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Kia has recently taken the wraps off the 4th generation of its generously large MPV, the Sedona, better know as Kia Carnival in the Indian market. Kia’s practical minivan is being stated as ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ thanks to a roomy cabin and improved refinement levels.
By the first looks, the updated Sedona will give SUVish vibes straight away, with the inclusion of aggressive elements in the design profile. Kia claims that the next-gen MPV will also offer better space and flexibility.
2021 Kia Carnival: Changes over current Carnival
There are a host of changes in the new Carnival. In order to get the better idea of all the changes and everything new about Carnival, let us visit all the changes taking one parameter at a time.
Design
1. Front
At the front, it gets Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille treatment which extends smoothly along the width. Integrating elements like LED daytime running lights, headlamps and grille seamlessly into the design. The lower bumper has been blackened out and the air intake sits lower upfront, giving the face the SUVish appeal.
2. Side
The overhang at the front has been shortened as compared to the outgoing Sedona. The base of the A-pillar is moved backwards which has meant that the update gets a longer hood. The car was already generously spacious, with the wheelbase shotting up further with the update, it can only be expected to increase.
The minivan with the update will get bold wheel arches, sharp lines running along with the profile, giving the profile an aggressive outlook. One of the stand-out highlight in terms of design is the ‘island roof’ design, as the body-coloured roof sits on the blackened A and B pillars. The chrome fin on the C-pillar features a diamond pattern that really looks plush.
3. Rear
The taillight has received a treatment somewhat similar to the upcoming Kia Sonet, the full-width light bar at the rear looks really good. The metallic skid bar at the rear comes across as another SUV element adding to the robust appearance.
Colour Options
There are a total of 8 colour scheme options available as the choice of exterior paint, the aluminium alloy wheel designs and sizes depend upon the variant opted for.
Dimensions
The wheelbase has witnessed an increase of 30 mm over the outgoing Carnival, (up from 3060 mm), it will also be wider by 10 mm (up to 1985 mm). Even the length has also increased to 5155mm (increased by 40 mm), the rear overhang has increased by 30mm, translating into a larger space for third-row passengers.
| Parameter | Old Carnival | New Carnival | Difference |
| Length | 5115mm | 5155mm | +40mm |
| Width | 1985mm | 1995mm | +10mm |
| Wheelbase | 3060mm | 3090mm | +30mm |
Seating Options
The gigantic seating capacity has always been Carnival’s forte, with the update it is offering a seating capacity of up to 11 people which sounds really very fascinating, the different seating configurations include the option of seating 7,8 or 11 occupants and are offered in three/four rows arrangements.
One interesting bit worth noting is Kia’s reclining ‘Premium Relaxation Seat’ for second-row occupants offered with the seven-seater configuration, it provides utmost comfort and Kia markets it as business ‘class’ seating, this type of seating also comes equipped with one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode, facilitating automatic reclining of seats for desired comforts on longer rides.
Features
4th gen Kia Carnival, pretty much like every other Kia comes loaded up to the top with an extensive feature list. The heart of the connectivity features on offer lie in the high-tech twin digital display. The 12.3-inch digital driver instrumentation cluster and a similar-sized touchscreen infotainment system are connected with a smooth single glass like the other Kia cars.
Not only these twin connected displays define a distinct aura, but they are also loaded well on the utility front with different information at the display. The touchscreen infotainment will provide multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, wireless apple carplay and android auto compatibility and UVO connected car technology.
It also gets a host of advanced safety features in the form of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Surrounds View Monitor (SVM), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), High Beam Assist (HBA).
Engine Options
The new-gen Carnival is offered with a total of three engine options: 3.5-litre GDi petrol, 3.5-litre MPi Petrol and a 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel engine option.
While the 3.5-litre GDi petrol unit produces a power output of 294 PS, peak torque of 355 Nm. The 3.5-litre MPi petrol puts up marginally lesser than the GDi unit churning out a power of 272 PS and peak torque of 332 Nm.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine produces power equivalent of 202 PS and a peak torque of 404 Nm. All the engine options come paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission unit.
When will it come to India?
As of now, it has been unveiled in the Korean market and can be expected to be launched in the US as Sedona, sometime next year. So one can easily assess, that if there is any possibility of 4th gen of the car making it to India, it would be only after car will be launched in the US. Also, the fact that current-generation Carnival is still pretty new in the Indian market and rushing a major update very soon does not make much sense.
