The Kia Carnival has just been introduced here in Malaysia as a locally-assembled model, with three variants on offer starting at RM231,229. Unlike the fully-imported model which will also remain on sale, the new 2022 CKD Kia Carnival is only offered in either a seven- or eight-seater configuration, which significantly ups the MPV’s luxuriousness, as you’ll see in the video below.
In terms of appearance, there really aren’t that many differences to tell the two apart. There’s a new full-width LED taillight at the back, alongside the smaller, more car-like wing mirrors, but that’s really all about the changes you’ll be able to tell from the outside. Standard equipment such as the LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, and dual power sliding doors remain identical from before.
The powertrain is also unchanged, with a 2.2-litre inline-four turbodiesel mill pushing out 199 hp and 440 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and Kia says the all-new Carnival is able to reach a top speed of 190 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 l/100 km.
ALSO WATCH: Kia Carnival 11-seater MPV full in-depth review
The biggest change here is actually on the inside, particularly the aforementioned seven- and eight-seater configuration, as opposed to the school bus-esque 11-seater of the fully-imported model.
The eight-seater variants gets three seats in the second-row, which are fully modular and can be installed facing backwards. The range-topping seven-seater variant meanwhile get two captain seats-style “Premium Relaxion” seats, with powered recline functions and a “zero-gravity mode” that supposedly helps reduce stress and fatigue on longer journeys.
New additions to the CKD Kia Carnival also include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on the two “High” variants, alongside advanced driver assistance features.
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