It is shaping to be a serious contender in the premium MPV space and here’s why I think this launch will be an impactful one, especially in a market as diverse as India.
Key Takeaways
- Price: With a price of ₹63.90 lakh, the 2024 Kia Carnival is a luxury MPV.
- Design: The large grille and LED lighting give it that SUV agro look.
- Interior: Tech savviness of a high level is galore with dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays and a top-class Bose sound system.
- Engine: Slotting below the RCZ R, a robust 2.2-liter diesel engine pumping out 190 bhp and 441 Nm of torque is available, delivering power and fuel efficiency.
- Safety: 8 airbags and over-the-top safety features, including the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
Thoughts on Kia’s Market Strategy
I think Kia has had an impressive run in India and I feel they have struck the fine balance of offering affordability but premium features for the average Indian buyer. But, that’s a bold move on stepping into the ₹60+ lakh range, and despite the Carnival appearing to have all the right things, it has to fight Indian buyers’ definition of real luxury. Still, many only see Kia as a value-for-money brand, not yet a premium player.
So it’s clear Kia is aiming higher with models like the Carnival and the EV9. The question is: Can Kia themselves convince people to pay BMW or Audi money for a Kia? Yes, the Carnival is packed with features as its undisputed, but if Kia manages to hold on to the after-sales, something Indian car buyers appreciate a lot, then there’s certainly a case for them to launch it.
2024 Kia Carnival: A New Standard in Luxury MPVs
Exterior: Bold and Commanding
But having borrowed so much from the SUV design for the Carnival, it works well. The first thing that stands out about this MPV is the big, aggressive front grille and LED headlights. The dimensions are generous:
- Length: 5,115 mm
- Width: 1,995 mm
- Height: 1,800 mm
But anyway, this produces a very spacious and very luxurious interior.
Lighting & Design Details
L-shaped LED DRLs connected to LED tail lamps give a modern touch to the overall design. Along with the large chrome-encrusted grille, the Carnival does a good job of managing to be luxurious and yet practical for the Indian roads.
Interior: Tech-Driven Comfort
Panoramic Displays
What I noticed first inside the Carnival was the dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays—infotainment and driver information. Clearly then, Indian buyers love their gadgets, because Kia has clearly put a lot of thought into the tech features.
Seating & Comfort
In the second row, the Carnival is a wine cooler on wheels with heated and ventilated captain seats. There’s plenty of legroom and I like how the independent chairs further add luxury missing in most MPVs. It’s a great touch for family road trips or road trips in general, or if you’re on a long-distance trip.
Infotainment & Sound
The Carnival has a Bose 12-speaker sound system, which Kia has taken into the cabin. Standard wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with a head-up display that keeps important info at a glance. Every single one of these points indicates Kia isn’t just concerned about aesthetics—functionality is a big part of the overall design.
Powertrain & Performance
The 2024 Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that makes 190 bhp and 441Nm of torque. At launch, the Carnival will be offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission, assuring a smooth driving experience. For its size, it doesn’t feel sluggish, which is important given how crowded India’s roads can be.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection
Drivers and commercial vehicles could benefit from the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This model is safe in every way, according to Kia. Along with these ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, the Carnival comes with pretty plush digs, which makes it feel like a minivan driving home.
Standard Safety Features
Basic safety is no luxury on Kia’s part. Carnival features eight airbags, all-around disc brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system. These features are necessary and expected given the price tag, but it’s nice to see Kia continuing to keep safety upfront and center.
Family-Friendly Features: Built for Comfort
The Carnival is the perfect bus for a large family with great capacity for 2+2+3. The seats in the second row feel like captain seats, and the three-zone climate controls keep everyone comfortable, no matter where they’re sitting. The powered sliding doors and tailgate help make life that bit easier for busy families juggling kids and luggage.
Tech Integration: Always Connected
Kia lets you use your smartphone to do anything from remote starting the car to vehicle tracking through the UVO platform. The Carnival’s tech-forward design is rounded out with real-time traffic updates and wireless charging too.
Market Positioning: The Kia Carnival – How Does It Stack Up?
The Carnival is competing against the Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto, among other cars. The Carnival, however, is a dramatically more expensive proposition with luxurious touches and a high-tech interior. Still, for those willing to pay a bit more, there’s a lot of bang for your buck on the Carnival.
Final Thoughts: Is the Kia Carnival Worth It?
If you’re after something better than just a people mover, the 2024 Kia Carnival comes with a luxurious tech-driven experience. It’s expensive, but for those who want comfort, space, and features, it’s still worth considering. However, India still fails to perceive Kia as a brand. Where they excel is their ability to provide value, but entering the luxury segment means the market has to be convinced that they can actually bring the kind of luxury that brands like BMW and Audi have to offer.
What Do You Think?
Do you think Kia will be able to rebrand the Carnival once it becomes persuasively a premium option, or should they stick with what they’re good at economically? If you’re after a premium MPV, would it be the Kia Carnival, or would you stick to the more well-known premium car makers?
