Kia India is set to make waves in the luxury MPV segment with the launch of its new Carnival. The fourth-generation model is poised to elevate the premium MPV experience in India, with bookings opening on September 16, 2024. Let’s dive into what we know about this exciting new offering from Kia.
Booking Details and Launch Date of Kia Carnival
- Official bookings start: September 16, 2024
- Booking amount: Rs 2 lakh
- Price announcement and sales commencement: October 3, 2024
Interestingly, unofficial bookings at the dealer level have been ongoing for a few weeks, indicating strong interest in the new model.
Premium Positioning and Features of Kia Carnival
The new Kia Carnival is set to offer a more premium experience compared to its predecessor. Some confirmed features include:
- Dual-pane sunroof
- Second-row electrically adjustable captain seats with ventilation and extendable leg support
- Power-sliding rear doors
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Dual curved 12.3-inch displays
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite
Additional luxury touches:
- Head-up display
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Updated digital key with fingerprint recognition
- Ambient lighting along the dashboard
Powertrain Options
The India-spec Carnival is expected to continue with the 2.2-litre diesel engine from the previous generation. Internationally, Kia offers the Carnival with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, but these options are unlikely for the Indian market at launch.
Pricing and Market Positioning
- Expected starting price: Around Rs 50 lakh
- Initial availability: Fully imported, single fully-loaded variant
- Future plans: Local assembly to reduce prices, possible equipment adjustments
At this price point, the Carnival will occupy a unique position in the Indian market. It will be positioned well above the Toyota Innova Hycross (topping out at around Rs 30 lakh) but significantly below the Toyota Vellfire (starting at Rs 1.22 crore).
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia Carnival promises to bring a new level of luxury to the MPV segment in India. With its premium features, powerful diesel engine, and strategic market positioning, it’s poised to attract buyers looking for a spacious, well-equipped family vehicle with a touch of opulence.
Keep an eye out for the price announcement on October 3, which will coincide with Kia’s pricing reveal for the EV9 full-size electric SUV, marking an exciting day for luxury vehicle enthusiasts in India.
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