New Kia Carnival worth, colors, options, efficiency, check drive evaluation – Introduction

To say the Kia Carnival was a high-risk, high-reward product could be an understatement as huge because the MPV itself. On the time of its launch in February 2020, the model had solely been in India for six months, and although its first product, the Seltos, was a runaway success, Kia was but to develop into a family identify. 

To then launch a premium diesel MPV positioned above the near-untouchable Toyota Innova Crysta, and that too with an funding in native meeting? It sounded loopy. Certain, it bought nowhere close to as many models as the remainder of Kia’s merchandise (or the Innova), averaging about 3,600 models a 12 months, however it carved a distinct segment for itself deep sufficient to warrant a sequel.

Maybe not many knew that the 2020 Carnival for India was actually a 2014 mannequin globally (Gen 3: YP) that was on the finish of its life; in actual fact, the following mannequin (Gen 4: KA4) was concurrently occurring sale in different markets. However, the YP lived on in India till April 2023, when it succumbed to the BS6 Section II emissions norms. 

Nevertheless, slightly than simply launching the KA4 (it was proven on the 2023 Auto Expo) instantly, Kia opted to attend till it obtained a facelift so India would get the most recent mannequin potential and never lag the remainder of the world like final time, and that’s the automotive you see right here.

2024 Kia Carnival colors, dimensions, exterior design

Historical past lesson over, let’s speak concerning the new Carnival, whose primary premise hasn’t modified a lot. It’s nonetheless a large automobile, at 5,155mm lengthy, 1,995mm large and 1,775mm tall, with an E-class-like 3,090mm wheelbase, that are positive aspects of simply 40mm, 10mm, 20mm and 30mm, respectively, over the earlier automotive. 

It carves a silhouette just like the earlier automotive, even utilizing the precise dimension of wheels – 18 inches, with a set of chunky tyres. Look carefully, and also you’ll discover the bonnet is longer, taller and extra horizontal, whereas the entrance overhang is 20mm shorter and the rear overhang 30mm longer, all of which give it barely extra SUV-like proportions. 

Wheel dimension at 18 inches is precisely the identical because the earlier Carnival. 

Since this design is a facelift of a technology leap, the main points are far faraway from the earlier automotive and in step with the most recent Kias. The ‘Tiger Nostril’ grille is large, and hovering above it are LED strips that be part of the tall, slim headlamps pushed out to the very sides of the nostril. Lighting is by way of distinguished ‘ice dice’ LED projector components stacked vertically, and even the fog lamps on the base of the bumper look related. Spot the radar component within the centre of the air dam.

To interrupt the monotony of the slabby sides is a vertical dappled brushed silver trim piece, in addition to a black component between the doorways. Sadly, the uncovered rail over the rear wheel arch for the sliding rear door returns and is an eyesore, as is the massive hole below the ground (for a similar objective), which you’ll see once you open the door. 

Horizontal strip connecting the rear lights assist intensify the width of the MPV. 

The rear, just like the entrance, adopts slim vertical LEDs joined by a skinny horizontal strip, highlighting the added width, whereas a brushed steel trim component within the bumper provides some character. The rear wiper, in the meantime, is hidden below the spoiler when not in use. 

By the way, the powered tailgate opening is wider than earlier than, giving even higher entry to the mammoth 627-litre boot – that’s with all of the seats in place, by the way in which, due to a deep underfloor storage as earlier than, and Kia says it should maintain 4 giant suitcases. Fold every little thing down, and also you’re taking a look at 2,900 litres of area. 

Deep underfloor helps unlock some extra storage within the boot. 

The 2024 Kia Carnival is obtainable in simply two colors – Fusion Black and Glacier White Pearl – as that, the model says, made up the majority of the earlier automotive’s gross sales. A small trace on the goal demographic, if you’ll.

2024 Kia Carnival inside area and luxury

The place the earlier mannequin supplied 7-, 8-, or 9-seat configurations, the brand new Kia Carnival solely is available in top-spec Limousine+ spec, with seven seats in a 2-2-3 format. This was by far the most well-liked format within the earlier mannequin, owing to consumers primarily buying it for second-row use. 

