After officially beginning operations just a few days ago, Kia Sales Malaysia has now teased the first model that will be launched here soon. On its social media pages, the company posted a video depicting what is very likely the facelifted Carnival.
The MPV is currently in its fourth generation, which made its global debut back in June 2020 before a facelift was revealed in October 2023. In Malaysia, the KA4-generation Carnival officially went on sale in January 2022, arriving initially as an 11-seater that was fully imported (CBU) from South Korea.
Moving the clock forward, the Carnival became a locally-assembled (CKD) model that was available in seven- or eight-seat configurations in July 2022. The 11-seater remained a CBU offering at the time, although it eventually made the transition to CKD in November 2023. The Carnival would later get a running update in February 2024.
Getting back to the MPV coming our way, the facelifted Carnival is easily identified by the brand’s signature Star Map daytime running light signature that is seen in the teaser. This is accompanied by new vertical LED headlamps and a larger grille, while the rear gets inverted L-shaped LED taillights and a lower number plate recess.
Inside, the general design of the dashboard remains familiar, although there are some notable changes. These include a unified widescreen display panel that that still houses a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, joined by either 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end variants.
Elsewhere, the audio and air-conditioning controls have been combined into a single switchable touch panel like in the EV6. This allows for a larger storage cubby below and the addition of a full-width ambient lighting strip under the air vents.
Our Carnival is currently powered by a 2.2 litre Smartstream D2.2 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 202 PS (199 hp or 149 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, with drive going to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In markets that have already welcomed the facelifted model such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, buyers have the option of a hybrid powertrain. This is based around a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a total system output of 245 PS (242 hp or 180 kW) and 367 Nm.
Given the diesel subsidy rationalisation programme in our country that started in June 2024, which may have had a hand in dissuading potential Carnival buyers, could we also be getting a petrol hybrid option for the MPV? Kia Sales Malaysia should be providing further details in due time, so stay tuned.
GALLERY: Kia Carnival Hybrid facelift at GIIAS 2024
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