All-new 'premium' Kia Carnival to arrive in Q1

MANILA: The all-new Kia Carnival will be launched locally in the first quarter of 2022, Kia Philippines announced. The distributor of the Korean make described the MPV as a "premium" product with "bold and technological innovations."

In its exterior, the all-new Carnival wears what Kia calls a unique "island roof" design brought by the C-pillar. A subtle diamond pattern is reflected throughout the body, whole the front end creates a "sense of harmony and structural energy for the rest of the vehicle. Designers call the Carnival's overall look as "symphonic architecture."

In terms of equipment, the all-new Carnival will be equipped with a power tailgate and sliding doors. The second-row seats will come with ottoman leg rests, all-power adjustment, and ventilation for comfortable and cool seating positions.

Meanwhile, the MPV's automated sliding sunroof allows more light to enter the cabin. The audio system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with other wireless connectivity functions. 

As the all-new Carnival nears its local arrival, the model has received accolades worldwide. The Carnival was named the Best Minivan by global media company Newsweek during its 2021 Autos Awards, which highlights the automotive industry’s finest in 25 individual vehicle and brand categories.

Validating its stylishness and design features, the Carnival received top honors in the Transportation category in the 2021 Good Design Awards, one of the oldest design competitions in the world, organized by Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. 

Kia Philippines said that it will reveal more details about the Philippines-bound Carnival soon. The specs of the US-market Carnival could show what other equipment local units could feature. 

The all-new Carnival can come outfitted with safety features such as Auto Emergency Braking Technology, Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors Blind Spot Detection Technology, and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).

Other safety gadgets include Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Avoidance, Lane Keeping & Lane Following, and blind spot-and 360-degree cameras. 

Inside, the overseas-spec Carnival features Dual Screen Rear Seat Entertainment System and Tri-Zone Auto Climate Control. Power tailgate and LED head-and tail lamps round out the list of upscale additions. 

Under the hood, the MPV can be motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290hp. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels only. 

Photos from Kia Philippines, Kia

Also read: Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 jointly claim top spot in 'Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022'