2024 Kia Carnival Spied Without Camouflage: A New Chapter In Luxury MPVs In India

Updated: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 14:21 [IST]

The eagerly awaited fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV is set to make its grand entrance into the Indian market around the festival season, marking a significant upgrade over its predecessor. This upcoming premium MPV has been spotted on Indian roads without any camouflage, revealing its design and features.

Speaking about the upcoming fourth-gen Kia Carnival, the MPV made its global debut back in November 2023. Furthermore, the launch of this model promises to fill a substantial gap in the premium MPV segment in the country.

Design & Features

The spy shots of the fourth-gen Kia Carnival showcase notable upgrades in design and aesthetics. It exhibits a more vertical nose, complemented by a wide grille adorned with chrome highlights and vertical headlamps featuring L-shaped daytime running lamps. The presence of a faux brushed aluminium skid plate adds to its premium look.

The LED light bar connecting the tail-lamps and the mix of matte black plastic and faux silver trim on the rear bumper enhances the vehicle's rear profile. The side view reveals a large glass house, sliding rear doors, and a textured panel around the rear quarter glass, with the vehicle riding on possibly larger, 18-inch alloys.

Inside, the Carnival is expected to mirror the global-spec model, boasting a minimalistic interior with dual 12.3-inch displays, re AC and audio controls, a rotary drive selector, and advanced tech including front and rear dash cameras, a head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, an updated digital key, and ambient lighting.

The MPV's cabin ambience is said to have improved with superior sound insulation materials and potentially, a 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen. While the seating configuration for the Indian market remains to be confirmed, options include 7-, 9-, and 11-seat layouts.

Engine Specs & Safety Features

The 2024 Kia Carnival is expected to continue with the 198.25bhp, 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an automatic transmission, as seen in its predecessor. Safety has been a major focus, with the international model featuring an ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and more, alongside standard eight airbags.

Market Position & Price Range

Slated for a launch in India by September-October 2024, the new Carnival will be priced between Rs 26 lakh and Rs 35 lakh, ex-showroom, India. Arriving via the CKD route, it will position itself slightly above the Toyota Innova Hycross, making it a direct competitor in the premium MPV space.

DriveSpark Thinks

This launch is particularly significant as it aims to plug the nearly Rs 90 lakh gap created by the discontinuation of its third-gen model, offering a premium alternative between the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Toyota Vellfire.

The Kia Carnival's latest iteration is set to enhance its road presence and appeal to Indian families and luxury transport providers, promising a blend of comfort, style, and advanced technology.