Automologist ATHERTON introduces us to Kia’s latest offering on our shores.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the new brand custodians for Kia in Malaysia, has announced the pricing for its All-New Kia Carnival. The 11-seater MPV CBU fourth-generation model was publicly shown in last week’s Carlist Drive Auto Fair 2021 at the Setia City Convention Centre.
The Kia Carnival has good looks and doesn’t have the look of a big chunk of block. It is well designed and has the goods under the hood and a lovely ambience inside. Although an MPV, it has an SUV-like presence with black claddings, silver front and rear skid plates and roof rails.
This behemoth is 5 meters long and weighs just 2,008 kg, but don’t let that fool you as it has a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel equipped with a cast iron block, not an aluminium one. Power is sent to its front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, producing 199 hp and 441 Nm, enough to take your extended family on a trip across Malaysia in comfort.
The front sports the ‘tiger nose’ grille in line with Kia’s theme along with quad-LED projector headlights and DRL’s and auto-levelling. Wheels are 18-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloy. The Carnival also comes with a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, wireless charger and seven USB ports.
In terms of seating, you can configure the seats to your liking. The four rows are in a 2-3-3-3 configuration. You can fold the second and third row centre seats to clear a path directly to the back. It also comes equipped with Smart Power Sliding Doors and Smart Power Tailgate for your convenience.
It has dual-zone automatic climate control for the front passengers and single-zone controls for the second row and air vents in the roof for all rows. With our Malaysian weather, this is a must. Plus, it has 12 cupholders.
Safety wise, there are seven airbags, (I’ve seen MPVs in this age and era with only two), blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and stability control. The suspension has been fully revamped and given a fully independent system to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, providing a relaxed and comfortable drive.
Price starts at RM196,340.80 , on-the-road without insurance, and the principal is giving a five-year/100,000 km free maintenance package and warranty. If you’re on the lookout for an MPV, the Kia Carnival must be on your shopping list.
Showroom: +60 3 2163 1196
Email: customersupport@kiamalaysia.com.my
Web: www.kia.com/my
