In contrast to the Seltos, the Kia Carnival has been around for quite some time. It is an acclaimed premium minivan known as the ‘Sedona’ in the worldwide market. The Carnival debuted in India as a completely knocked-down kit. This automobile has all of the characteristics of a benchmark multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), but due to its expensive price and Kia’s relative inexperience in the Indian market, MPV consumers were discouraged from purchasing it. However, with the debut of the Carnival, Kia was able to establish itself as a premium brand in India.
What’s new
The Kia Carnival is a luxury MUV with big and comfy interiors. It boasts a powerful and intimidating exterior appearance, with a wide grille and sharp lines that set it apart on the road. The Carnival is available in both 7 and 8-seater variants, making it ideal for large families or groups. It comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, and various airbags for safety. The Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces a maximum output of 200 PS and is paired with an eight-speed automated transmission. Overall, the Kia Carnival is a high-quality and practical MPV suitable for extended voyages and family road trips.
| Ex Showroom Price | From ₹ 25.97 Lakh Onward |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Mileage | 14.11 KM/L |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Boot Space | 540L |
| Class | MUV |
| Fuel Capacity | 60L |
| Base Model | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Top Model | Carnival Limousine Plus 7VIP STR |
| Similar Models | Toyota Vellfire, Mercedes-Benz V-Class |
Kia Carnival Price
Kia Carnival is likely to cost between Rs 35-40 lakh and will provide D+ class SUV customers with a practical people mover. Several entry-level SUVs from the luxury manufacturer don’t seem as SUV-like as the new KA4, so some purchasers may prefer this sliding-rear-door MPV over them as well. And, as is customary, the next-generation Carnival KA4 will tick all of the boxes that the present Carnival has previously checked, including being feature-rich and having a large street presence.
| Variants | Expected Price |
| Carnival Premium 7 STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 24.95 Lakh |
| Carnival Premium 8 STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automati | ₹ 25.15 Lakh |
| Carnival Prestige 9 STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 29.95 Lakh |
| Carnival Prestige 6 STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 29.99 Lakh |
| Carnival Prestige 7 STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 30.49 Lakh |
| Carnival Limousine 7VIP STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 32.99 Lakh |
| Carnival Limousine Plus 7VIP STR 2199 CC, Diesel, 13.9 KM/L, Automatic | ₹ 34.99 Lakh |
Safety Equipment
The Kia Carnival includes airbags, side airbags, passenger airbags, and a child safety lock. The car’s extensive safety systems assure the safety of both the driver and the passengers. The automobile includes six airbags as well as rear and front parking sensors. It also includes a hill start aid and electronic stability control. Furthermore, the car comes equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake and all four disc brakes, as well as a parking camera, among other features.
Driving experience
The Kia Carnival is a large vehicle, and it is difficult to ignore the length and width of the MPV. However, once sat in the driver’s seat, the extension disappears. It progresses gradually rather than with an explosion of strength. This vehicle can effectively navigate uneven and difficult terrains. The transmission is well-calibrated, with deferral best perceived between 80 and 100 mph. Pacing slowly may be uncomfortable.
Performance
The Kia Carnival is powered by a four-cylinder 2.2 L diesel engine that produces 200 bhp of maximum power at 3800 rpm and 440 Nm of peak torque between 1500-2750 rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed transmission, which is usually an automatic torque converter. The power steadily builds up in a fairly linear fashion. While the diesel engine chugs along nicely, it lacks the unit’s oomph yet does not feel underpowered. The gearbox is more responsive at lower speeds and performs best when cruising on highways or in the city.
Interior
The Kia Carnival’s comfort is evident from the moment a person steps inside the car, and it is even possible to adjust the driver’s seat electrically, allowing the driver to get an excellent view of the road. The car features an 8-inch infotainment system, which is located in the center, and the driver can access anything from navigation to climate control, radio, vehicle telematics, and so on.
The car also includes cruise control, steering-mounted controls, one-touch entry for the back doors, and, most notably, wireless charging. In addition, the top model includes a Harman Kardon sound system. The Carnival, like the Seltos, has UVO Connected Tech, which includes a remote engine start option that can be controlled with a smartwatch or a smartphone.
mileage
The Kia Carnival’s quoted mileage is roughly 14 km, which is reasonable for a large MPV.
Design
The Kia Carnival’s design exudes sophistication and elegance. The tiger-nose grille is emblematic of the South Korean manufacturer’s family, although the overall finish is a bit boring. The chrome accent added to the grille complements the MPV’s premium look. The vehicle’s sweeping hood, located just above the grille, complements the huge headlamp section, which contains a projector lens and DRLs. The Carnival’s black C-pillar is a wonderful addition that adds an SUV-like look to the traditional MPV. The basic rear bumper and false skid plate in the front part contribute to the car’s brawny appearance, making it primarily urban while being a large MPV.
Tech and infotainment
The Kia Carnivals comes with a range of appealing technological features, including
- Airbags
- Hill Assist
- ABS
- Central Locking
- Rear Wiper
- Automatic Headlamp
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- Passenger Airbags
- Electronic Stability Program
- Cornering Lights
- Child Safety Lock
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Side Airbags
- Engine Immobiliser
- Brake Assist
- Turn Indicators on ORVM
- Power Door Lock
Value for money?
Despite its exorbitant price of nearly 33 lakhs, the Kia Carnival is still a worthwhile purchase, owing to its extensive feature set. The top variations are superior in terms of features, particularly safety features. Overall, it is a secure and capacious vehicle with cutting-edge technology that represents excellent value for money.
Pros
- Captain seats in the limousine variant are a must-buy.
- Great Ride Quality
- Diesel-Automatic Combination Is Grea
Cons
- Poor Safety On Lower Variants
- Low Ground Clearance
- 9-Seater Variant Offers Little Practicality
Which Variant to buy?
Because the price difference between the base and top variants is about 9 Lakh, it is critical to choose which variant is ideal. The standard variant is well-equipped with a variety of novelties that the driver can utilize daily.
However, the lower variants of the Kia Carnival do not include as many safety measures, which is its only shortcoming. It only has two airbags, no rollover protection, no traction control, and no front parking sensor, which is unacceptable for a car costing Rs. 25 lakhs.
Verdict
The Carnival arrives in India as a Completely Knocked Down kit, and while it has all the makings of a standard MPV, its higher price tag, along with the fact that Kia is still a relatively new brand, is causing many MPV buyers to avoid the product. That being said, it is unquestionably a solid product, and if you are looking for a large, expensive, chauffeur-driven vehicle that can also serve as a family car or a mobile office, the Kia Carnival is a must-have.
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