The pair of huge captain’s chairs slide forwards and backwards manually, requiring some muscle to maneuver their bulk; that’s simpler carried out as soon as seated. In addition they slide left to proper, however that is really a practical requirement slightly than a cool gimmick, because it may appear. With seats of their outermost place, you may have ‘entry mode’, putting them nearer to the doorways but additionally creating a spot between them to entry the third row – the one entry out there. Nevertheless, on this mode, their fore-and-aft motion is restricted, so to entry their full potential, they need to be pushed inward to the centre.

Center row captain chairs slide forwards and backwards in addition to left to proper. 

With this carried out, you may slide it just a few inches additional again and some extra nonetheless in case you fold the third row away. And having them within the centre means they don’t foul with the third-row armrests, so you may totally recline the backrest and lengthen the ottoman with enough area to stretch out. For nonetheless extra space, there’s a ‘boss mode’ to maneuver the entrance passenger seat ahead. 

There’s even some top adjustment on the second row, and you’ll range the seat base angle to an virtually comical stage. These features, together with the recline and ottoman, are actually powered, however the controls are oddly positioned on the internal facet of the squabs, making them tough to achieve when the seats are pushed collectively.

There’s a number of adjustability for the second-row, together with a powered ottoman.

By way of creature comforts, the second row as soon as once more will get its personal separate sunroof; the seats are heated and ventilated; there are guide window shades; and there’s a pair of USB-C chargers, unusually positioned within the seat backs of the primary row. The cup holders, too, are between the entrance seats, so if in case you have the second row slid again, you gained’t be capable to attain them. 

There’s a third local weather zone for the second and third rows, however the AC controls are as soon as once more oddly positioned on the precise facet of the roof, above the driving force’s seat, and also you solely get 4 small roof-mounted AC vents. That stated, cooling didn’t appear to be an issue throughout our drive.

The third row is a three-seat bench, which feels tight for 3 adults however excellent for 2, although the location of the seat belts would possibly limit you. The headroom is respectable; you may recline the backrest, and with the sheer vary of fore and aft sliding for the second row, legroom could be both too little or an entire lot. So, so long as the center seats are stored upright, there could be enough area for all.

Third-row is a three-seat bench, however greatest just for two adults

The entrance seats are huge and cozy, although a bit of agency within the higher again space. They’re ventilated and heated, with 12-way energy adjustment and reminiscence operate for the driving force.

2024 Kia Carnival options and security

Very similar to with the outside, the cabin design and format really feel like the largest leap ahead for the Carnival. Whereas the earlier one was well-built, decently kitted out and sensible, its look was decidedly last-generation. This one elevates issues in each space, with the identical futuristic design as all trendy Kias.

Dashboard is in step with newest Kias and materials high quality is absolutely good.

There’s a clear and horizontal format to the sprint, accentuated by the strip of ambient lighting on the passenger facet and the slim AC vents within the centre. Under these, you’ll discover a context-sensitive contact panel that switches between HVAC and audio controls, which seems cool however is irritating to make use of in a rush. 

Additional down is a large central console that basically highlights the area between driver and passenger, and it’s put to good use with an enormous storage bin, wi-fi charging tray, USB-C ports and enormous cup holders. The gear lever has made means for a crystalline rotary selector that appears and feels upmarket.

Switchable HVAC and audio controls are irritating to make use of in a rush.

In reality, that sensation is simply enhanced by glorious materials high quality throughout and beneficiant use of soft-touch supplies, typical of a contemporary Kia. A very high-quality contact is the row of metallic toggle switches for seat heating and air flow and some different features.

The dual 12.3-inch curved display array feels bang updated with its free-standing and hood-free design, and the graphics particularly make it look techy and state-of-the-art. Contact sensitivity and smoothness aren’t up there with the most effective within the business and are about the identical as you’ll discover in a Seltos; some would possibly count on extra at this worth. 

12.3-inch touchscreen seems slick and techy, and packs in a variety of performance.

