The fourth-generation Kia Carnival MPV was unveiled with comprehensive upgrades in June 2020. Recently, Tae-Jin Park, Kia India Executive Director and Chief Sales and Business Strategy Officer, said that the company will bring in the new-generation Carnival in India when the time will be right. While he didn’t mention its launch timeline, rumour has it that will arrive sometime next year.
Compared to the current India-spec model, the 2022 Kia Carnival is longer, wider, taller and more spacious. While the former measures 5115mm in length, 1985mm in width and 1755mm in height, the latter is 5155mm long, 1995mm wide and 1775mm tall. The new model sits on a wheelbase of 3090mm, which is 30mm longer than the existing Indian version.
Globally, the new Kia Carnival 2022 is offered with three engine options – 3.5L V6 MPi petrol and a new 2.2L Smartstream and 3.5L GDi V6 Smartstream (top-end variants only). The 3.5L petrol motor makes a top power of 268bhp and 332Nm of torque, while the 2.2L and 3.5L Smartstream units deliver 290bhp with 355Nm and 199bhp with 440Nm respectively. In India, the new-generation Carnival is likely to use the same 2.2L diesel engine pushing out a peak power of 200bhp and 440Nm. Transmission will also remain unchanged – i.e. an 8-speed automatic. Read – 2021 Kia Seltos, Sonet Launching Soon
Unlike the previous generation that has rounded and soft lines, the 2022 Kia Carnival has more angular creases and a squared-off stance. Upfront, the MPV carries Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille with a diamond patter embellished with chrome, high beam headlamp cluster and low beam clusters in narrow housing, LED DELs, chrome finished lower air intake, wrap around turn indicators and a faux skid plate. Its front overhang has been shortened and the A-pillar pushed back to make its bonnet longer. The Limousine variant comes equipped with 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Some of its design highlights include newly-designed LED taillamps connected via a large LED light bar, a faux skid plate and a chrome strip merging into the base of the chrome fin on the C-pillar. Interior of the 2022 Kia Carnival has witnessed some significant changes including a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch instrument console, live telematics information via in-car touchscreen and smartphone, new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature, one-button smart open-and-close for the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate.
