After halting the previous generation in March 2023, Kia has introduced the fourth-generation Carnival, priced at Rs 63.90 lakh ex-showroom. This premium MPV has raised eyebrows with its state-of-the-art features and substantial price hike. Let’s see why it’s a unique vehicle.
Kia Carnival: Gigantic Proportions
The new Kia Carnival is an immense vehicle, boasting an overall length of 5,155 mm and a 3,090 mm wheelbase. Available in a single variant, the Limousine Plus, it comes in two color options: Fusion Black and Glacier White Pearl. Though it retains its MPV design, Kia has enhanced the exterior, making the Carnival look more robust.
The prominent character lines on the bonnet, L-shaped LED DRLs, and vertically stacked LED cube-shaped headlights provide a larger-than-life road presence. The all-black Tiger Nose grille with chrome studs and chrome-finished front bumper with LED fog lamps add to its striking appearance.
The side profile highlights the Carnival’s massive length, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a character line cutting across the door panels above the handles. To add flair, the electric-powered sliding door’s C-pillar sports a thick metal slab. The L-shaped connected LED tail lights resemble those of the Seltos. The Carnival offers 627 litres of cargo space with the third row up.
Kia Carnival: Cabin
The new fourth-generation Kia Carnival no longer offers multiple seating options, instead featuring a 2+2+3 layout. The second row boasts Captain Seats, akin to thrones, which can slide front and back as well as side to side using manual levers. Despite their size making them slightly cumbersome to move, the left-to-right movement creates additional space, enhancing accessibility to the last row for adults.
These Captain Seats resemble Lazy Boy couches with full recline and ottoman support for ultimate leg comfort. Additionally, the front passenger seat can be adjusted from the second row, and its cushion can be angled for better thigh support.
The Kia Carnival offers 3-zone climate control, adjustable by the second-row passengers, with the control panel placed behind the driver’s seat due to its global left-hand drive design. The third row further enhances the Carnival’s appeal, providing ample headroom and legroom for two adults and a child. These seats are supportive and comfortable, featuring two Type-C charging ports, window blinders, and roof-mounted air conditioning vents.
The Carnival’s entry and exit are exceptionally convenient, especially for children and elderly parents, thanks to the effortlessly operated sliding doors. Additionally, a side step adds to the MPV’s practicality. With these enhancements, the Kia Carnival continues to redefine comfort and convenience in the MPV segment.
Kia Carnival: Features
The dashboard has several layers of materials including leather and houses a curved twin 12.3-inch display. The infotainment is not only snazzy to look at, it is responsive and easy to use. The switchable digital control panel doubles up as an air condition or the infotainment touch buttons. It also comes with Type-C slots, a wireless phone charger, cup holders, a in-built storage space in the arm rest and a new shift-by-wire dial. It also has an 11-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose music system.
In terms of safety, the Carnival is equipped with Level 2 ADAS with over 10 autonomous functions, 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control with Hill Assist Control, tyre pressure monitoring system and parking sensors at the front, side and rear.
Kia Carnival: How does it drive?
The Carnival roars to life with its 2.2-litre diesel engine, boasting 190 bhp and a hefty 441 Nm of torque. It comes in one powertrain in India, paired with an 8-speed automatic torque converter. The torque range ensures this beast always has enough oomph to accelerate smoothly. Sure, the diesel engine might be a bit vocal, and a tad more NVH insulation wouldn’t hurt—after all, the Carnival is now hobnobbing in the luxury segment.
The real showstopper here is the Carnival’s ride quality. The suspension set-up is phenomenal in that it manages to practically levitate over any bumps, making you feel like you’re on a magic carpet ride. One could easily drift off to sleep, with rude awakenings being a rare occurrence.
The Carnival has swapped out its hydraulic steering wheel for an electric one, making it feel like you’re driving a feather instead of a leviathan! Navigating the urban jungle’s start-stop traffic is now a breeze. With this practical upgrade, you can steer with ease
Kia Carnival: Is it worth buying?
With a whopping price tag of Rs 63.90 lakh ex-showroom, the new Carnival is like that extravagant dessert you absolutely must try—pricey, but completely worth-it. No other vehicle offers the same blend of cutting-edge technology, safety, luxury, and comfort. Sure, you could aim for the Toyota Vellfire if you’ve got a spare Rs 1.22 crore lying around, or go budget-friendly with the Innova Hycross, starting from Rs 26 lakh to Rs 31 lakh.
Yes, the new Carnival’s price might leave you gawking at your screen compared to the previous generation’s sub Rs 35 lakh cost. But when you factor in all the features this new-gen Carnival packs in, it offers a five-star experience like no other for that price.
