The Kia Carnival has been around for some time unlike the Seltos. It is in fact an acclaimed premium minivan which is popularly known as ‘Sedona’ in the international market. The Carnival was launched in India as a wholly knocked-down kit. This car comprises all the attributes of a benchmark multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), but the fact that the price tag is on the high-end and Kia being relatively a novice in the Indian market, MPV buyers were discouraged from choosing this product. However, with the launch of the Carnival, Kia managed to establish itself in the Indian market as a premium brand.

How’s the design?

The styling of the Kia Carnival is all about class and elegance. The tiger-nose grille is typical to the family of the South Korean manufacturer, but the overall finishing is somewhat dull. The chrome element added to the grille is an appropriate touch for completing the upmarket design of the MPV. Just above the grille is the swooping bonnet of the vehicle perfectly complementing the massive headlight section that includes projector lens and DRLs. The black c-pillar is a nice touch to the Carnival adding a rather SUV-esque design on the typical MPV. The basic rear bumper and the faux skid plate in the front section contributes to the brawny look to the car making it mostly urban yet a big-sized MPV.

How does it perform?

The Kia Carnival is propelled by a four-cylinder 2.2 L diesel engine that dishes a 200 bhp of maximum power at 3800 rpm and 440 Nm of peak torque at 1500-2750 rpm. It is coupled with an 8-speed transmission unit which is typically an automatic torque converter. The power gradually fires up in a rather linear manner. While the diesel engine chugs along pretty well, it does not receive the required punch from the unit but won;t feel underpowered at the same time. The gearbox is more responsive at lower speeds and performs best when cruising on highways or in city.

How’s the mileage?

The claimed mileage delivered by the Kia Carnival is around 14 kmpl which is pretty good for big MPVs.

How’s the driving experience?

The Kia Carnival is an extensive vehicle and it is almost hard to ignore and overlook the stretch and the width of the MPV. However, once seated in the driver’s seat its extension simply vanishes. It progresses gradually rather than an immediate burst of power. This car can effectively gilde over uneven and rough terrains. The transmission is well-calibrated; deferment is best experienced between 80 kmph and 100 kmph. It may feel slightly unnerving when pacing slowly.

How is its off-road capability?

Technically, you can drive almost all vehicles off-road but it does not mean you are doing right. When you are off-roading with your car it should have enough ground clearance for absorbing the road shock. The recommended ground clearance is 8.5 inches for off-roading. The ground clearance of the new Kia Carnival is 6.8 inches which is pretty much below the recommended vertical room. Lower ground clearance means that there are chances that the car might get stuck in pot holes or on speed breakers while off-roading. So, if you are off-roading with this one, you should be extra careful.

What’s the interior like?

The comfort that comes with Kia Carnival is evident from the moment a person steps inside the car, and it is even possible to adjust the driver’s seat electrically, and the driver would be able to get an excellent view of the road. The car features an 8-inch infotainment system, which is positioned in the centres and the driver would be able to access anything starting from navigation to climate control, radio, vehicles telematics and so on. The car also comes with cruise control, steering mounted controls, one-touch entry for the rear doors and most interestingly, wireless charging. The car also features a Harman Kardon sound system in its top model. Just as the Seltos, the Carnival features UVO Connected Tech which integrates the remote engine start feature, which can be functioned with the use of a smartwatch or smart-phone.

Tech and infotainment

The Kia Carnivals comes with a range of attractive tech features including

• Airbags
• Hill Assist
• ABS
• Central Locking
• Rear Wiper
• Automatic Headlamp
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Passenger Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Cornering Lights
• Child Safety Lock
• Rain-Sensing Wipers
• Side Airbags
• Engine Immobiliser
• Brake Assist
• Turn Indicators on ORVM
• Power Door Lock

Safety Equipment

Some of the safety equipment included in the Kia Carnival include Airbags, Side Airbags, Passenger Airbags, Child Safety Lock. The advanced safety features in the car ensures the safety of the driver as well as the passenger. The car integrates 6 airbags along with rear and front parking sensors. It also features hill start assist and electronic stability control. Furthermore, the car launches with Electronic Parking Brake, and all the 4-disc brakes are included in the car, and this is paired with a parking camera, etc.

Which variant to buy?

Since the price difference between the base variant and the top variant is almost 9 Lakh, therefore, it is important to judge which variant is the best. The base variant is well-loaded with a number of novelties features that the driver would be able to use for everyday use. However, the base variants of Kia Carnival do not come with as many safety features and this is the only point where it is lacking. It only features two airbags, and there is no roll over migration, no traction control, no front parking sensor, and it is not acceptable for a car worth Rs. 25 Lakhs. Therefore, skipping the base variant is the best option, and the person may go for Prestige 7 STR or Limousine 7VIP STR.

Which cars compete in this segment?

There are many other cars competing in the same segment as Kia Carnival and these include Toyota Innova Crysta, Honda Pilot SUV, Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota Hilux and so on.

Verdict (Value for money)

With a price as high as over 33 Lakhs, Kia Carnival is still worth a buy primarily because it is loaded with features. The top variants are even better in terms of features and especially safety features. Overall, it is a safe and spacious car with advanced tech features, and definitely a value for money.
lf.