Go to Australia kills gasoline-only versions of it Carnival MPV And Sorento SUVas local emissions regulations become stricter.
According to a statement posted on the brand’s local website, the entry-level front-wheel-drive V6 powertrain in the Carnival and Sorento is now “restricted to dealer inventory.”
A Kia Australia spokesperson said Daily Sparkz The move is due to the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and this stock is expected to sell out by the end of March – so if you want a V6 Carnival or Sorento you’d better get in quick.
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The move comes after the NVES enforced stricter CO2 emissions caps – from January 1 this year the CO2 target for Type 1 passenger cars will be reduced from 141 to 117g/km.
Kia has also expanded the availability of its hybrid (Carnival, Sorento) and plug-in hybrid (Sorento) powertrains for its popular large cars.
For reference, the Sorento V6 FWD emits a claimed 222g/km, while the diesel emits 158g/km and the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) emit 122-129g/km and 37g/km respectively.
Kia Australia also says supply of its electrified models – historically a challenge for the brand in Australia – has been significantly improved thanks to the introduction of emissions regulations.
The move will inevitably increase starting prices for both the Carnival and Sorento, with the hybrid FWD model in the Sorento fetching a $5,000 premium over the front-wheel-drive equivalent V6 and $2,000 over the diesel AWD. If you want a plug-in, the Sorento PHEV S AWD costs almost $20,000 more than the V6 S FWD.
In the Carnival, the hybrid powertrain costs $1,800 more than the equivalent diesel and just over $4,000 more than the now-deleted V6.
MORE: Explore the Kia Carnival showroom
MORE: Explore the Kia Sorento showroom
