicle with automatic sliding doors on both sides that can be operated from the key fob, leather seats, navigation and tri-zone air-conditioning (with vents in the second and third rows).

Seven-seat SUVs may be in vogue these days but the Carnival is proof you can't beat a people mover for moving people.

"I'm amazed anyone would consider a seven-seat SUV over this if you need to carry more than five people on a regular basis," said a judge, summing up the benefits of the Kia perfectly.

Visit Drive's Kia showroom for more details

Kia Carnival SLi

Price: $47,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 147kW at 3800rpm

Torque: 440Nm at 1750-2750rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.7L/100km