Kia Chooses Auto Expo Once Again To Display A New Carnival

Kia has finally brought the fourth-generation Carnival to India. Although a launch here isn’t confirmed as of now, the new generation Kia Carnival, which was unveiled back in 2021, has been showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. It was globally unveiled back in 2020. 

What’s new?

Everything. Yes, the new Carnival is practically built from the ground up. It's bigger, more premium, more practical and even better-looking than before. The styling is an evolution of the model we get, but it looks more aerodynamic and even alluring to look at.

Design

The increase in size and upright stance gives it an almost SUV-like stance and that’s not a bad thing. Up front, the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is flanked by the slim headlamps, which feature a DRL element just below and the bumper has also been given a rework. 

A cutline starting from the top of the headlights runs across the side of the MPV and connects all the way to the taillights. The C-pillars get chrome moulding that drops down and runs across the rear and connects to the moulding on the other side. 

These, along with the body-coloured wheel arches, give the profile of the MPV a rather rugged look. Going with the fashion, the rear sports a combination of sleek connected taillamps and a rear skid plate garnish. 

Cabin

The cabin layout of the new Carnival is also brand new. The dashboard design is clean with an integrated infotainment and digital driver’s display like the EV6. A strip of chrome runs the width of the dash, below which can be found the controls for aircon and everything that comes along with it. The slim metallic air vents above the chrome strip add a dash of moderness to the cabin.

The new MPV is offered with either a seven- or eight-seater configuration. The former can be had with the optional VIP Lounge Seating with power controls and leg extension. The standard eight-seater configuration can be set up in multiple ways allowing for different positioning of the seats. The centre seat of the second row can be moved forward or backward, offering easy access in various situations.

Features

The outgoing Carnival was big in terms of features, and the new generation MPV builds on that statement with a premium list of features including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless with the eight-inch unit), wireless phone charging, premium Bose surround sound system, connected car technology, powered sliding doors, heated and ventilated second row seats (VIP lounge only) and dual rear screens for passengers. 

In terms of safety as well, the Carnival has taken a big step up with the introduction of a full suite of ADAS, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD and a rear-view camera. We don’t expect the India-spec MPV to pack all the above-mentioned features, but we do believe that Kia will retain ADAS. 

Powertrain

The model abroad gets a single 3.5-litre V6 engine with an output of 294PS and 355Nm, although we believe Kia will continue with the same powertrain available with the current model, i.e the (200PS/440Nm) 2.2-litre diesel powertrain mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Expected launch, price and rivals

Kia’s new MPV won't be launched in the country this year at the least. But if launched, it will surely carry a steeper price tag than that of the current MPV, which is priced between Rs 30.99 lakh and Rs 35.49 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India). It'll offer a more premium alternative to the likes of the Toyota Innova Hycross.