The 4th generation Kia Carnival images have been unveiled

The curtains have been lifted off of the new 4th gen Carnival, and boy has the vehicle evolved when compared to to its predecessor. The Carnival which is sold in some markets as the Kia Sedona, is an MPV, but Kia likes to refer to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ and they are not wrong in attaching this title to the vehicle.

Change on the exteriors of the 2021 Carnival

Gone are the soft-rounded looks of the older generation Carnival, the new version is all about being grandiose and estately. The MPV now sports a shorter front overhang, the A pillar has been pushed back and by doing so the hood of the vehicle has been made longer. This will surely increase the amount of space offered within the vehicle, and it also accentuates the bold and immense road presence that this vehicle will assert once it hits the roads.

The front fascia of the MPV has been updated with the signature Kia ‘Tiger Nose’ grille which uses a diamond mesh like design, finished with chrome. Alongside the grille are the all LED headlamps, under this lie the new DRLs (DayTime Running Lights), and together it looks quite fabulous. The high beam lights are placed on the corner of the grille, while the low beam lamps are positioned on the edges of the grille. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the front headlamp setup look a tad bit like that of the Land Rover Range Rover?

Moving on, beneath the butch looking grille is the lower air intake and skid plate which gives this MPV a strong SUV like personality. Kia has introduced the ‘island roof design’ on the new Carnival which is essentially the A, B and D pillars being blacked out, and the roof making use of the body-coloured paint. The C pillar houses the chrome fin and it incorporates an exquisite design, which seems to have been inspired from that of the new Kia Sorento.

The posterior portion of the 2021 Carnival seems to have become wider, probably because of the integrated tail lights which are brought together by the light bar. Above the light bar is a chrome strip which starts from the base of the C-pillar and heads on till the rear of the vehicle. On the rear lower bumper are present the reverse lights underneath which the Carnival wears its skid plate.

The designers at Kia refer to the designing of the vehicle as ‘symphonic architecture’, the aggressive styling, the strong body line which runs throughout the length of the vehicle connecting the headlight and taillights, while looking very striking, it all feels very well packed up.

What has changed on the interiors of the 2021 Carnival

Officially, images of the 2021 Carnival have not been released, but thanks to a few leaks, we have a basic idea of what the interior could look like. The cabin of the vehicle has received a complete overhaul, the dashboard is all new with 2 displays, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system (feels a lot like the recent top end Mercedes vehicles). Furthermore, the interior employs a 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel, sleek A/C vents, a tan and black cabin option and dual sunroofs. Being a Carnival, we would be seeing different seat configuration options, ranging from the standard version, to an 11 seat option. A particularly plush and spacious 4 seat version with Captain Seats could also be offered.

The powertrain options on the 2021 Carnival

Kia has not announced any details about the powertrain which the Carnival will be using, though rumours suggest that a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder petrol-hybrid motor and a 280 ps, 2.5 litre turbo petrol (used on the Kia Sorento) could power the new Carnival. A few markets might even see the Carnival employing a 2.2 litre diesel engine.

When will the new Carnival be launched in India ?

The Kia Carnival was launched in the Indian markets a few months back, but the Carnival which was launched here was the older generation model, which was introduced in 2014. Korea will be the first country to be graced by the 2021 Carnival, as for India, expect it to be here nothing before 2022.