After updating the Sonet and Seltos, Kia India is now all set to update its flagship offering, the Carnival, with a new brand logo, a host of additional features and a new mid-spec Limousine trim. Bookings for the new Carnival will start by the end of this month, while its launch is expected in September 2021.
According to a leaked document, Kia will position this new trim between the Prestige 7-seater and the existing Limousine variant that will be rechristened as ''Limousine Plus''. It will be equipped with premium leather VIP seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with UVO connected car technology, an air purifier, auto-dimming IRVM and a rear-seat entertainment system over the features of the Prestige variant. The 7-seater Prestige variant will also get premium artificial leatherette seats.
The Limousine Plus variant, on the other hand, will get new alloy wheels and leather VIP seats over the existing set of features that largely includes three-zone climate control, a dual-panel sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen display for middle-row occupants, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), cornering brake control, hill assist and many more.
No mechanical changes are expected in the car. The Kia Carnival will continue to be offered with the existing 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine (200PS/440Nm), mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Currently, Kia Carnival MPV retails between Rs 24.95 lakh and Rs 33.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The Korean carmaker is also offering its base-spec Premium variant with a special gratification benefit of up to Rs 3.75 lakh, whereas the Prestige and Limousine trims are available with a cash discount of Rs 2.5 lakh. With the arrival of the upgraded Carnival, the benefits available on the Prestige and Limousine variants will reduce to Rs 1.90 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively.
As of now, Kia Carnival doesn’t have any direct competitors in the Indian market. It could be seen as a premium alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta. The carmaker is also expected to launch the fourth-generation Carnival in India by 2022.
