The fourth-generation Kia Carnival, to be introduced in India around festival season this year, has once again been spotted testing on roads, but sans camouflage this time. The Carnival seen here is the facelift of the fourth-gen model that debuted overseas in November 2023 and is a marked step-up from the third-gen model in terms of features, premium feel and road presence.
Since the discontinuation of the third-generation Carnival in June 2023, there’s been a nearly Rs 90 lakh gap in the premium MPV space between the Toyota Innova Hycross (Rs 25.97 lakh-30.98 lakh) and the Toyota Vellfire (Rs 1.20 crore). So, the new Carnival will have plenty of space to fit in.
New Kia Carnival: what do the spy shots reveal?
The test mule of the updated fourth-generation MPV has a more upright nose than the previous-gen Carnival’s, a wide grille with chrome highlights and a vertical headlamp with L-shaped daytime running lamps. The bumper sports a small air intake that’s surrounded by a faux brushed aluminium skid plate.
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The L-shaped theme continues at the rear, with the tail-lamps connected via an LED light bar. Meanwhile, the rear bumper has a mix of matte black plastic and faux silver trim. The side profile is characterised by a large glass house, sliding rear doors and a textured panel around the rear quarter glass. The new Carnival can be seen riding on larger alloys, possibly 18-inch ones.
2024 Kia Carnival: interior and features
Although the spy shots don’t show us the new Carnival’s cabin, it will be quite similar to the global-spec model. It sports a minimalistic theme, with two 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage. The MPV will also get reworked AC and audio controls located below the central screen, a rotary drive selector, front and rear dash cameras, a head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, an updated digital key and ambient lighting along the dashboard. While the MPV comes in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations overseas, it remains to be seen which will be offered in the Indian market.
Kia claims the new Carnival has improved cabin ambience thanks to better materials for sound insulation. Also on offer could be the option of a 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen. In terms of safety, the facelifted Carnival sold overseas has an ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and more. Eight airbags are also standard on the international model.
2024 Kia Carnival: engine and specs
While the Carnival sold internationally has 3.5-litre petrol, 1.6-litre petrol-electric, and 2.2-litre diesel engine options, the model for India is likely to continue with its predecessor’s 201hp, 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit and automatic transmission.
2024 Kia Carnival: price, rivals
The new Carnival is expected to launch in India by September-October this year and could be priced in the range of Rs 26 lakh-35 lakh, ex-showroom, India. It will likely come in via the CKD route, just like its predecessor. Although it will be positioned slightly above the Toyota Innova Hycross, it will still be its closest rival.
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