Kia has officially lifted the curtain on the refreshed version of its popular Carnival MPV. This follows the recent teaser of its exterior design. The fourth-generation Carnival, a staple in Kia’s lineup, has undergone a comprehensive transformation both inside and out. It promises an enhanced driving experience. Bookings for the MPV have commenced in South Korea, building anticipation for its global release.
The facelifted Carnival showcases a bold departure from its predecessor. It features a more upright front fascia adorned with a wide grille and distinctive L-shaped headlamps equipped with daytime running lights. Chrome accents embellish the grille, complemented by a faux brushed aluminum skid plate surrounding the lower air intake. At the rear, the Carnival exhibits a cohesive design, with tail-lamps connected through an LED light bar. Meanwhile, the rear bumper is accentuated by a combination of matte black and chrome elements.
Wheel options vary between 18 and 19-inch alloys, with the hybrid models sporting 18-inch wheels, mirroring the design aesthetics of newer Kia models such as the EV5 and EV9.
Inside, the Carnival welcomes occupants with a revamped interior. The MPV is available in 4-, 7-, and 9-seater configurations. A new curved infotainment unit spans the driver’s side dashboard, incorporating two 12.3-inch screens for digital instruments and infotainment functionalities. Furthermore, noteworthy features include reworked AC and audio controls, a rotary drive selector, front and rear dash cameras, a heads-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and an updated digital key. Meanwhile, the option to start the vehicle using fingerprint recognition adds an extra layer of security.
Kia has enhanced the MPV’s cabin ambience by employing superior sound insulation materials, ensuring a more serene driving experience. Additionally, passengers can opt for a 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen for an immersive journey.
Additionally, in terms of safety, the facelifted Carnival integrates an updated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, introducing adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and other safety features. The international model comes standard with eight airbags, prioritizing passenger safety.
Kia offers the facelifted Carnival with three powertrain choices: a 3.5-liter petrol engine, a 1.6-liter petrol hybrid, and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. The petrol hybrid powertrain impressively delivers 245 HP and 367 Nm, showcasing Kia’s commitment to offering diverse and powerful engine options. However, we can expect the 2.2-litre diesel unit from the aforementioned options for the India-spec Carnival.
That said, Kia India has already confirmed that the updated Carnival is slated for launch in India sometime next year. The Kia Carnival MPV will be positioned between the Toyota Innova and the Vellfire in the MPV market.
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