Auto Expo 2020: Kia Carnival launched at Rs. 24.95 lakh

o Range starts at Rs. 24.95 lakh

o Available in three trim levels – Premium, Prestige and Limousine

o 9-seater variant available in only Prestige line

o Top of the line Limousine line priced at Rs. 33.95 lakh

Kia motors has launched the Carnival at an aggressive Rs. 24.95 lakh for the base variant. Available in three trim levels, the range starts with the 7-seater Premium variant followed by the 8-seater Premium variant that is priced at Rs. 25.15 lakh. The Prestige line sits above the Premium line and starts at Rs. 28.95 lakh for the 7 seater variant. You can also have a 9-seater variant in the Prestige trim for Rs. 29.95 lakh. Notice that the 9-seater variant is only available in the Prestige trim. The range topping Limousine variant is only available in a seven-seat configuration and will retail for Rs. 33.95 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, India.

The Carnival features a 2.2-litre BS6 diesel engine that puts out 197bhp and 440Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic. It features sliding doors that will be electrically controlled for ease of ingress and egress. In terms of dimensions, the Carnival is 5115mm long, 1985mm wide and has a wheelbase of 3060mm. Just to give you perspective, the Toyota Innova Crysta is 4735mm long, 1830mm long and has a 2750mm wheelbase.There’s a 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment along with physical button controls and knobs for the three zone climate control. There are plenty of storage spaces like cupholders, bottle holders and a massive cubby-hole under the centre armrest and large door pockets. There’s even a cooled driver’s seat

In the limousine trim, you get seats upholstered in Nappa leather and two 10.1-inch entertainment screens for the rear passengers. These screens have a number of input options, including HDMI, USB, regular AV input and also include screen mirroring (individual for each screen) and can stream from the internet. Not only is there a USB charger in the back seat, but also a 220V socket to charge a gadget like a laptop. There are sunblinds for both the second and third rows, and an air-purifier like we saw first in the Seltos. The Carnival gets three zone climate control, allowing the rear passengers to control the AC themselves.

The base variant of the Kia Carnival is priced over the fully kitted out Innova Crysta, the closest in terms of competition. But it offers way more for its asking price in the form of features and is considerably larger too. In addition it gets a much more powerful engine. With 3500 bookings already in the bag, no real competitors and an aggressive pricing strategy, it looks set to consolidate on Kia Motors’ strong showing in the country.