The 2024 Kia Carnival has been spotted testing in India, heavily camouflaged. This comes after the fourth-generation model received a mid-cycle facelift in the international market, and the updated version is expected to be introduced in India in the coming months.
Kia initially launched the Carnival in India in its third-generation form in February 2020 during the Auto Expo. It was priced starting at Rs. 24.95 lakhs (ex-showroom) at that time.
While the fourth-generation model was introduced in the international market in September 2020, Kia focused on selling the third-generation model in India, with no immediate plans to bring the updated version. However, recent sightings suggest that the facelifted 2024 Kia Carnival will soon make its way to the Indian market.
At the 2023 Auto Expo, Kia presented the fourth-generation Carnival as a concept to the Indian audience, sparking considerable interest. Following this, Kia phased out the third-generation model by April 2023, and initially, they did not plan to introduce the new version for the remainder of the year.
Now, the highly anticipated fourth-generation Kia Carnival facelift has commenced local testing in India. It is anticipated to be available in showrooms by April.
Despite the heavy camouflage on the test mules, some design elements are discernible. Notably, the updated headlights with large LED DRLs and the expansive tail light cluster are apparent. The overall silhouette of the new generation appears to be more upright and SUV-like compared to its predecessor.
With an updated dashboard featuring a dual screen arrangement of 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment system displays, the interior receives a luxury appeal. Kia provides options with 7, 9, and 11 seats for the global market. What choices India will have are unknown at this time.
Globally, Kia is offering the new Carnival with a variety of petrol and diesel engine options, including a 3.5-liter petrol engine, a 1.6-liter petrol hybrid engine, and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. We think the 2.2-liter diesel engine option will be available in India going forward.
As of right now, the Kia Carnival has no rivals in the Indian market. It is ideally positioned between the Toyota Innova HyCross and Toyota Vellfire sectors.
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