The Kia Carnival facelift has just launched in Thailand, offered exclusively as a hybrid. Much like the Indonesian market, the Land of Smiles is getting the updated Carnival before us — even though it’s locally assembled in Malaysia. Surely, Malaysia is next right?
Being an import for the Thai market, the new Kia Carnival doesn’t come cheap. According to Headlight Magazine, the car is available exclusively as a seven-seater starting from THB2,499,000 (approx. RM324k) for the Premium variant and THB2,699,000 (approx. RM350k) for the Luxury variant.
Interestingly, the facelifted hybrid is actually cheaper than the previous seven-seater diesel flagship in Thailand, which started from THB2,990,000 (approx. RM389k) — likely thanks to hybrid tax exemptions.
Measuring 5,155 mm long, 1,995 mm wide, and 1,785 mm tall, with a 3,090 mm wheelbase, the new Kia Carnival measures similarly to its predecessor, but only 10 mm taller. The real updates come at the front and rear, where redesigned headlights and taillights echo Kia’s latest models like the EV9, with the facelift now rolling on new 19-inch wheels.
Inside, the new Kia Carnival in Thailand sports dual 12.3-inch TFT LCD displays for the centre infotainment and digital gauge cluster. Along with an 11-inch heads-up display, the system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Looking below, there is also now a single, integrated touch panel for both climate and media functions, as seen on newer Kia models. Its redesigned centre console also allows for more storage spaces along with a wireless phone charger and now sees up to six USB-C charging ports in the cabin.
ALSO READ: Kia is developing a new, more powerful petrol engine
Other notable features include a 12-speaker Bose sound system, interior ambient lighting, and a new digital rear-view mirror for improved visibility. Like its predecessor, the second-row captain seats are power-adjustable, with a one-touch relaxation recline, and can be removed or reinstalled to face the third row.
The new Kia Carnival swaps the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel for the hybrid powertrain used in the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. It pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, producing 180 hp and 265 Nm, with an electric motor adding 75 hp and 304 Nm, for a combined output of 245 hp and 367 Nm — 10 hp more than what we have in Malaysia. The front wheels are driven via a six-speed automatic, while a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery provides energy just for the hybrid motor.
As for Safety, the new Kia Carnival comes standard with the marque’s SmartSense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). This includes features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go, lane centring assist, Blind Spot Warning System (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCCA), and collision avoidance system.
Since the facelifted Kia Carnival is already built in Malaysia, the local launch of the facelifted Kia Carnival seems only a matter of time. With diesel now significantly more expensive than petrol, it would make sense for Kia to eventually phase out the diesel models in favour of the new hybrid variant.
ALSO READ: Kia chief confirms new compact EV in the works, ICE and hybrid development continues
GALLERY
