Kia Carnival: Zabardast Luxury, 14.85 kmpl Mileage King!
Are you in the market for a premium MPV that combines luxury, space, and performance? Look no further than the Kia Carnival!
This stylish and feature-packed vehicle has been turning heads since its launch in India. With its recent facelift, the Carnival has upped its game even further. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this MPV a top contender in its segment.
Design and Styling
The Kia Carnival boasts a head-turning design that sets it apart from the competition. Its recent facelift has given it an even more aggressive and modern look. The front grille is now larger and more prominent, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with L-shaped DRLs.
At the rear, you’ll find new vertically oriented LED tail-lamps connected by an LED light bar, giving the Carnival a more premium appearance. The redesigned bumpers and alloy wheels add to its sporty character. With dimensions of 5,155mm in length, 1,995mm in width, and a wheelbase of 3,090mm, the Carnival strikes a perfect balance between imposing road presence and spacious interiors.
Color options are plentiful, with the Fusion Black and Glacier White Pearl shades joining the lineup. Whether you prefer a bold statement or subtle sophistication, there’s a Carnival color to match your style.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
The Kia Carnival offers a powerful and refined powertrain that’s perfect for both city driving and long highway cruises. Let’s break down the engine specifications:
- Engine Type: 2.2L Smartstream Diesel
- Displacement: 2,151 cc
- Max Power: 190 bhp @ 3,800 rpm
- Max Torque: 441 Nm @ 1,750-2,750 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
This powerful diesel engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that ensures effortless progress in various driving conditions. The Carnival’s powertrain offers a perfect balance of performance and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both chauffeur-driven buyers and enthusiast drivers.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Carnival impresses with its ARAI-certified mileage of 14.85 kmpl. While real-world figures may vary depending on driving conditions, many owners report achieving around 10-12 kmpl in mixed driving cycles. With its 72-liter fuel tank, you can expect a generous range, perfect for those long family road trips.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Kia Carnival, and you’ll be greeted by a well-designed, premium cabin that’s a class above most of its competitors. The recent facelift has brought some significant upgrades to the interior, elevating the overall experience.
The highlight is the new dual 12.3-inch display setup, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. This crisp, bright display provides a wealth of information and adds a touch of sophistication to the cabin. The infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.
Some standout features include:
- Dual sunroofs for an airy cabin feel
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- Second-row VIP seats with power adjustment, ventilation, and heating
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- Power sliding rear doors and tailgate
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Drive modes and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience
The Carnival also offers ample space for seven passengers and a massive 627-liter boot capacity with all seats up, making it practical for both daily use and weekend getaways. With the third row folded, you get a cavernous cargo area that can rival some small vans.
Safety Features
Kia has significantly enhanced the Carnival’s safety credentials with the facelift. The MPV now comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a first in its segment. These features include:
- Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Detection and Collision Avoidance
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
In addition to ADAS, the Carnival offers up to eight airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist Control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. These features combine to make the Carnival one of the safest vehicles in its class, earning it a 5-star safety rating in the ANCAP crash tests.
Ride and Handling
The Kia Carnival offers a well-balanced ride and handling package that belies its size. Its suspension setup does a commendable job of absorbing road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride for all occupants. This translates to confident handling and minimal body roll through corners, despite its large dimensions.
The steering, while light and easy to maneuver in city traffic, weighs up nicely at higher speeds, inspiring confidence during highway cruising. The 18-inch wheels provide good grip, further enhancing the Carnival’s dynamic abilities.
For those who enjoy a spirited drive, the powerful diesel engine and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission ensure that the Carnival never feels underpowered. The availability of drive modes and paddle shifters adds an extra layer of engagement for the enthusiast driver.
Pricing and Competition
The Kia Carnival is positioned as a premium MPV and is priced accordingly. It’s available in a single, fully-loaded variant:
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Carnival Limousine Plus | Rs. 63.90 Lakh |
While this pricing puts it in a unique position, the Carnival competes indirectly with luxury SUVs and some entry-level luxury sedans. Its closest rival in the MPV segment would be the Toyota Vellfire, although the Carnival offers better value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the mileage of the Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival has an ARAI-certified mileage of 14.85 kmpl. However, real-world efficiency may vary depending on driving conditions and style.
Q2. Is the Kia Carnival available with a petrol engine?
No, the Kia Carnival is currently available only with a 2.2-liter diesel engine in India. There are no petrol or hybrid options offered at the moment.
Q3. How does the Kia Carnival compare to the Toyota Innova Hycross?
While both are premium MPVs, the Carnival is positioned a segment above the Innova Hycross. It offers more space, luxury features, and a more powerful engine, but comes at a significantly higher price point.
Q4. Does the Kia Carnival have captain seats?
Yes, the Kia Carnival comes with luxurious captain seats in the second row. These seats are power-adjustable and offer ventilation and heating functions for maximum comfort.
Q5. What is the boot space of the Kia Carnival?
The Kia Carnival offers a generous 627 liters of boot space with all three rows up. With the third row folded, this expands to a massive cargo area, making it extremely practical for large families or those who frequently need to haul bulky items.
Wrapping Up
The Kia Carnival stands out as a compelling option in the premium MPV segment. With its striking design, feature-rich interior, powerful yet efficient engine, and advanced safety features, it offers excellent value for those seeking a luxurious family vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable chauffeur-driven experience or a spacious and capable family hauler, the Carnival delivers on all fronts, making it a worthy consideration for discerning buyers.
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