Kia previews the efficient seating layout of the 11-seater Carnival

KUALA LUMPUR: The Kia Carnival MPV received styling updates, more hi-tech features, and also more ways to customize the seating configuration back in June. The new minivan is known to be a spacious people hauler with seating spaces for seven, nine, or eleven passengers. But if you wonder about how eleven occupants can comfortably fit inside the minivan, watch Kia’s newly released video of 2+3+3+3 set up, which shows that it is really possible.

The instructional video tells that the fourth row of the MPV can be easily accessed by either folding the second-row seat or folding and pushing it forward. Alternatively, the center assist seat of the rows can also be folded to make a path. The middle seat can also be folded to turn into a small table, where the seatbacks feature cupholders and a tray. Moreover, if someone does not need the fourth row, the video shows that how it can be folded to make space for cargo.

Dubbed as ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’, the new Carnival cabin also has intelligent and flexible interior packaging and lots of cabin storage areas. In the seven-seat layout, it offers reclining ‘Premium Relaxation Seat’ for second-row, with adjustable back-, arm- and leg-rests. The one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode further enhanced the comfort by automatically reclining and adjusting the seats.

Talking about the hi-tech niceties available inside the cabin, the minivan features a twin digital display - a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument panel and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, intelligent voice control, and touch-sensitive buttons. Other than this, the Carnival specs sheet has automatic climate control, power-sliding rear doors, smart cruise control, and rear passenger voice control.

Kia offers the new Carnival in three engine options, a 3.5-litre V6 Turbo GDI generating 294 PS of maximum power and 355 Nm of peak torque, a 3.5-litre MPI gasoline V6 unit rated at 272 PS and 332 Nm, and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel mill good for 202 PS and 440 Nm. All the powertrains are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

As for safety, there are seven airbags, electronic stability control, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, forward-collision assist, blind-spot view monitor, high-beam assist, surround-view monitor, safe exit assist, and so on.

The revamped Carnival is available in the home market at a starting price of 60.66 million won (RM 219,349). About its arrival in Malaysia, no information is available at this time.

Also read: All-new Kia Seltos: First impression