Over a year since its global premiere, the all-new Kia Carnival is set for a Philippine debut in the first quarter of this year. One Kia Philippines dealership placed the date at February 3, 2022, while another branch claims that four out of the first five units it ordered are already spoken for.
Potential customers are reportedly being contacted by Kia Philippines dealerships
Dealers are reportedly pre-selling the model to prospective customers, adding to the hype. But what should buyers expect on the fourth generation of Kia’s popular minivan? The new Carnival reportedly sports larger dimensions while weighing less than the outgoing model. It’s based on the latest N3 platform that also underpins the Hyundai Staria.
An angular appearance dominates the new Carnival’s exterior design, with a subtle diamond motif placed among the details, referred to by the carmaker as ‘symphonic architecture.’ The new Kia corporate logo rests on top of the updated tiger nose grille, which now sits between dual automatic LED projection-type headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
The ‘island roof’ design gives the impression of the roof section floating over the rest of the body, bolstered by a signature C-pillar. For ease of ingress and egress, the new Carnival comes with sliding doors and a power tailgate, the latter flanked by a sleek one-piece taillamp with distinctive LED signature. A set of 19-inch alloy wheels occupies the minivan’s external corners.
The fourth-generation Carnival features a sleeker design over the previous model
Inside, the minivan offers room for up to seven occupants, with power-adjusting leather upholstery that features ottoman leg rests on the second row. An automatic sliding sunroof allows more ambient light or fresh air into the cabin. The default 627-liter luggage space can be expanded to 2,785 liters with the second and third seating rows folded.
There’s three-zone automatic climate control, while drivers get a leather-clad multi-function steering wheel. The instrument cluster comprises two large analog gauges flanking a 4.2-inch screen, in contrast with the fully digital display found on overseas markets. An 8-inch touchscreen handles communications and infotainment, with connectivity options including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice commands. For a hassle-free way to top up your phone’s battery, wireless charging is available.
That wide tailgate can be opened electronically
Propelling the new Carnival is a turbocharged Smartstream common-rail diesel engine displacing 2.2 liters, rated at 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. Seven airbags are standard, along with anti-lock brakes and stability control. These are accompanied by driver-assist technologies such as Blind-Spot Detection with Collision Avoidance, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Citing information from dealerships, the 2022 Kia Carnival will have a sticker price of Php 2,988,000 for the lone SX variant. A more affordable EX trim is said to be on offer for Php 2,180,000, but this has not been officially confirmed as of posting.
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