2022 Kia Carnival: Features that make it a capable MPV

It was only last month that Kia Malaysia introduced the 2022 Carnival CKD unit. The Kulim-assembled MPV is offered in three trim options and it is quite different from the CBU unit. While the CKD unit has three variant options, the CBU model comes in a sole 11-seater variant.

The CKD Carnival lineup includes -

2.2D 8-Seater Mid	RM231,228
2.2D 8-Seater High	RM247,228
2.2D 7-Seater High	RM261,228

The CBU version lineup includes -

2.2D 11-Seater

RM196,340

Note, the above-mentioned prices include sales tax and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty and service package.

All the models are it the 7- & 8- seater CKD or the 11-seater CBU Carnival feature the same dimensions. The MPVs overall length measures 5,155 mm, it is 1,995 mm wide, and 1,775 mm tall. The car’s wheelbase and ground clearance figures read 3,090 mm and 172 mm.

Let us now discuss the all-new Carnival's features that make it a capable MPV -

LED lighting units

The Kia Carnival features all LED lighting units, for instance, LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED taillights, and LED front fog lamps. The rear fog lamps do not make it to the list with bulb-type lighting units. This is a good feature to be in a car as it improves nighttime vision thus adding to the car’s safety.

Versatility

Kia offers the Carnival three seating options - 7, 8, and 11. All the variant options offer various seating configurations, making it one of the most accommodating and flexible options.

The CKD units, be it the 7 or 8-seater, come with three rows with the former coming with a 2-2-3 layout with individual ‘Premium Relaxation’ captain chairs in the 2nd row. These special seats offer a first-class experience with back reclines, upward tilting front of the seat base, and extended leg support.

The latter comes with a 2-3-3 seating arrangement wherein the 40:20:40 split-folding second row is detachable and can be repositioned to face rearwards. The second-row seat can be turned and folded to create a shared table.

The car is super good for owners who don’t travel light as the 2nd-row seats can be removed and 3rd-row seats folded down to access its full cargo capacity.

Smart doors & tailgate

The Carnival comes with smart power sliding doors that offer easy entry and exit for the occupants in the rear. Also part of the list is a smart power tailgate making putting in and out the luggage easily. The smart key has a button that can close and lock doors as the driver walks away.

Comfort & convenience

The car offers several amazing comfort features like

• Comfortable seating environment with 3-step adjustable
• Ventilated and heated seats
• Wireless charging tray with a charging pad that lets you charge the compatible mobile phone wirelessly
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Dual-zone front climate control
• Single-zone rear climate control with ceiling vents
• 8-way powered front passenger seat
• Seven USB ports

Connectivity

The Carnival gets a 12.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display that allows you to view and select audio functions. The setup comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The convenient controls on the steering wheel allow you to choose audio sources, adjust audio quality, and radio stations to taste.

Keeping the driver informed and staying focused on key driving information is the supervision cluster.

The Bose 12-speaker premium audio system delivers immersive sound via a dedicated external amplifier.

Improved handling & stability

The MPV sits on a new 3rd gen platform that standardized the arrangement of chassis, steering, cabin floor, and powertrain. All this resulted in a more spacious cabin along with improved stability, collision safety, handling, and aerodynamics.

Enhanced occupant protection

The crucial areas of the car are engineered with stronger, more formable steel that helps the body and chassis disperse collision forces to improve occupant protection. Also, higher torsional rigidity offers an impressive level of ride smoothness and handling responsiveness.

Also, adding to the list are - 7 airbags (driver, driver’s knee, front passenger, two front-side, and two side-curtain), Hill-start assists control, safe exit assist, rear occupant alert, multi-collision braking, high beam assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist with junction turning, lane following assist, smart cruise control, and surround view monitor.

All these features make the Kia Carnival a capable vehicle in the segment. Which features from the above list impress you the most? Let us know in the comments.