New Kia Carnival interior revealed

INTERIOR details of Kia’s new (revised) South Korean spec MY24 Carnival have been disclosed this week completing the picture of the next model due here in Q1 next year.

As predicted, the interior changes mirror those seen elsewhere in Kia’s line-up ushering in a shift-by-wire transmission selector, new software, and a range of Connected Services technologies.

Comprehensive information is provided through snazzy dual 12.3-inch screens lifted from other Kia models while the connectivity suite with OTA functionality boasts a range of connected car services including calendar sync, find my car, remote vehicle checks and more, while also providing emergency services call, connected routing services, voice control, valet mode, weather information and remote vehicle check.

The MPV rocks a new exterior look reflecting Kia’s Opposites Unite design language, exemplified in the company’s EVs, that’s working its way through the range along with expanded powertrain choices now including petrol, diesel, and petrol/electric hybrid (HEV).

Though local spec’ may differ slightly and model by model, the new Carnival as seen in its home market marks a step up in luxury, design, and tech’ starting with second row slide-flex seating where the middle seat slides forward to give easy access to the front row passenger. It can also fold into a table for use in the second- and third rows.

So called VIP lounge seating makes an appearance featuring second row seats with a one-touch relaxation mode offering a full recline, raised power footrests, headrests, heating and ventilation, and genuine leather seat trim.

There is room for more stuff inside as layout changes mean Carnival now offers “best-in-class” cargo space with the option for removable second-row seats and third-row seats that sink into the floor to make room for gear, coolers, suitcases and general cargo.

The new model has what Kia calls “smart power doors and tailgate” translating into side sliders and tailgate that can open and close with one touch or near the car’s key fob for easy loading and unloading with full hands.

Passengers will no doubt appreciate the model’s available dual screen, rear seat multi-media entertainment system with device mirroring package boasting wireless streaming capability through compatible Apple or Android devices.

A safety boost comes from the Carnival’s available two-way intercom system that allows front row occupants to communicate with passengers in the second- and third rows clearly and without distraction, amplifying voices through the speaker system.

Further boosting safety and passenger comfort is a passenger view system with night vision that allows front occupants to monitor rear passengers on the touch screen even at night.

Carnival’s dual 12.3-inch “panoramic displays” with navigation are LCD units that converge into a large display centre with clean digital instrumentation in the dash and a host of other convenience and entertainment features on the main screen, including Kia Connect.

Kia says the new Carnival provides “an arc of airbags that are deployed and inflated intelligently based on the severity of certain impacts.”

Child safety in terms of anchors and tethers is an industry standard and other cool kit in the new Carnival includes remote start with climate control that facilitates temperature setting before accessing the vehicle.

Greater use of voice assistants is featured inside utilising Kia Connect which links with Amazon Alexa for voice activation of features like remote start and climate control.

Optionally available, and likely as standard in high spec’ variants, is connected routing through the navigation system that uses real-time and historical traffic data, as well as weather and speed limit info to predict the quickest route between two points.

As already revealed by GoAuto, the MY24 Carnival range will feature the petrol-electric hybrid driveline found in the current Kia Sorento and Sportage SUVs, in addition to its carryover V6 petrol and four-cylinder turbo-diesel options.

The HEV uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and six-speed dual-clutch transmission that combined deliver 169kW/264Nm.

MY23 Kia Carnival dominates the People Mover under $70K segment selling 10 to one against its nearest rival with 8745 units sold to the end of September this year.