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The Kia Carnival is back after a year-long hiatus in India, a pause due to supply shortages that left people waiting eagerly. Following a preview at the 2023 Auto Expo, Kia has now launched the facelifted fourth-generation Carnival, the same premium model sold internationally. This refreshed MPV brings updated styling, improved cabin quality, and innovative tech to the Indian market. The anticipation for its arrival was well worth it, with an impressive 2400 pre-bookings even before the official launch — a number that matches Kia’s total sales for the previous model in India.

The brand’s design philosophy has always emphasised aesthetics, and the new MPV makes an MPV look exciting, almost like an SUV. At the front, the striking tiger-nose grille and vertical ‘ice cube’ LED headlights make a bold statement. Along the side, a clever use of chrome trim and the distinct roofline work with the B-pillar to enhance the SUV-inspired look. The 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add a premium touch, with intricate patterns that give the car a refined stance.

Moving to the rear, it sports a broad, almost full-length light bar, lending a modern touch. When lit, the taillights might remind you of an EV’s light styling. This section of the car feels clean and polished, enhancing the car’s impressive road presence. In fact, its sheer size commands attention on the road, with other drivers giving way instinctively — a testament to its commanding stance. This MPV is offered in just two colours, black and white; the black model, which we drove, looked particularly sophisticated on the road.

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Stepping into the cabin, the car offers several innovative ways to open its sliding door: you can press a button on the dash, touch a small button on the door handle, or simply pull the handle. The anti-pinch feature adds safety, automatically retracting if an obstacle is detected. Inside, we tested the seven-seater variant, which includes two luxurious captain’s chairs in the middle row, with seating for three in the back. Space is ample across all rows, with an especially plush experience in the middle row, where the ventilated captain’s seats are not only unique at this price point but also equipped with a reclining lounge mode. With just the touch of a button, the seats recline, and a footrest extends, making it an ideal setup for relaxation on long journeys.

Adding to the airy feel of the cabin, dual sunroofs provide plenty of natural light, one for the front and one for the middle row. Adjustable seats that slide sideways as well as forward and backwards allow each passenger to find their perfect position. Up front, the driver’s area is packed with tech, featuring a dual-screen setup: a 12.5-inch driver display and a matching infotainment touchscreen that controls everything from media to vehicle settings. The 12-speaker Bose surround sound system offers excellent audio quality, filling the spacious cabin with rich sound. And for added fun, Kia has introduced a Personal Announcement System, allowing drivers to broadcast messages to rear-seat passengers through the speaker system — a playful feature that could be a favourite with families.

Kia has clearly upped its game in terms of build quality. Even over bumpy roads, the Carnival’s cabin remains quiet and composed, with no rattles or squeaks. The premium materials and fit-and-finish enhancements give the interior a high-end feel, marking a noticeable improvement over previous models. The car also excels in luggage capacity: even with all three rows upright, there’s ample space in the boot for a weekend’s worth of luggage for all seven passengers — a significant advantage for families and large groups.

Under the hood, this premium MPV packs a 2.2-litre diesel engine, delivering 190 bhp and 44.96 kgm of torque. The power delivery is smooth and linear, with sufficient grunt to handle highway speeds effortlessly. You get multiple drive modes, allowing drivers to fine-tune the experience, though the Carnival truly shines on long-distance cruises where its powertrain feels unstressed. With a 72-litre fuel tank, this MPV has an impressive fuel economy; during our drive, on the trip readout, it showcased an estimated range of over 1,000 kilometres on a full tank, translating to the fuel efficiency of around 14-15 km per litre, even with some stop-and-go traffic.

Driving this massive MPV is a surprisingly effortless experience given its size. The steering is light, making U-turns and lane changes manageable, while the suspension engineering handles road imperfections with ease. On rougher patches, the suspension keeps the ride smooth and stable, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or enjoying the rear captain’s chairs. One minor drawback is ground clearance, as the Carnival may occasionally scrape on taller speed bumps, but careful navigation can mitigate this. Equipped with ADAS and comprehensive safety features, the Carnival is prepared for any journey. The 360-degree camera system is particularly useful for parking and manoeuvring this large MPV in tight spaces, enhancing overall safety and convenience.

The new Carnival provides a more premium package than its predecessor, reflected in both quality and price. Some may find the updated pricing a bit steep, but when adjusted for inflation and considering the extensive upgrades, it’s reasonable. With its improved styling, luxury-oriented cabin, and strong road presence, Kia’s confident pricing seems justified, as the car already has a long waiting list of eager buyers. This model is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-end people-mover, whether for business or family use.

The car’s re-entry into the Indian market marks a successful step forward for the South Korean brand. Its unique MPV functionality with SUV-inspired styling, luxurious cabin features, and impressive road presence make it a strong contender in the premium MPV segment. While it may not directly compete with the Innova Hycross, the Carnival offers a more premium and feature-rich experience. When compared to the Toyota Vellfire, the Carnival provides excellent value for money, offering a similar level of luxury and comfort at a more competitive price point.