Kia Carnival vs MG G10: Battle Of The 9-Seater People Carriers

MG Motor India surprised us at Auto Expo 2020 with the unveiling of the G10 MPV. It was revealed just a day after the launch of the Kia Carnival MPV and is likely to be the Kia's rival in India. A large people carrier, the G10 has several useful features that we haven’t seen in this segment yet. Since MG Motor has not disclosed the specifications of the India-spec G10 MPV, we have referred to the China-spec Maxus G10 MPV for this comparison, on which the MG G10 is based. Before it even hits the market later this year, we find out how the MG G10 compares with India’s newest Toyota Innova rival, the Kia Carnival:

Size and Practicality

Both the Carnival and the G10 can seat 7 to 9 people, but the G10 is the larger vehicle. It is longer, slightly narrower, and taller than the Kia MPV. It also has a longer wheelbase, indicating more room for passengers. The carmaker says that even with three rows of seating, the G10’s boot is 1m deep. Both cars are available with three or four-row seating, but the G10 is likely to have more room in the luggage compartment with all rows up.

Engines

Under the bonnet, the Carnival has a single BS6 2.2-litre diesel engine. The G10 is sold internationally with two engine options: a 2.0-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre diesel. In India, it is likely to share powertrains with the upcoming Gloster SUV to give it the edge over the mighty 2.2-litre diesel engine in the Kia. 

If it shares engines with the Gloster, the MG G10 will have a fighting chance against the Carnival’s enormous 440Nm of torque. MG’s 2.0-litre diesel produces 15PS more power and 40Nm more torque than the Kia. Performance isn't the primary concern in this segment, but convenience is. The Carnival has a single 8-speed automatic option in India, while the G10 is sold exclusively with a 6-speed automatic in its home market. 

Features

Although both the Carnival and the G10 have luxury variants, the G10’s second-row captain seats can be powered in 10 ways while the Carnival's captain chairs are less complicated. 

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The Carnival’s second-row captain seats are comfy, too, and come with footrests in the Limousine variant. In addition, it gets a 10-way powered and ventilated driver’s seat and UVO connected car features. It is also equipped with power sliding doors. The G10 gets voice controls on the infotainment system and an electronic tailgate.

Both vehicles get a panoramic sunroof. The Carnival gets a smaller front sunroof and a larger one in the rear, while the G10 has a dual-pane roof in the rear and a single smaller sunroof for front passengers. Nivomat ride height control system adjusts the G10’s suspension damping. 

Safety

It also comes with a 360-degree camera to monitor the periphery of the vehicle.  All models of the G10 are also fitted with dual airbags, but side and curtain airbags may be offered on higher trim levels. You get driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags in the Carnival. The G10 also gets an electronic stability program (ESP). 

Verdict 

MG’s next MPV is likely to be priced upwards of Rs 20 lakh when launched in India. In comparison, the Kia Carnival retails from Rs 24.95 lakh to Rs 33.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Until the launch of the Carnival, the Toyota Innova had no competition in its segment. However, the Carnival and the G10 are both larger and more powerful than the Toyota and can carry more people. We can’t wait for MG to divulge more details about the G10’s India-spec configuration and launch timeline.