Kia has officially launched the 2024 Carnival in India, building on the anticipation it generated after showcasing the KA4 concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The new Kia Carnival is a bold statement in the luxury MPV segment, with an exterior design that exudes presence and premium appeal, combined with a host of advanced features and safety technology. Here’s a closer look at the Carnival’s key highlights.
Bold and Commanding
The 2024 Kia Carnival has undergone a complete redesign, giving it an imposing road presence. At the front, a large, intricately detailed grille grabs attention, surrounded by chrome accents that highlight the Carnival’s premium positioning. The grille is flanked by striking L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that seamlessly integrate with vertically stacked LED headlamps, offering both style and enhanced visibility.
The Carnival’s bonnet features bold character lines that add a sense of muscle, reinforcing its powerful stance. Moving to the sides, the wheel arches are more pronounced, giving the MPV a more dynamic and robust appearance. A deep character line runs along the length of the vehicle, emphasizing its sleek proportions while enhancing its aerodynamic profile.
Adding to the convenience of rear passengers, the Carnival features sliding doors, a hallmark of premium MPVs, which makes entering and exiting effortless, especially in tight spaces. Dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels complement the Carnival’s modern look, and the chrome-finished C-pillar lends a metallic sheen to the side profile, providing a premium touch.
At the rear, the Carnival is just as eye-catching. Connected LED tail lamps stretch across the width of the vehicle, contributing to a futuristic and cohesive design. The chrome finish on the rear bumper adds a refined edge, ensuring that the Carnival looks as premium from the back as it does from the front.
A Tech-Laden, Luxurious Cabin
Step inside the 2024 Kia Carnival, and you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that sets a new benchmark for luxury MPVs. The dashboard is dominated by a sleek, dual 12.3-inch display setup. This includes the infotainment system and the digital driver’s display, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, offering a futuristic and clutter-free design. The displays boast sharp resolution and responsive touch inputs, ensuring ease of use for both drivers and passengers.
Luxury is at the forefront of the new Carnival’s interior. Both the front and second-row seats come with ventilation and heating functions, ensuring maximum comfort in all weather conditions. The second-row seats are independent captain chairs, offering a first-class experience for passengers. Additionally, Kia has equipped the Carnival with a powered tailgate and powered sliding doors, further enhancing the convenience and ease of use, especially for families.
A premium Bose audio system provides immersive sound quality, making long journeys more enjoyable, while three-zone climate control allows passengers in all rows to adjust the temperature to their liking. Connected car technology is another highlight, offering features such as remote engine start, real-time navigation updates, and safety alerts through Kia’s UVO platform.
Diesel-Driven Luxury
Under the hood, the 2024 Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, which remains the sole powertrain option for the Indian market. The engine produces a robust 190 bhp and 441 Nm of torque, providing ample power for city driving and long highway journeys. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Carnival offers smooth and effortless gear shifts, ensuring a refined driving experience.
Despite being a large MPV, the Carnival’s performance doesn’t feel sluggish, thanks to the torquey diesel engine that ensures quick acceleration, even when fully loaded. The engine’s fuel efficiency also promises to be competitive for its segment, making it a practical choice for large families or those who frequently travel long distances.
Top-Notch Safety
Kia has equipped the 2024 Carnival with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for all passengers. Standard safety equipment includes 8 airbags, all-round disc brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Carnival also boasts advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with Level 2 autonomy. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, making it one of the safest MPVs on the market.
In addition, the Carnival comes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera that provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle for hassle-free parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. These features ensure that the Carnival is as easy to drive as it is safe.
Price and Competition
The 2024 Kia Carnival is expected to be priced around Rs. 63.90 Lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium offering in the MPV segment. In terms of competition, it will go head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota Innova Hycross and the more affordable Maruti Suzuki Invicto. While the Innova has been a dominant player in this segment, the Carnival aims to attract buyers looking for a more luxurious, feature-packed alternative with cutting-edge technology and safety features.
The 2024 Kia Carnival marks a significant leap forward for the brand in the Indian market. With its bold design, tech-laden cabin, and powerful yet refined performance, the new Carnival sets a new standard for luxury MPVs. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle or a premium chauffeur-driven experience, the Carnival offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and technology, making it a standout choice in its segment.
