Kia has unveiled the facelifted version of its 4th generation Carnival MPV for the first time. It’s set to make its official debut later this year and could find its way to the Indian market. We anticipate that it will be this facelifted variant that Kia will sell here if it decides to launch the new MPV here. Let us take a closer look at what’s what.
Redesigned Exterior: A Departure from Its Predecessor
The Facelifted 4th-gen Kia Carnival showcases a radical transformation from the KA4 MPV exhibited at the Auto Expo earlier this year. It is seen featuring a more upright nose, a broad grille adorned with chrome elements. And L-shaped headlamps with daytime running lights, the Carnival sports an eye-catching exterior design.
The front bumper incorporates a small air intake surrounded by a faux brushed aluminium skid plate. This adds to its rugged appeal. The rear of the vehicle continues the L-shaped theme with tail-lamps connected by an LED light bar. A combination of matte black and chrome accents is also visible on the bumper.
Refreshed Interior and Newer Tech
Inside, the Carnival offers versatile seating options with configurations for 4, 7, and 9 passengers. The cabin boasts a new curved infotainment unit that spans the driver’s side of the dashboard. It sports dual 12.3-inch screens—one serving as the digital instruments display and the other as the infotainment system.
The MPV comes equipped with reworked AC and audio controls, a rotary drive selector, alongwith front and rear dash cameras. While a heads-up display, digital rearview mirror, and ambient lighting along the dashboard are also part of the package. Notably, the vehicle introduces cutting-edge features such as a digital key and fingerprint-enabled ignition.
4th-Gen Carnival Facelift: Comfort and Safety
Kia has focused on improving the overall comfort and safety of the Carnival. The company has enhanced the cabin’s ambience by utilizing superior materials for sound insulation and refining the shock absorbers to enhance ride comfort. In terms of safety, the facelifted Carnival boasts an updated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, now including adaptive cruise control and lane change assist. Additionally, the international model comes standard with eight airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety for occupants.
4th-Gen Carnival Facelift: Three Powertrain Options
The Carnival facelift offers a diverse range of powertrains to cater to different driving preferences. Customers can choose from three options: a potent 3.5-liter petrol engine, a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter petrol hybrid, and a robust 2.2-liter diesel engine. Kia has revealed impressive performance figures for the petrol hybrid variant, generating a total of 245 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque. The carmaker has not yet specific powertrain offerings for India. Kia has emphasized its commitment to introducing the newest and best Carnival model to the Indian market.
4th-Gen Carnival Facelift: Positioning in the MPV Market
Positioned between the Toyota Innova and the Vellfire, the Carnival facelift stands out with no direct rivals. Its distinctive design, advanced technology, and versatile configurations make it a compelling choice for customers seeking a sophisticated and comfortable MPV experience. Kia’s strategic approach ensures that the Carnival remains at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards in the competitive MPV segment.