Kia Australia pauses V6 petrol Carnival orders

SPECULATION of the possible demise of Kia’s V6 petrol-powered Carnival people mover appears to be inaccurate as the local arm of the giant South Korean automotive manufacturer moved last week to clarify what it terms “paused” delivery of the V6 model.

Speaking to GoAuto, media and corporate communications manager of Kia Australia, Alyson MacDonald, said orders for the 3.5-litre V6 petrol Carnival SE had been paused because of Kia Australia’s focus on clearing back orders and because of high demand for that engine in US delivered Kia vehicles and continuing semi-conductor supply issues.

“But the temporary pause only affects the Carnival SE edition at the moment,” she said.

“Other trim levels will follow, again temporarily, because V6 petrol engine supplies are limited as the US consumes the lion’s share of production and the semi-conductor supply issues continue.

General manager of product planning at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero said, “Kia Australia is prioritising back orders at the moment and unfortunately, we have no idea when orders for the V6 petrol Carnival will re-open, but we have strong supplies of the more popular diesel models.”

“Diesel is currently the powertrain of choice for the FWD only Carnival and supply is generally strong with a minimal wait (cars ordered in August expected to be produced in September).

Sales of the current model Carnival, far and away the leader in the people mover segment with 81.6 per cent market share YTD, are running at nearly 80 per cent diesel to 20 per cent petrol as the market shifted from the previous model’s stronger fleet sales (50 per cent fleet to 50 per cent private) which preferred petrol engines.

A facelift version of the Carnival is due in Q1 next year that is said to channel styling cues and tech from the upcoming, boxy Kia V9 fully electric large SUV and mark a return of V6 petrol engine availability.

Spy shots from various Korean automotive websites reveal a new grille, lights, and body hardware/garnishes but the overall shape remains the same. It will feature Kia’s next-generation infotainment system that supports wireless smartphone mirroring and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

The Carnival update (and Sorento) will have Kia’s sixth generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNc), the same as that fitted to EV9.

To reduce emissions, some sources suggest petrol powered Carnival models might also offer, in addition to the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, the choice of same “electrified” powertrain used in Kia Sportage Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

The Sportage hybrid is set to arrive here early next year. That means a 169kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor sandwiched between the mill and the six-speed auto transmission.

“Kia Australia would be keen to put their hand up for a Carnival Hybrid,” said Mr Rivero.