[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Kia Motors began pre-orders for the 4th generation Carnival on the 28th. This 4th generation model, introduced for the first time in six years since 2014, boasts a comfortable interior space, the latest mobility technologies, and advanced features. The new Carnival is expected to compete with mid-to-large SUVs such as Hyundai Motor's Palisade.
The new Carnival is completed with an attractive advanced space starting from the driver's seat. The driver's seat features a panoramic display integrating a 12.3-inch cluster (instrument panel) and a 12.3-inch navigation system, enhancing visibility and convenience.
The rear seat space is equipped with convenience technologies for passengers, emphasizing a feeling akin to staying in a premium lounge. The second-row seats feature 'Premium Relaxation Seats' that provide the most comfortable posture for passengers, delivering a first-class level of luxury. The Premium Relaxation Seats, with a single button press, position the user as if floating in a zero-gravity space, alleviating pressure concentrated on the hips and waist and reducing fatigue.
In particular, the new Carnival maximizes space utilization by applying an extended center console considerate of second-row users. Additionally, an auxiliary air conditioner filter is added to the rear space so that passengers can enjoy fresh air anywhere inside the spacious interior of the new Carnival.
Another advantage of the new Carnival is its mobility technology that enables interaction between the vehicle and users, providing differentiated experiences and emotional enjoyment. The new Carnival is equipped with class-leading advanced mobility technologies such as ▲rear seat voice recognition ▲car location sharing ▲navigation-linked second-row power reclining seats ▲Car-to-Home.
The rear seat voice recognition, applied for the first time in its class, allows rear passengers to control commands such as 'turn air conditioner on/off' and 'cooler/warmer,' which were previously only possible by the driver, through voice commands. It also enables rear passengers to operate navigation guidance, Bluetooth audio, and control seats, climate, and windows in the rear seats.
Car location sharing is a function that sends the current vehicle location to family, acquaintances, or shared vehicles while traveling to a destination, allowing sharing of information such as remaining time, distance, and driving speed to the destination.
Furthermore, the navigation-linked second-row power reclining seats allow the driver to adjust the second-row seats through the navigation setting screen to accommodate passengers who may find it difficult to control the seats themselves.
Car-to-Home is a function that allows checking and controlling the status of home IoT devices from the vehicle, providing convenience by enabling settings for home lighting (bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc.), temperature, gas valves, doors, and more from inside the car.
The powertrain of the 4th generation Carnival is offered in two models: gasoline 3.5 and diesel 2.2, available in 7-seat, 9-seat, and 11-seat configurations.
The gasoline model is equipped with the Smartstream G3.5 GDI engine, delivering a maximum output of 294 PS (horsepower), maximum torque of 36.2 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 9.1 km/l (based on the 9-seat model). The diesel model features the Smartstream D2.2 engine, with a maximum output of 202 PS, maximum torque of 45.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 13.1 km/l (based on the 9-seat model).
Kia applies advanced driver assistance systems highly preferred by customers as standard on the new Carnival, including Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Engine, exterior, seats, safety, and sound feature packages are configured by theme and can be selected across all trims.
The selling prices for the 9-seat and 11-seat gasoline models are ▲Prestige 31.6 million KRW ▲Noblesse 35.9 million KRW ▲Signature 39.85 million KRW. (Exempt from individual consumption tax for 9-seat and above; diesel models add 1.2 million KRW)
The 7-seat gasoline models are ▲Noblesse 38.24 million KRW ▲Signature 42.36 million KRW. (Based on 3.5% individual consumption tax; diesel models add 1.18 million KRW)
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