The earlier Carnival was a decent success and had occupied a niche with its pricing and value. Now though with the all new generation model, Kia has launched as a full import which means it is more than double the price of the earlier Carnival and double the price of an Innova Hycross. That is expensive but having driven an overseas model the new Carnival is a step up with no rivals at this price point. It is huge and that brings presence while also being less van like now.
There is more detailing now and it is simply massive which will please buyers. Unlike the previous Carnival there are more screens now and more tech on the inside too. Quality and overall fit/finish is good but at this price it is competition for German luxury cars which you must remember. Where the Carnival scores is space which is massive.
For chauffeur driven owners the power sliding doors, signature from the earlier version also is retained but you get powered seats here with ventilation. There are acres of legroom and headroom too with extendable legrest. Features list includes ADAS, a 12 speaker Bose audio, 360 degree camera, dual electric sunroofs, HUD and more.
Performance comes via a diesel engine only but overseas you get a petrol which we tried too. It is smooth and has plenty of power but the massive Carnival is handful to drive while feeling very big- similar to the earlier gen model. While diesel is suited in terms of efficiency, a petrol model was needed for markets like NCR where petrol is being preferred increasingly.
The ride is comfortable and it flattens the road well too. The Carnival then is a car for road trips and that it does well but it is too expensive for sure while local assembly will expand its market further even though it has no rivals at this price.
