Kia PH to release new Carnival

MANILA: ACMobility’s stance on bringing in new vehicles to the country continues to be aggressive as it will again unveil a new vehicle this month.

Based on the invitation sent to Zigwheels Philippines, Ayala Corporation’s mobility arm will launch a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) under the Kia brand on September 20 — and it will likely be the updated version of the Carnival. 

“Later this month, Kia Philippines is launching an update of its longest-running nameplate in the country–a family favorite that will don premium, stylish, and tech-advanced features that are aligned with the latest Kia brand imagery,” the Korean automaker’s local arm stated.

To recall, the conglomerate announced that it is set to unveil the BYD Seagull within the month. 

While waiting for the Ayala-led distributor to share specifics about the upcoming model, here are some bits of information about the model as seen overseas.

Revealed at the 2024 Chicago Auto Show last February, the spruced-up MPV maintains the sport-utility-vehicle look with the updated “Opposites United” design language as expressed by the chiseled front fascia, cube-like headlamps as well as the marque’s signature amber-colored Star Map daytime running lights.

At the rear, the vehicle's license plate housing was repositioned to the lower part of the tailgate for a polished appearance complemented by the overall tail lamp design. It rides on 17-19-inch wheels, depending on the trim available.

In markets abroad, the new Kia Carnival is equipped with a curved panoramic dual-display made up of two 12.3-inch screens (digital gauge cluster and infotainment system), seven standard USB-C ports, two power outlets, and two 115-volt inverters.

The forthcoming vehicle’s cabin is expected to retain the slide-flex seating configuration and the nearly 4,108 liters of space.

In terms of engine, we are expecting that the vehicle will still have the potent Smartstream 2.2-liter in-line four pot common rail direct inject diesel mill that can deliver 200 horsepower and 440 Newton-meters of torque .

However, the model's 1.6-liter turbo-hybrid gasoline mill paired with a 54-kilowatt motor option seen at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show is also a considerable option.

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