After teasing a darkened sketch of the next-generation Carnival last week, Kia finally shines the light on the actual thing, confirming the SUV-like design, more upright stance and beefier silhouette implied in the earlier illustration.
Entering its fourth-generation, the Kia Carnival—known as the Sedona in other markets—has been a decent seller for the South Korean car brand since its arrival 1998.
In fact, Kia has sold over two million units of the Carnival globally. Kia hopes the new model “will appeal to progressive young families with its combination of innovation, flexibility, and style.”
Given that the SUV is now the most preferred vehicle type in many of the Carnival’s target markets, the move toward a more SUV-like appearance is not at all unexpected, and appears like a natural evolution over the minivan’s previous generation.
The Carnival’s first images show a more confident Tiger Nose grille that appears more angular and slightly larger than that of the outgoing model. The crisscross grille is encased by slim headlamps stylishly curvy daytime running lamps. The bolder facade is complemented at the sides by muscular wheel arches and the straight-thru character line that runs across entire length of the car.
The sculpted front bumper lower air intake complement the more futuristic façade, along with a metallic trim and a black lower bumper that emphasize the Carnival’s robust, SUV-inspired appearance.
At the rear, a vertical rear combination light bar connects the sliding door rail on one side to the other. A chrome line above the light bar and a metallic lower skid plate below it finish off the look of the rear.
Though not immediately obvious, Kia reports that the wheelbase has increased some 30mm, from 3,060mm to 3,090mm. This increase contributes to greater space throughout the cabin, while giving the car a longer and sportier stance. “The result is a side profile that reveals the Carnival’s more dynamic DNA,” the Korean carmaker described.
The all-new Carnival showcases a distinct ‘island roof’ design complete with blacked-out A- and B-pillars. A bold new C-pillar signature design, inspired by that of the new Sorento midsize SUV, gives the car a more eye-catching look.
The sliding doors for rear passengers carry over from the third-generation Carnival. Meanwhile the signature shorter rear window now sports a standout brushed metal L-shaped frame characteristic of many SUVs.
Kia is yet to release information on powertrain options, interior features, and pricing. However, we know that the new Kia Carnival will go on sale in South Korea beginning in the third quarter of this year, with global sales to follow in the first half of 2021.
As to when the new model will arrive on Philippine shores, that remains to be seen. For now, the 2019 Kia Carnival, available in three trims and priced from P1.995 million to P2.395 million, will have to suffice.
Photos from Kia
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