Kia Motors has officially released a first teaser image of the new-gen Kia Carnival MPV. The MPV is scheduled to be unveiled in the second half of 2020, around July-August, while the global launch is likely in early 2021. The current generation Carnival was launched in our market in February 2020, which suggests that the new model will take couple of years before arriving in India.
The teaser reveals that the new-gen Kia Carnival will come with all-new design, which is in-line with Kia’s latest models. The new model will be designed and developed on the next-gen N3 platform, which also underpins the new-gen Kia Sorento SUV. First debuted in new Sonata, the new N3 platform is compatible to accommodate different body styles and engine options.
The teaser shows that the new-gen Kia Carnival will have squat stance with large wheels and clean lines. The company calls the new design language as ‘Symphonic architecture’. It features the signature Tiger nose grille with chrome elements and LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. The blackened pillars and floating roof give it a premium look. There is a strong shoulder line that runs across the length starting from the front and merges in the rear lights.
The new-gen Kia Carnival is reportedly to be around 40mm longer and 10mm wider than the current model. The wheelbase will be increased by 30mm to 3,090mm. The increase in dimensions will make it more spacious than the previous model.
Previous media reports claim that Kia Motors will also introduce the 4-seater version of the Carnival MPV. The lower-spec variants will come with up to 11 seats and will target the tour operators. The top-spec model will be positioned as a premium model and could be pitched as an alternative to model to the Toyota Vellfire. The 4-seat version will have fully adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row.
Going by the previous media reports, it is visible that the new-gen Kia Carnival will have all-new interior. The MPV is likely to share the design and features from the new Sorento SUV. It will have massive touchscreen infotainment system and instrument console. The MPV will have new door handles, new air-con vents, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and new seats.
The next-gen Kia Carnival MPV will be powered by the updated version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine that powers the existing model. The MPV is also expected to receive a new 208bhp, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Kia Carnival. The hybrid version could receive a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain.
