Kia Carnival and Sorento lose V6 due to new Australian emissions regulations

Kia Australia is killing off pure petrol versions of its Carnival MPV and Sorento SUV, as local emissions regulations tighten.

The entry-level front-wheel drive V6 powertrain in the Carnival and Sorento is now "limited to dealer stock", according to a notice published to the brand's local website.

A Kia Australia spokesperson told CarExpert the move is due to the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), and that stock is expected to be cleared out by the end of March – meaning 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 vehicles reduces from 141 to 117g/km.

Kia has also expanded the availability of its hybrid (Carnival, Sorento) and plug-in hybrid (Sorento) powertrains on its popular large cars.

For reference, the Sorento V6 FWD emits a claimed 222g/km, whereas the diesel emits 158g/km and the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) quote 122-129g/km and 37g/km respectively.

Kia Australia also says supply for its electrified models – historically a challenge for the brand in Australia – is much improved thanks to the introduction of emissions regulations.

The move will inevitably hike the entry prices for both the Carnival and Sorento, with the Hybrid FWD model in the Sorento commanding a $5000 premium over the equivalent V6 FWD, and $2000 over the diesel AWD. If you want a plug-in, the Sorento PHEV S AWD is nearly $20,000 more than the V6 S FWD.

In the Carnival, the hybrid powertrain is a more palatable $1800 more than the equivalent diesel, and just over $4000 more than the now-axed V6.

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