2021 Kia Carnival Unveil Officially Takes Place In Korea

2021 Kia Carnival Design — Overall design of the new-iteration of the MPV is very different & quite good

The official unveil of the 2021 Kia Carnival has taken place in South Korea and the MPV is expected to hit Indian shores by 2022. Kia took their time when it comes to teasing customers, slowly revealing the exterior images and then the dashboard image, prior to the full unveil.

Dubbed as the “Grand Utility Vehicle”, the 2021 Carnival is underpinned by Kia’s new midsize platform that has seen the car get lengthened by 40 mm, while the wheelbase has increased by 30 mm over the previous model.

Design is new all around, the “tiger nose” grille is flanked by a set of new headlights and LED DRLs, below which sits a new bumper. While there is nothing to say about the side, just that it is van-like, the rear gets a full-width tail light bar and a skid plate, like an SUV.

South Korean buyers will get eight exterior colour options and aluminium wheel designs in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch forms. Inside, the dash is dominated by a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is located under a single glass housing.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, while depending upon the market, Kia Live services, that offers live traffic information, weather forecasts, parking spots, among others, is included.

The 2021 Kia Carnival unveil has also revealed new features that will be offered on the car, such as “Rear Passenger View and Talk” feature and a one-button smart open-and-close for the rear power-sliding doors and tailgate.

It is to be offered in 3- or 4-row seating configuration, with space for seven, eight or 11 occupants, with the 7-seat configuration including “Premium Relaxation Seats” for second-row occupants with adjustable back, arm and leg rests.

In Korea, the new Carnival will be sold with three engines including a 2.2-litre Smartsteam diesel with 199 HP and 440 Nm that will be paired to an 8-speed auto gearbox. Korean sales will kick off in third-quarter 2020 and the vehicle is expected to be launched in India next year most probably.