Kia Carnival MPV First Drive Review. Comparison with Toyota Innova.

Kia Carnival MPV vs Toyota Innova.

The MPV or minivan segment has had an overwhelming favorite for over a decade – the Toyota Innova. It remains the undisputed bestseller, although the price and supply have increased. The configurations with 7 or 8 seats have made it the ideal choice for family buyers and also for the fleet market. Many automakers have been trying to blow up the Toyota Citadel for some time and have failed miserably. In addition, the second generation Innova Crysta was a great success. But now another car is being considered for India that could shake the Innova’s numero uno position. Kia is considering its India Carnival as one of the first models shortly after its brand debut in mid-2019.

Kia motors SUV aims at competing Hyundai Creta.

While the first product will be an SUV competing with Hyundai Creta, Kia is working on a study to find out if it should follow the Carnival one. It is a full size MPV and is also sold as Sedona in some markets like the United States. The car is in the 3rd generation and is available in the USA with a 3.3-liter V6 with front-wheel drive (270 hp, 336 Nm). This engine is coupled with a 6-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission. In Korea, it also gets a 2.2-liter diesel (197 hp, 440 Nm) with an 8-speed automatic transmission. And that is the car we are focusing on today as this could be more relevant to India. I had the chance to drive the carnival in New Delhi because Kia has one here to test.

The first thing that grabs you is that the kia carnival mpv is bigger than the Innova. This thing is a boat! The car is 380.5 mm longer, 154 mm wider and has a 311 mm longer wheelbase than the Innova Crysta. However, it is 55 mm shorter in height. And even with larger 17/18 inch wheels (the Innova gets 16 inches) and optional roof rails, the Carnival is even 40 mm shorter. It’s a reasonably attractive looking car – well, minivans drive anyway. The face is modern, with the usual Kia tiger nose grille and LED lights for a nice high-end feeling. Overall, the carnival looks so sophisticated and very urban. It is a stylish MPV in order and will withstand the Innova Crysta in terms of optics.

Kia Carnival seating and Rows.

The car has side sliding doors at the rear, which make getting in and out a breeze. The feeling of space in the cabin is quite large. Our test car was in a 7-seater configuration with two single seats in the second row. The third row has forward facing seats which are quite comfortable compared to other cars as the carnival is very wide. Of course, they are not suitable for knee angles or thigh supports and are therefore best suited for children or adults with a smaller body size. The front seats are heated and ventilated at the front and quite comfortable for long journeys. The driver’s seat is adjusted in 8 directions. Heated / ventilated electric seats for the second row – well, that would be a good move for India, right?

The dash layout is intelligent and functional. It is dominated by the center console and the 8-inch touchscreen, on which navigation can be carried out, among other things. Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity, voice commands, controls on the steering wheel, a decent sound system and the ability to enter and start without a key are other highlights.

In this cavernous cabin there is plenty of storage space for water or beverage bottles, telephones and more. The plastic quality is fair and the car looks pretty well put together. There is plenty of cargo space in the trunk. With the 3rd row in the game you get 960 liters and fold up the seats. That is 2220 liters! The round ventilation slots for the rear seats, which are mounted on the roof, lie cleanly and flush on the headlining. This is much nicer than the intrusive beam that runs through the center of the Innova headlining.

Kia carnival engine features.

The engine runs quietly and quickly enough. The gear changes are also fluid, but there is a clear sense of how big this car is. Although the carnival is by no means sluggish, you are always aware of the mass you are carrying. However, this largely applies to the Innova and most large MPVs. The handling is good for a car of this size, but there is a bit of a risk of rolling up if you try to make a quick turn or change lanes. Parking and turning can also be a bit of a hassle – but only because of its sheer length. The steering is fast and is supported by a surprising turning circle of 5.74 meters. The Innova Crysta is 5.4 meters smaller in comparison. Kia carnival MPV review.

However, the trump card of the carnival is comfort. However, the driving characteristics are quite good and since the carnival has a flat floor (no through tunnel); It gives you a very comfortable ride overall. The car with me also had cruise control, collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, ABS with cornering brake control and EBD, traction control and rollover protection. Safety is further increased by front and side airbags. The car is very quiet even at higher speeds, with no noticeable shocks or vibrations when the needle is 3 digits and higher.

Kia Carnival price in india

The big question remains whether Kia will actually bring us the carnival or not. If so, what is the price? The feeling we get is that the company is serious about introducing it. Kia will likely only deal with fairly well-used variants. I therefore do not expect a cut-throat positioning to result in massive taxi sales. In this case, prices would have to stay between £ 18 and £ 22 for the Kia to truly offer the best seller an honest challenge – the mighty Innova, of course.

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