South-Korean carmaker and Hyundai’s sister brand Kia has just teased us with the next-generation of its second product for the Indian market the Carnival MPV. The company is calling the new heavily updated Carnival, a “Grand Utility Vehicle” instead of an MPV.
The Indian-spec Kia Carnival also known as the ‘Sedona’ in many countries was first launched at the Auto Expo 2020 after a six-year-long wait. So going by the global spec this will be the fourth-generation of the Kia Carnival which will launch in India.
Read More: 2021 MG G10 MPV (Kia Carnival Rival) Launched in China
Next-Gen Kia Carnival | Expect Engine Specification
The exact information on the engine option has not been revealed yet. However, we can expect the new Kia Carnival MPV to feature an updated version of the current-gen 2.2-litre diesel engine capable of pushing the maximum power output to 200hp with 440Nm of peak torque. We can also expect the new MPV to get a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine capable of generating 280hp along with a special edition 1.6-litre petrol hybrid engine unit.
Next-Gen Kia Carnival | Expected Dimensions
As far as we know, The new next-gen Kia Carnival is expected to have an estimated length of 5,150mm making it 40mm longer than the current-gen. Reports also suggest that the new Carnival will also see a 30mm increase in its wheelbase and will be 10mm wider than the outgoing model.
It is also expected that Kia could also launch a lower-spec variant with a higher seating capacity which might cater to the needs of the commercial and tourism industry. While the other feature-loaded variants might go up against the current Limousine variant and act a possible alternative to its arch-rival the Toyota Vellfire and a close competitor the Toyota Innova.
Must Read: 2021 Kia Carnival to get an Ultra-Luxurious 4 seater Variant
Next-Gen Kia Carnival | Expected Features
Looking at the years we can clearly see that the new Carnival MPV will have a new design with the latest version of the brand’s signature Tiger nose grille which somewhat resembles the likes the Seltos compact SUV, flanked by a new LED setup on the front. The side profile also reveals its squatting stance all thanks to the new and massive alloy wheels. However, it will still continue to offer the functional sliding rear door but this time with a new set of flush-type door handles. Kia has termed the rendering as ‘symphonic architecture’ and with these updates, we can expect an even more palatial cabin for the new Carnival MPV.
Additionally, we could also see a sleek shoulder line which nearly runs the full length of the MPV. The slight tweak on the C-pillars and wraparound on the rear window adds a premium floating roof effect.
Reports also suggest that Kia might introduce a new range-topping four-seat configuration featuring a pair of fully adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row with heating and ventilation functions, and an electric recline feature.
Next-Gen Kia Carnival | Expected Launch & Rivals
Kia will first launch the new Carnival in South-Korea later this year followed by its sales starting in early 2021. However, The Indian will be launched sometime in 2022.
Coming to its rival the Kia Carnival competes with likes of the Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Alphard and the Mercedes V-Class in the Luxury MPV segment. However, it also gives a tough competition to the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
