The KIA returns with the Carnival, axes diesel and goes hybrid. This might just be the “Big Top” of the compact MPVs. 

Photos: Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

Cycle & Carriage Singapore has unveiled the facelifted flagship KIA Carnival MPV.  Now a hybrid, KIA’s revamped MPV replaces the diesel, which was first introduced here back in 2021.

With the facelift, the Carnival loses its horizontal light signature, in favour of a stacked headlamp cluster…Together with the new lights, KIA has also gone on to redesign the grille, with a new interpretation of the Korean carmaker’s well-known ‘Tiger-Nose’ design. The stacked lighting approach continues at the rear, where it loses its horizontal LED taillights and in-favour of a vertical design instead.

On the inside, the Carnival’s dash follows in the footsteps of cars like the Niro, where it has a single panel display screen which contains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Like the Niro, the Carnival also sports a dual function control strip, which provides users with controls to the air-conditioner, and entertainment. It also loses the shift lever, in favour of a knob. For the driver, there is a windscreen-projected Head-up Display which mirrors vital information in-line with the view of the road.

The Carnival is available both in 7-seater and 8-seater configurations. For those who would choose comfort over accommodating one more, the 7-seater variant comes with premium leather upholstery. It is also equipped with Relaxation Seats  in the second row, which have their own footrests, and like the front seats, they are ventilated. The 8-seat version makes do with a “vegan” leather upholstery, with the middle row giving up the Relaxation Seats for three individual folding seats.

The 7-seater Carnival also receives premium audio, by way of a 12-speaker Bose Sound System. Apart from the wireless charging pad, there is also a good scatter of Type-C USB charger pots around the vehicle, for easy power access.

As mentioned earlier, the 2.2-liter oil burner makes way for an efficient 1.6-litre turbocharged hybridised petrol engine instead. The new powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, married to a 72hp electric motor. The new setup generates a combined output of 236hp and 366Nm. Compared to its predecessor, power has increased by 42hp, while torque has dropped by 74Nm. Performance-wise, the hybrid MPV is quicker to 100km/h by 1.4 seconds (9.3 seconds). While the Carnival Hybrid brings small gains in performance, the smaller engine does put the MPV in a lower tax bracket.

According to KIA, the facelift brings with it several unique improvements, tied to the hybrid system; such as E-Handling (Electrically Assisted Handling Performance) which enhances cornering responsiveness, via the use of the brakes and the electric motor, helping to contribute to stability around corners. Also tied to the hybrid system, the E-Ride, also taps on the motor, to reduce forward and rearward rocking motions. 

While there is no change in the rim size, KIA claims that the updated Carnival’s 19-inch rims are more aerodynamic. Speaking of aerodynamics, there are now active flaps integrated into the lower bumper, which contribute to improved airflow management.

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On the front of safety, the Kia Carnival is equipped with a suite of features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2), which alerts drivers to potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and provides emergency braking assistance when required. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), detects cross traffic from either direction when the Carnival Hybrid is backing up. If a vehicle is detected and warnings are ignored, emergency braking is automatically applied. Surround View Monitor (SVM) also provides you with a variety of 360-degree views when manoeuvring tight corners or when parking, giving you a peace of mind.

The revamped Kia Carnival Hybrid retails at S$279,999 for the seven-seater variant and S$269,999 for the eight-seater version. All prices include COE.

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