Forth-gen Carnival is expected to launch by September-October this year.
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival has once again been spotted testing on our roads, this time completely uncamouflaged ahead of its impending launch later this year. The Carnival seen here is the facelift of the fourth-gen model that debuted in November 2023, and is a marked step-up from its predecessor in terms of features, premiumness and road presence.
Since the discontinuation of third-gen Carnival in June 2023, there’s currently a nearly Rs 90 lakh gap in the premium MPV space between the Toyota Innova Hycross (Rs 25.97-30.98 lakh) and the Toyota Vellfire (Rs 1.20 crore), so the new Carnival will have plenty of space to fit in.
New Kia Carnival: what do the spy shots reveal?
The uncamouflaged test mule gives us a clear look at the design highlights of the fourth-gen MPV. It gets a more upright nose, a wide grille and a vertical headlamp with L-shaped daytime running lamps. The grille gets chrome bits, and the bumper gets a small air intake lower down that’s surrounded by a faux brushed aluminium skid plate.
The L-shaped theme continues at the rear with the tail-lamps connected via an LED light bar. Meanwhile, the rear bumper gets a mix of matte black plastic and a faux silver trim. The side profile is characterized by a large glass house, sliding rear doors and decorated trim piece around the rear quarter glass. The new Carnival can be seen riding on larger alloys, possibly 18-inches alloys.
2024 Kia Carnival: interior and features
Although the spy shots do not show us the new Carnival’s cabin, it will be pretty similar to the global-spec model. It sports a minimalistic theme with two 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage. The MPV is also expected to get reworked AC and audio controls located below the central screen, a rotary drive selector, front and rear dash cameras, a head up display, a digital rear view mirror, an updated digital key, and ambient lighting along the dashboard. While the MPV is offered in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations overseas, it remains to be seen which will be offered in the Indian market.
Left-hand drive interior used for representation only.
Kia claims the new Carnival has improved cabin ambience with usage of better materials for sound insulation. Also on offer could be the option of a 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen. In terms of safety, the facelifted Kia Carnival gets an ADAS suite overseas with adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and more. Eight airbags are also standard on the international model.
2024 Kia Carnival: engine and specs
While the Carnival in international markets gets 3.5-litre petrol, 1.6-litre petrol-electric, and 2.2-litre diesel engine options, the model for India is likely to continue with its predecessor’s 201hp, 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit and automatic transmission.
2024 Kia Carnival: price, rivals
The new Carnival is expected to launch in India by September-October this year, and priced could be in the range of Rs 26 lakh-35 lakh, ex-showroom, India. It will likely come in via the CKD route just like its predecessor and although it will be positioned slightly above the Toyota Innova Hycross, it will still be its closest rival.
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