2024 Kia Carnival spotted testing without any camouflage in India, launch imminent
The upcoming 2024 Kia Carnival has been spotted uncamouflaged during testing on Indian roads, indicating its imminent launch later this year. This facelifted model, which originally debuted in November 2023 in the international markets, showcases significant enhancements in features, design and overall road presence compared to its predecessor.
Following the discontinuation of the third generation Kia Carnival in June 2023, there is currently a substantial gap in the premium MPV market between the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Toyota Vellfire. The new Carnival aims to bridge this gap effectively.
The uncamouflaged test vehicle reveals several design updates for the fourth gen Carnival. The front features a more upright nose, a wide grille adorned with chrome accents and vertical headlamps integrated with L-shaped DRLs. The bumper includes a small air intake framed by a faux brushed aluminium skid plate.
At the rear, the L-shaped design theme continues with tail lamps connected by an LED light bar. The rear bumper combines matte black plastic with faux silver trim. The side profile is marked by a large glasshouse, sliding rear doors and decorative trim around the rear quarter glass. The test model also appears to ride on larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
While the spy shots do not provide a view of the interior, it is expected to mirror the global-spec model’s minimalistic design. Central to the cabin are two 12.3-inch displays. The vehicle is likely to feature reworked AC and audio controls below the central screen, rotary drive selector, front and rear dash cameras, head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, an updated digital key and ambient lighting along the dashboard. The Carnival is available in 7-, 9-, and 11-seat configurations internationally but the specific configurations for the Indian market are yet to be confirmed.
Safety features expected include an ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, lane change assist and 8 airbags, which are standard in the international model.
Globally, the Carnival is offered with 3.5-litre petrol, 1.6-litre petrol-electric and 2.2-litre diesel engines. For the Indian market, it is anticipated that the new model will retain the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine from its predecessor producing 201 HP, paired with an automatic transmission.
The new Carnival is expected to launch in India by the festive season this year, with an estimated price range of Rs. 35-40 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will likely be imported via the CKD route, similar to its predecessor.
