Kia, like Hyundai, will also have multiple products on display at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023. The Korean carmaker will showcase the new generation of the Carnival MPV, the EV9 SUV concept and the Sorento SUV. Kia India has confirmed that there will be a total of ten models on display at the Auto Expo.
- New Kia Carnival gets three seating layouts
- Kia EV9 concept previews an SUV as large as the Range Rover
- Kia had previously shown the Sorento at Auto Expo 2018
New Kia Carnival gets SUV-inspired styling, bigger dimensions
Kia will showcase the fourth generation of the Carnival MPV (codenamed KA4), two years after its international debut. Compared with the existing third-generation Carnival, which is on sale in India, the fourth-gen model adopts a more SUV-like look, thanks to its angular lines and squared-off stance. The design highlights include a diamond-patterned ‘Tiger Nose’ grille – flanked by sleek headlights – and a prominent character line on the side, which runs the entire length of the MPV.
On the inside, the new Carnival features a more minimalistic design with two 12.3-inch displays – one for the infotainment and the other for the instrument cluster. Kia has further upped the practicality game with more storage spaces.
At 5,156mm in length, the new Carnival is longer than before, and significantly longer than the recently launched Toyota Innova Hycross. The MPV has a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, translating into more space for rear rows. In terms of seating layouts, globally, the new Carnival is offered in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations.
Equipment-wise, the MPV is expected to be loaded with features like powered front seats, wireless charger and ADAS tech. Like the existing model, the new Carnival, when it is launched in India, will be powered by a diesel engine.
Kia EV9 Concept previews brand’s flagship SUV
Kia has also confirmed that it will showcase the EV9 electric-SUV concept at the event. Globally revealed in November 2021, at the LA Motor Show, the EV9 concept previews Kia’s flagship all-electric SUV which will be almost as large as the Range Rover.
The concept features a rugged look and an evolved version of Kia’s signature front grille, which has gone digital and allowed for a new air-vent design at the front. This has helped reduce frontal mass and improve the SUV’s aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, the front ducts feature solar panels to charge the battery, while the large 22-inch alloy wheels are designed to further improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Sorento is Kia’s answer to Skoda Kodiaq
Kia will also be showcasing the three-row Sorento SUV at the expo. Currently in its fourth generation, which was globally unveiled in early 2020, the Sorento is essentially a cousin to the Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Sorento gets Kia’s signature grille that merges the three-pod headlamps with ‘tiger-eyeline’ LED DRLs. In contrast, the front bumper is smoothly sculpted and houses a large central air intake. In profile, the Sorento has a typical tall and upright SUV stance that’s accentuated by flared wheel arches and it gets vertical LED tail-lamps and a sharply sculpted tailgate at the rear.
On the inside, the dashboard of the Sorento resembles the Sonet. It gets a high-mounted 10.25-inch central infotainment screen with vertical AC vents and a stack of HVAC controls positioned below. Like in the Sonet, the infotainment screen is connected to the instrument binnacle that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Kia has also given plenty of physical buttons, a rotary dial, a drive selector lever and plenty of storage.
Globally, the Sorento is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engine options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Although launch is not confirmed just yet, Kia will likely showcase the model to gauge customer interest in the three-row SUV. This, however, is not the first appearance of the SUV in India, as Kia had previously showcased the third-gen Sorento at the Auto Expo in 2018. If launched, it will take on the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Jeep Meridian.
In addition to these unveilings, Kia will also have multiple zones highlighting the latest in technology.
