Kia’s Carnival minivan – sold as the Sedona in overseas markets – has sold 2 million units worldwide since 2008. Now the South Korean automaker has provided a glimpse of the next-generation Carnival for the 2021 model year, releasing a designer sketch ahead of the model’s anticipated unveiling later this year.
The new Kia Carnival sports a more streamlined design
Kia’s designers have coined a new term for the upcoming Carnival: Grand Utility Vehicle, likely a reflection of the lofty aspirations that the company is attaching to the next-generation model.
The sketch hints at a heavily-streamlined yet more rugged silhouette, resulting in a sleeker look that’s more consistent with offerings in the Kia SUV list. A hood featuring more sculpted lines than the outgoing model rests on top of what Kia calls ‘symphonic architecture’ with the revised front seen to combine an array of features that result in visual harmony.
A revised bumper is evident, paired with a revamped front diffuser. The signature Kia ‘tiger nose’ grille remains on the fascia, surrounded by a pair of “high-tech headlamps” that could be the company’s yet-unnamed take on adaptive lighting technology. A dominant character line emerges from the lights, travelling along the length of the vehicle’s profile.
>>> Click here to get the cheapest Kia in the market!
Expect the interior to be completely redone especially where controls are concerned
Occupants can expect the instrument panel and infotainment system to use a new widescreen display each, as part of the interior amenities. An array of advanced driver-assist features is also among the anticipated features.
Kia is likely to offer the 2021 Kia Carnival with a range of more efficient powertrains, beginning with improved versions of the current 3.5L gasoline V6 and 2.2L diesel engines, the latter becoming part of Kia’s ‘Smartstream’ line of efficient power plants.
Expect an improved version of the existing 3.6L V6, among other possible engine choices
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions could also be in the works, mating a 1.6L turbocharged engine to an electric motor. The eight-speed automatic gearbox on the outgoing model could likely be swapped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The new Kia Carnival model is expected to launch in the Korean market on the third quarter this year, with other markets (including the Philippines) hopefully following by the fourth quarter or early 2021.
Catch updates on the latest and upcoming car models at Philkotse.com.