The Kia Grand Carnival was showcased at the recently held Thai Motor Expo 2018. The mid-life facelift for the 11-seater MPV from Kia is on sale in Thailand in a price range of THB 1,622,000 - 2,292,000 (INR 34,77,736 - 49,14,285). Compared to the pre-facelift version, the new model is up to THB 96,000 (INR 205834) more expensive.
The Kia Grand Carnival carries minor revisions on its exterior including new LED projector headlamps, new LED fog lights, an updated grille, new LED tail lights, and a set of new alloy wheels. The updated MPV is available in 9 colour options - Platinum Graphite, Clear White, Bright Silver, Formal Deep Blue, Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Titanium Brown, and Platinum Graphite.
On the inside, the facelift brings in a handful of new features, which include electric parking brake, auto brake hold, wireless phone charger, ventilated seats, rear seats with adjustable lumbar support, memory function for seats, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, double sunroof (front and rear), and LED ambient lighting. The safety net on offer comprises a speed-sensing automatic door lock, blind spot detection, ESC, TCS, ABS with EBD, and six airbags.
The Thai-spec Kia Grand Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine that outputs a maximum power of 197 hp at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 441 Nm at 1,750 - 2,750 rpm. While the pre-facelift model featured a 6-speed automatic transmission, the facelift offers an 8-speed automatic unit. In Thailand, the Grand Carnival rivals the likes of Toyota Alphard and Hyundai H-1.
Also Read: Kia Ceed could be launched in India
The Kia Carnival has been confirmed for the Indian market. In fact, the MPV was even showcased at the Auto Expo in February this year. The India-spec Carnival will offer three rows of seats with a maximum occupancy of 8 seats. It's likely to cost more than INR 22 lakh and could become a more spacious and plusher alternative to the highly successful Toyota Innova Crysta (monthly sales avg between June-November 2017 - 6,391 units).
