Following its celebrated reveal in South Korea in 2020, the All-new Carnival finally arrives in Singapore, adding to Cycle and Carriage Kia’s latest line-up here. The Carnival has sold more than 2 million units worldwide since the first-generation model appeared on the market in 1998, and the fourth-generation flagship model marks a striking evolution for one of Kia’s most popular and hot-selling models by setting new standards in design, space and safety innovation.
The All-new Carnival adopts the new 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine, and is one of the cleanest diesel units that Kia has ever made. Producing up to 202 ps, and offering 440Nm torque over a broad range of engine speeds, the new engine replaces its predecessor’s cast iron block with an aluminium one, leading to a 20kg weight saving.
Furthermore, it features a range of measures that reduce friction, aid cooling, enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The Carnival has undergone an evolution in its design and sets a new standard, that Kia calls the Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV).
Inspired by the modern SUV and based on Kia’s mid-sized platform, the Carnival is more refined, spacious and capable than its predecessors, as well as all current rivals in its category.
Image source: Kia
“Kia Carnival has been well-regarded by our customers, and we are excited to finally bring the revolutionary and highly anticipated latest model – dubbed the world’s first Grand Utility Vehicle – to our shores.
Bringing value to its driver and passengers through sophisticated design and cutting-edge technology, the Carnival has set a new standard for family carriers in the MPV category, which we believe surpasses our current competitors.
Its unrivalled style and comfort caters for the modern and progressive young family, which anchors Kia’s position in the segment. We are thrilled to bring our customers into a grand new world of stylish design, flexible space and safety innovation,” said Ms Dawn Pan, Director of Multi-Franchise Operations, Cycle & Carriage Singapore.
A grand new world of design
Out with the old, in with the new. The All-new Carnival has been updated with a modern and stylish touch, marking a radical transformation of the MPV design and breaking from the category’s stereotypical mould. Its SUV-inspired form sees a shorter front overhang and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, as well as bold wheel arches and sharp lines that emphasise its premium, sportier look.
The Carnival’s ‘tiger-nose’ design is an icon of Kia’s ‘symphonic architecture’. It extends across the width of the vehicle, seamlessly integrating LED daytime running lights, headlamps and grille to create a sense of harmony and structural energy, giving the car a confident look as well as a unique light signature.
Also drawing inspiration from Kia’s SUVs are the sculpted bumpers and lower air intake at the front that are matched with metallic trim and a black lower bumper.
This revolutionary SUV-inspired design of the Carnival continues at the rear, with a metallic lower skid plate that, together with a full-width light bar, gives it a more robust appearance.
Unrivalled space and comfort for the entire family
Kia Carnival rides will be a joy for the family, with the new platform and larger body that comfortably seats seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration.
Its overall length at 5,155mm is 40mm longer than its predecessor, with a 30mm longer rear overhang that creates even more space for third-row passengers and best-in-class luggage space at 627 litres (to the upper edge of the seat backs), or a total of 2,827 litres with only the first row of seats in use.
Image source: Kia
Second-row passengers in the seven-seater Carnival are in for a premium ‘business-class’ experience in Kia’s reclining ‘Premium Relaxation Seat’, which features adjustable back-, arm- and leg-rests.
It also offers seat ventilation and a one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode that automatically reclines and adjusts the captain seats for maximum comfort on a long drive.
Image source: Kia
The eight-seater Carnival offers more flexibility in seating arrangements, with the middle seat able to be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate a child safety seat in Child Car mode, or even folded down as a shared table.
The second row seats can also be entirely removed to afford even more legroom for passengers, while the third row seats can also be lowered to create more luggage space, making the All-new Carnival spacious and comfortable to ride in.
Advanced safety innovations enhance the Kia driving experience
The fourth-generation Carnival’s upgrades are just as extensive on the inside, with an emphasis on making the GUV a safer and smarter family carrier. Protecting the driver and their passengers onboard the Carnival are an array of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems.
Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) make the GUV relaxing, safe and confidence-inspiring to drive, by reducing many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving.
These comprise the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection; Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW); Surround View Monitor (SVM); Smart Cruise Control (SCC) as well as Lane Following Assist (LFA).
Image source: Kia
Other technologies are designed to make the new Carnival an even more practical family carrier.
One-button smart open-and-close function for the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate allow for easy access to the cabin and boot, and these can also be opened and closed automatically when the key fob is held nearby for three seconds so that parents can load their children or the elderly into the car more easily.
The power-sliding doors also feature Safe Exit Assist (SEA) technology, which prevents them from opening if the system detects a car approaching from behind on either side. Along with puddle lights that illuminate the ground near the door, the technology ensures that driver and passengers will always exit the Carnival safely.
The interior’s centrepiece is the high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarplayTM and Android AutoTM connectivity. A wireless smartphone charging tray at the front and USB charging points behind the first row seats mean that everyone onboard the All-new Carnival can stay connected on the go.
The Carnival is now available with the SX Tech Pack (7-seater) retailing from $211,999, the SX Tech Pack (8-seater) retailing from $205,999.
Find out more about the All-new Carnival at www.kia.sg/carnival.