A Less than a year after its global presentation, the local representative of the Korean brand launched the fourth generation of the Kia Carnival in our country, which went from being a conventional minivan to being a “Grand Utility Vehicle”, combining features of an SUV with the versatility of a van.
In addition to its revolutionary design, it stands out for its level of comfort and technology, including driving assistance and the highest level of safety for its 11 occupants.
In this regard, Sebastián Sicardi, general manager of Kia Argentina, stated: “At Kia Argentina we are very happy to finalize this launch because we know that there are many customers who were waiting for it. Carnival is a model with a rich history in our market, with a loyal and demanding public that values the constant improvements in quality and equipment, maintaining the strength of a more than proven mechanical assembly.”
These are its main features:
The new:
It is the fourth generation of the minivan, which was completely rethought and now the brand defines it as a Grand Utility Vehicle, since it combines the practicality and modularity that have always characterized it, with the aesthetics and refinement of an SUV, plus a capacity of up to 11 passengers.
In its design, the much straighter lines stand out, the well-defined front sector and a certain adventurous look, granted by the roof bars. In profile is where this combination between an SUV and a “GUV” is most appreciated. In addition to the well-marked front part and in a different line from that of the windshield, the straight lines, the high waist and especially the design of the third window, which instead of being integrated as in its predecessor, now It is part of the C-pillar and joins the rear window, a feature seen on SUVs. The only thing in common with a traditional minivan is that the double sliding side doors remain.
Inside doors, as well as outside, the change is total and very striking. Although the perception of quality of the current generation was already very good, in this new edition it is even more so, with finishing details that bring it closer to the Premium segment and a design that is partly reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz products. especially for the two huge screens that steal the limelight from the top plate. As in the vehicles of the Stuttgart firm, a 12.3” display is dedicated to the instrumentation -configurable by the driver- and another to the multimedia system, joined together by a frame with simile aluminum details. But that’s not all, below are the thin, rectangular air vents integrated into the dashboard design and the air conditioning controls. The gear lever was replaced by a selector of the rotary type. As in all minivans, there is no lack of storage compartments and cup holders, but with a plus of style and material care, which can be seen in the linings and appliqués.
As we pointed out earlier, in our country, in order to avoid internal taxes, it is offered in a configuration of 11 seats (individual and folding).
Dimensions:
5,155mm long, 2,265mm wide, 1,775mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,090mm. The trunk capacity varies between 56 and 2,689 liters and the fuel tank capacity is 72 liters.
Versions:
For now it is marketed in a single version (SX).
Comfort equipment:
Front dual-zone automatic climate control and climate control for rear seats, multimedia system with 12.3” touch screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay/Bluetooth/USB/AUX, rotary gear selector, driving mode selector, vision camera system 360º, front and rear parking sensors, electric windows with one touch, electric mirrors, central locking, automatic lighting, rain sensor, button start, intelligent entry system, remote opening of doors and trunk, wireless charger , seats with electrical regulation, heated and ventilated, leather upholstery, multifunction steering wheel, double sunroof, full Led headlights, Led interior lights, electrochromic mirror, 12V socket (x2) and USB (x4).
Safety equipment:
Front, side, curtain and knee airbags for the driver, traction control, stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS/EBD/BA, Isofix anchorages, reinforced structure, unfastened seat belt alert, locking of rolling doors.
Additionally, it has a driving assistance package consisting of adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, blind spot alert, fatigue detector, lane keeping, involuntary lane departure alert, pre-collision assistance system front, pre-collision assistance system in turning and automatic high beam on/off.
Mechanics:
There are no major changes in this aspect since it maintains the well-known 2.2 CRDi turbodiesel engine, which in this case develops 202 hp at 3,800 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1,750/2,750 rpm, associated with an automatic gearbox with an 8-speed torque converter. speeds. It also has a driving mode selector (Normal, Eco and Sport) and steering wheel paddles.
Data sheet:
Technical characteristics and equipment Kia Carnival
Price and guarantee:
- Kia Carnival SX 2.2 CRDi AT: $78,000
- Warranty of 5 years or 150,000 kilometers.
