The fourth-generation Kia Carnival is set to debut in India around the festival season this year. Recently, the updated model was spotted testing on roads without camouflage. This facelifted version of the fourth-gen Carnival, which first appeared overseas in November 2023, significantly improves upon the third-gen model with enhanced features, a more premium feel, and a stronger road presence. Following the discontinuation of the third-generation Carnival in June 2023, there has been a substantial gap in the premium MPV market between the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Toyota Vellfire, which the new Carnival aims to fill.
Spy shots of the new Carnival reveal a more upright nose, a wide grille with chrome accents, and vertical headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lights. The bumper features a small air intake surrounded by a faux brushed aluminum skid plate. The rear design continues the L-shaped theme with tail-lamps connected by an LED light bar, and a mix of matte black plastic and faux silver trim on the bumper. The side profile highlights a large glasshouse, sliding rear doors, a textured panel around the rear quarter glass, and larger alloy wheels, possibly 18-inch.
Although interior details from the spy shots are limited, the new Carnival’s cabin is expected to closely resemble the global model. It will feature a minimalist design with two 12.3-inch displays, reworked AC and audio controls, a rotary drive selector, dash cameras, a head-up display, a digital rear-view mirror, an updated digital key, and ambient lighting. Seating configurations could vary from 7 to 11 seats, depending on the Indian market offerings. Enhanced materials for sound insulation will improve cabin ambience, and a 14.6-inch rear entertainment screen might be available. Safety features include an ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control and lane change assist, alongside eight standard airbags.
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The Indian version of the Carnival is likely to continue with the 201hp, 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and automatic transmission from its predecessor. Expected to launch by September-October this year, the new Carnival’s price could range from Rs 26 lakh to 35 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Positioned slightly above the Toyota Innova Hycross, it will still be considered its closest competitor in the market.