Kia Motors Launches All-New Carnival After 6 Years
Online New Car Presentation Featuring Augmented Reality (AR)
9-Seater Gasoline Starting at 31.6 Million KRW... 32,000 Pre-Orders in 14 Days
[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Kia Motors held an online launch event for the new 4th generation Carnival minivan on the 18th and officially began sales.
The new Carnival is the 4th generation model introduced by Kia Motors after six years since the 3rd generation in 2014. It breaks away from the conventional minivan image with a bold approach, featuring a grand yet sophisticated design. Additionally, it was launched with enhanced product competitiveness in various aspects such as space utilization, the latest convenience features, and advanced new technologies.
◆Grand Exterior Design and Premium Interior Space= Kia Motors completed the new Carnival with a refined look that departs from the typical minivan, based on the exterior design concept of 'majestic volume.'
The front features a grand impression with daytime running lights (DRL) visually expressing rhythm and beat, and a symphonic architecture radiator grille that blurs the boundary with the LED headlamps. The side establishes the new identity of the 4th generation Carnival with a side character line that conveys a sense of speed and a unique three-dimensional pattern chrome garnish on the C-pillar. The rear emphasizes presence through slim rear combination lamps connected left to right, chrome garnish, and a grand rear bumper.
The interior is completed as an advanced space. Kia Motors explained that based on the design concept of 'infinite space utilization,' it added differentiated premium features to the unparalleled space utilization. The goal was to provide the best space and value for users' daily lives. Convenience was enhanced by applying a panoramic display integrating a 12.3-inch cluster and navigation, and touch-type center fascia buttons. In particular, the slim air vent (air outlet) integrated metal garnish crossing the center of the crash pad harmonizes perfectly with the high-end wood garnish below, maximizing luxury.
◆Comfort Completed with Consideration for Users and Advanced Technology= Kia Motors ensured that everyone riding in the 4th generation Carnival can feel comfortable by incorporating consideration for users into the spacious interior, which is among the best in Korea.
The 4th generation Carnival is equipped with ▲best-in-class boarding and alighting convenience technologies ▲comfortable premium space that delicately cares for users ▲mobility technologies connecting driver and vehicle as one ▲advanced driver assistance systems beyond its class, enhancing product competitiveness.
Kia Motors applied best-in-class boarding and alighting new technologies such as smart power sliding doors, simultaneous opening and closing of remote power sliding doors and tailgate, smart power tailgate (including automatic closing function), safe exit assist, and boarding spot lamps. Additionally, the 7-seater exclusive model features 2nd-row premium relaxation seats, an extended center console for 2nd-row users, and auxiliary air filters in the rear space, allowing passengers to feel as if they are staying in a premium lounge.
It also offers emotional enjoyment by equipping best-in-class advanced mobility technologies such as rear seat voice recognition, sharing my car location, 2nd-row power reclining seats, and Car-to-Home. Furthermore, a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) were applied, reducing driver fatigue and securing best-in-class safety.
◆9-Seater Gasoline Starting at 31.6 Million KRW... 32,000 Pre-orders in 14 Days= The 4th generation Carnival is launched with two powertrains: gasoline 3.5 and diesel 2.2, and is available in 7-seater, 9-seater, and 11-seater configurations.
The gasoline model is equipped with the Smartstream G3.5 GDI engine, delivering a maximum output of 294 horsepower, maximum torque of 36.2 kgf·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 9.1 km/l (based on 9-seater). The diesel model features the Smartstream D2.2 engine, producing a maximum output of 202 horsepower, maximum torque of 45.0 kgf·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 13.1 km/l (based on 9-seater).
The 4th generation Carnival received an explosive response with 23,006 pre-orders on the first day of pre-orders starting on the 28th of last month. This is the shortest time and highest record ever, an unprecedented achievement in the minivan segment. By the 14th of this month, a total of about 32,000 units were pre-ordered over 14 business days, proving consumers' strong interest in the new Carnival. This figure exceeds 50% of last year's Carnival sales (63,706 units). Notably, 48% of pre-order customers chose the top-tier Signature trim, showing high expectations for a premium minivan. The pre-order ratio by seating capacity was 25% for 7-seater and 70% for 9-seater, indicating many customers preferred the 9-seater and 7-seater Carnival. By engine type, diesel models accounted for 80% and gasoline models 20% of pre-orders.
The sales prices for the 4th generation Carnival are as follows: for 9-seater and 11-seater gasoline models, Prestige at 31.6 million KRW, Noblesse at 35.9 million KRW, and Signature at 39.85 million KRW. For the 7-seater gasoline model, Noblesse is priced at 38.24 million KRW and Signature at 42.36 million KRW. (Based on 3.5% individual consumption tax)
Additionally, Kia Motors plans to introduce the 4th generation Carnival Hi-Limousine within the year. The new Carnival Hi-Limousine will add a gasoline 4-seater model, operating in 4-seater, 7-seater, 9-seater, and 11-seater configurations.
◆4th Generation Carnival Online Launch Show and Launch Events= Kia Motors will conduct various marketing activities along with the launch of the 4th generation Carnival.
First, the country's first online launch presentation incorporating augmented reality technology will be held from 10 a.m. on the day. Through this, new technologies applied to the 4th generation Carnival, seat configurations, and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) operation scenarios will be presented in an immersive way.
Also, the 4th generation Carnival can be experienced through the 'Kia Play AR' smartphone app, which uses augmented reality technology. From the day of launch until the 31st of this month, customers who newly download the Kia Play AR app will receive a limited edition Baby Shark emoticon. From the 1st to the 21st of next month, customers who succeed in finding Baby Shark in the app's event mode will be entered into a draw to win Baby Shark seatbelt dolls and Starbucks gifticons.
A Kia Motors official said, "The new Carnival has been perfectly reborn as a connecting hub that combines attractive design and Kia's cutting-edge technology. It will offer customers the best value in their daily lives as a premium space equipped with free and considerate connection and care technologies."
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