4th-gen Kia Carnival comes in 7-, 8-, and 11-seater trims

MANILA: Kia has unveiled the all-new Carnival that is literally bigger, better, roomier, and for the first time ditches the minivan look for a more contemporary SUV-inspired design.

Dubbed as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ it features a shorter front overhang, with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer hood. It has increased wheelbase, a new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof and an eye-catching new C-pillar signature design with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern.

“The design of the new Carnival presents a concept focusing on two essential points. First, as a minivan with a great exterior design that feels like a premium SUV; second, maximized interior space satisfying our customers' needs, and maybe even surprising them with more intuitive and positive experiences. The new Carnival’s design has a great sense of solidity with a stable stance and powerful proportions. Detailed and futuristic elements further amplify its confident presence. We believe the all-new Carnival will be a fantastic looking vehicle and a great partner to our customers’ lives,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. 

The cabin is based on the concept of ‘Spatial Talents’ as seen in the roominess. Depending on market, it can either come in a three- or four-row seating configurations, with space for seven, eight or 11 occupants in total and comes with best-in-class luggage space. The seven-seater offers the ‘Premium Relaxation Seat’ for second-row occupants, with adjustable back-, arm- and leg-rests, and a one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode that automatically reclining and adjusting the seats for maximum comfort on a longer drive.  It features Kia’s latest 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. New to the Carnival is the ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature that allows front passengers to check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system. It also comes with Safe Exit Assist technology that prevents the power-sliding rear doors from opening - and young passengers exiting the vehicle - if the system detects a car approaching from behind on either side.

 The new Carnival is powered by two of Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies. The first is a 3.5L GDi (gasoline direct injection) V6 producing up to 290 HP and 355 Nm torque and a detuned version with 268 HP and 332 Nm torque. The other is a 2.2L ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine 200 HP and 440 Nm torque. All engines are paired as standard with eight-speed automatic transmissions. It comes with a new fully independent suspension system and a range of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). In front is a new multi-skeletal cross-member and new geometry, better distributing lateral loads on the front suspension from cornering to stabilize handling. The body is also mounted to the rear section of the cross member with new hydro bushes, with liquid inside the rubber bushes reducing the level of suspension and engine vibrations transmitted to the body. The rear suspension has longer lower suspension arms and revised spring layout working to better manage changes in the road surface. A new column-mounted motor-driven power steering set-up provides a slightly more direct response to steering inputs, with a 5.6% quicker steering ratio.  

The Carnival is fitted with up to seven airbags, as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems. All models are equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Electronic Stability Control, helping drivers maintain control under braking and cornering.

“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle. The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world. It improves the quality, versatility and usability of its predecessors, while making travel far more relaxing and more enjoyable for families. With a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies to provide owners greater value in their daily lives, the new model solidifies Kia’s role in the minivan segment. It is a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ that sets a new standard for MPVs,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.

Photos from Kia

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