The Kia Carnival is in the final phase of its local testing in India. Recently, IAB reader Uchit Kumar spotted one of its prototypes on a test. The pre-launch promotions have begun, and the launch is set to take place in January 2020, about a month before Auto Expo 2020.
The Carnival will be Kia's second product for the Indian market after the massive hit Seltos. Select Kia dealerships have reportedly even started accepting pre-bookings for the Carnival.
The international-spec Kia Carnival is present in 7-, 8- and 11-seat versions. The Indian-spec Kia Carnival is said to be sold in 6-, 7- and 8-seating configurations. The teaser video below shows a version with two captain seats in the second row.
The Kia Carnival will be a great option for customers looking to upgrade over their Toyota Innova Crysta or for those seeking a more luxurious and more spacious MPV. It's going to pack a lot of premium comfort and convenience features and advanced safety equipment. All that's going to come at a premium price, though, somewhere between INR 25-30 lakh (ex-showroom).
Internationally, the Kia Carnival is offered with features such as electrically operated rear-sliding doors, captain seats featuring extendable leg rests and armrests, UVO connectivity suite (also featured on Kia Seltos) and a rear-seat entertainment package with 10.1-inch screens, two sunroofs, a large-sized touchscreen infotainment system, three-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function. Not necessarily all the features will be available in India.
Also Read: Kia Seltos get a price hike on 1 January 2020
As for the mechanicals, a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine will be seen powering the Kia Carnival here. This unit will churn out 202 PS and 441 Nm of torque. Internationally, this powertrain is available with a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed MT, but in our market, only the latter will be standard. The Kia Carnival will not have any direct competition in the Indian market anytime soon in the future.
