New Kia Carnival will come to India as a CBU import

Kia Motors is gearing up to introduce the latest iteration of the Carnival MPV in India by October. The model headed to India is the facelifted version, previously showcased at the Auto Expo as the KA4. Here are the key details:

• Imported as a CBU: Initially, the new Carnival will be imported as a completely built unit (CBU). Local assembly is expected to commence at a later date.
• Expected Pricing: Due to heavy import taxes, the Carnival’s prices are anticipated to start around INR 50-60 lakh. Some dealers even hint at a starting price of approximately INR 60 lakh. Despite this, the MPV will remain an affordable alternative to luxury MPVs like the Toyota Vellfire which also comes as an import.
• Powertrain: The Indian model is likely to continue with the same 201hp, 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine available in the previous generation.
• Advanced Features: As part of the facelift, the new Carnival boasts features such as 12.3-inch displays, a rotary drive selector, and multiple seating configurations (7-, 9-, and 11-seater options).
• Delivery Timeline: Dealers expect deliveries to commence before Diwali, following the October launch.

Design

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.

Interior and Other Advanced Features

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.

Also Read: MY25 Kia Carens facelift continues extensive road testing