Launched: Kia Carnival CKD - 7 and 8 seats, from RM232k

After teasing it over the last few weeks, the locally assembled (CKD) fourth-gen Kia Carnival has officially debuted earlier this evening in Penang.

Prior to tonight’s debut, distributors Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd had publicly previewed the model several weeks back. Three variants are available, those being a base 2.2D 8-seater, a mid-range 2.2D 8 Seater (High), as well as a range-topping 2.2D 7-Seater (High).

All three share the same 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel heart and 8-speed automatic transmission, the former delivering 199 HP and 440 NM to the front wheels via the latter.

The key difference between the CBU and this new CKD version, of course, lies in the different seats and its layouts offered by the latter. Though it loses a row of seats, the localised Carnival does gain further in terms of cargo space, as well as a myriad of other novel features.

Common features present across the board include dual powered-sliding doors and tailgate, keyless entry and ignition, all-LED forward and rear lighting plus DRLs, a sizeable 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit brimmed with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speak Bose Hi-Fi system, as well as 7 USB charging ports plus a wireless charging pad.

Notably, both the 8-seat and 7-seat High variants gets the full swing of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) package that includes:

• High Beam Assist (HBA)

• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

• Blind-Spot Collison-Avoidance (BCA)

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

• Lane Following Assist (LFA)

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

• Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Furthermore, the range-topping 7-seat variant offers a pair of ‘Premium Relaxion’ seats - Kia’s fancy lingo for ‘Captain Seats’ - in its second row.

Other common features present in both the mid-spec 8-seater and range-topping 7-seater variants include driver memory seat, heated and ventilated front seats, a high-tech 12.3-inch digital dash display, posh interior LED lamps, as well as a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and Dual Power sunroofs.

As we’ve noted prior, all three variants of the 7- and 8-seat Kia Carnival are assembled locally by BAuto at the Inokom Assembly facility located at Kulim, Kedah.

Available in five colourway choices, the new and localised fourth-gen Kia Carnival is now open for bookings through authorised dealers, as well as through the brand’s recently opened Kia Flagship 3S Centre in Glenmarie Shah Alam.

Excluding insurance costs, price figures stand at RM231,228.80 for the base 2.2D 8-seater variant, RM247,228.80 for the mid-spec 2.2 8-seater (High) variant, and RM261,228.80 for the 2.2D 7-seater (High) range-topper.

All prices include a five-year or 100,000 KM warranty coverage, as well as a five-year or 100,000 KM free service package as well.