Kia has discontinued the Carnival MPV in India due to a combination of factors, including:
- Slow sales: The Carnival was a relatively slow seller in India, even before the pandemic. This was due to several factors, including its high price tag and the fact that it was competing against well-established rivals like the Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Marazzo.
- BS6 phase 2 emission norms: The Carnival was powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that did not meet the new BS6 phase 2 emission norms that came into effect on April 1, 2023. Kia could have updated the engine to meet the new norms, but the cost of doing so would likely have been prohibitive.
- Launch of the fourth generation Carnival: Kia plans to launch the fourth generation Carnival in India in 2024. This new model is more luxurious and technologically advanced than the third-generation model and will likely be priced higher. Kia may have decided to discontinue the third-generation Carnival to focus on the launch of the new model.
KA4
The fourth generation Kia Carnival, also known as the ‘KA4,’ was showcased at the Auto Expo in India and is expected to come back after a facelift. The fourth generation Carnival is said to be more luxurious and technologically advanced than its predecessor. There are speculations that the facelifted version may come with a petrol-hybrid system, although its availability in India is yet to be confirmed.
Regarding the price of the facelifted Gen-4 Kia Carnival, it is estimated to have an ex-showroom price of around INR 50 lakh when it launches in India.
More cars
In addition to the Carnival, Kia India has a busy year ahead with the launch of the Kia Seltos facelift in July and a facelift for the Sonet planned for the fourth quarter.
Kia has not officially confirmed the discontinuation of the Carnival MPV in India. However, the fact that the company has stopped taking orders for the car and has taken it down from its website suggests that the discontinuation is imminent.
Here is a more detailed list of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior: The Carnival has one of the minivan class’s most spacious and comfortable interiors. There is plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers, and the seats are supportive and comfortable.
- Powerful and fuel-efficient engine: The Carnival is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for passing and merging and is also relatively fuel-efficient.
- A long list of standard features: The Carnival comes standard with a long list of features, including a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a rear entertainment system, and a suite of advanced safety features.
- Advanced safety features: The Carnival comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.
- Stylish and modern design: The Carnival has a stylish and modern design that will turn heads. The exterior is sleek and aerodynamic, and the interior is well-appointed and luxurious.
Cons:
- High price tag: The Carnival is one of the most expensive minivans on the market. The starting price is over Rs. 30.99 Lakh, which goes up to Rs. 35.49 Lakh with all the options.
- Mediocre fuel economy in city driving: The Carnival gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This is not bad for a minivan but not as good as some of its competitors.
- No all-wheel drive option: The Carnival is only available with front-wheel drive. This is not a major issue for most people, but it could be a deal-breaker for some buyers in cold weather climates.
- Limited cargo space with all seats in use: The Carnival has plenty of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. However, the cargo space is limited with all the seats in use. This could be a problem for families who need to carry a lot of gear.
- Some minor build quality issues: Some owners have reported minor build quality issues with the Carnival. These issues are usually minor and do not affect the vehicle’s overall performance.
Conclusion
The Kia Carnival is an excellent minivan with a lot to offer. It is spacious, comfortable, and loaded with features. However, it is also expensive and has some minor drawbacks. If you are looking for a luxurious and stylish minivan with plenty of space, the Kia Carnival is a great option.