The 12-speaker Bose audio system fills up the massive cabin properly, whereas different function highlights embody ADAS with Stage 2 autonomous functionality, eight airbags, a heads-up show, and powered, sliding rear doorways that may be operated from the deal with, the driving force’s seat and even the important thing fob.

2024 Kia Carnival mileage, experience consolation and driving impressions

The adjustments to the mechanical make-up may appear nonexistent at first look, however there are just a few vital ones. For example, the engine would possibly nonetheless be a 2.2-litre diesel, however it’s an all-new unit that, crucially, strikes from a cast-iron block to an aluminium one. The steering, in the meantime, makes use of digital energy help slightly than hydraulic, which is one other huge distinction.

2.2-litre diesel engine now makes use of an aluminium block as an alternative of a cast-iron block.

Energy and torque are literally decrease, at 193hp and 441Nm, and whereas Kia didn’t quote a determine, the kerb weight will little question have gone up. It doesn’t seem to have affected the driving character an excessive amount of, although, and the Carnival’s powertrain stays unhurried however ample; Kia quotes a 0-100kph time of 10.7 seconds. 

The 8-speed torque-converter computerized, too, isn’t essentially the most keen, and that’s simply as effectively in an enormous MPV, however its reluctance to kick down a gear rapidly for an overtake could be annoying once you want it in a rush. There’s a sport mode and paddle shifters, too, however you’ll seldom end up utilizing them.

Whereas the apparent good thing about the aluminium diesel engine is weight discount, the unlucky facet impact is bigger engine noise. And although not loud and clattery like that of an Innova Crysta, it’s one thing a premium automobile at this worth level ought to do with out.

New Carnival’s efficiency is unhurried however ample.

Kia has admirably caught to its huge diesel powerplant at a time when many are switching to petrol or hybrid, and other than robust pulling energy on the freeway, its different benefit in an enormous automotive is gas economic system. The Kia Carnival’s gas economic system is rated at 14.85kpl by ARAI, however even in our day of hectic driving and capturing, we managed a good 10.9kpl.

Experience consolation can also be vital in a chauffeur-driven automotive like this, and the brand new Carnival largely delivers. It was a sensible selection to stay to the identical dimension of wheels and their chunky 235/60 R18 tyres, as they do present a level of cushioning to the experience. General, although, it affords a stable and secure experience at excessive pace, with some harshness over bigger bumps.

Experience high quality is stable and secure, with some harshness over bigger bumps.

The brand new electrical energy steering (EPS) makes this huge MPV very simple to manoeuvre at low speeds, and even when making lane adjustments on the freeway, it provides a level of confidence to the driving force. That stated, the earlier hydraulic unit wasn’t noticeably heavy or cumbersome, significantly in comparison with that of an Innova Crysta.

2024 Kia Carnival worth and verdict

With the generation-and-a-half leap that the Kia Carnival has taken, the advances over its predecessor are clear to see. It’s most evident within the options and tech, which now really feel modern and proper up there with the most effective. The up to date look, which is trendy and even a bit rugged, additionally provides to the enchantment. 

For all of the updates, nonetheless, the fundamental proposition stays the identical: that of an expensive MPV that pampers the chauffeur-driven proprietor within the center row with huge area and the flexibility to stretch out whereas additionally offering area for 3 extra within the again and many baggage.

As such, then, its worth of Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom), a leap of Rs 20 lakh (it’s domestically assembled as earlier than), feels extreme. The actual fact is that MPVs are gaining higher acceptance as fascinating luxurious transport; Kia, as a model, has grown in stature, and consumers are prepared to spend extra. And Kia has chosen to benefit from it. There’s a spot between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1 crore (bookended by two very succesful hybrid Toyotas), and whereas the outdated Carnival was positioned on the decrease finish of this area, it’s now moved as much as the center.  

Carnival delivers in spades as a chauffeur-driven automobile, however the worth hike feels extreme.

On paper, the updates may not appear to justify it, however the reality is persons are prepared to spend for the premium chauffeur-driven expertise, as evidenced by the three,000-plus bookings the brand new Carnival has acquired since launch, regardless of its worth. And in relation to delivering that have, there’s little question the brand new Carnival has obtained the products.

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