Kia has now fully revealed the 4th generation Carnival minivan, including its luxurious second-row seats. Since we’ve already discussed its exterior styling in a previous post, let’s jump straight into its interior.
Speaking of which, its new dashboard was revealed last month showcasing the two 12.3-inch displays mounted side by side. Feature list includes Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, the ability to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth at the same time, a new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature where the front passengers can check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system (useful when there are child occupants), and a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ that allows the rear occupants to command the infotainment system (only when permitted to do so).
What was not revealed previously, however, was its luxurious second and third rows; and as we can see, multiple configurations are possible. Accessing these rear seats is via the power-sliding doors as before. The rear doors and tailgate can also be opened and closed automatically via the key fob.
Depending on the market, the new Carnival offers 3- or 4-row seating configurations, with space for 7, 8 or 11 occupants in total.
In its 7-seat configuration, the new Carnival boasts reclining seats for the second-row occupants, with adjustable back-, arm- and leg-rests for a business class comfort. This also offers a one-touch ‘Relaxation’ mode, which automatically reclines and adjusts the seats for maximum comfort on a long drive.
As for the ride quality, Kia said that the suspension system has been dramatically altered compared to the 3rd generation Carnival.
At the front, the engineers have applied a new multi-skeletal cross-member and new geometry, better distributing lateral loads on the front suspension from cornering to stabilize handling. The body is also mounted to the rear section of the cross member with new hydro bushes, with liquid inside the rubber bushes reducing the level of suspension and engine vibrations transmitted to the body. This also mitigates the effect of sharp impacts on the front suspension, subtly enhancing ride comfort even over broken surfaces.
The rear suspension has also been revised, with longer lower suspension arms and revised spring layout working to better manage changes in the road surface. Meanwhile, the angle of the rear shock absorbers has been adjusted to better absorb shocks from the road.
Kia also said that measures have been taken to improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels to ensure a relaxing cabin environment.
In addition, a new column-mounted motor-driven power steering setup replaces the outgoing model’s hydraulic power steering system, resulting in a slightly more direct response to steering inputs, with a 5.6% quicker steering ratio, Kia said.
Safety and ADAS
Depending on the market and trims, safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection; Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or Navigation-based SCC (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear View Monitor (RVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Parking Distance Warning (PDW).
Safe Exit Assist (SEA) is a new addition to the safety suite. Passive safety includes up to 7 airbags.
The overall length of the new Carnival has grown by 40 mm to 5,155 mm and so is the wheelbase by 30 mm to 3,090 mm. Which means, the new Carnival claims the best-in-class luggage space of up to 2,905-liters with only the first row seats in use. Behind the third-row seats, the luggage space is claimed to be 627-liters.
Powertrains
The new Carnival will be powered by a 3.5-litre GDi (gasoline direct injection) V6 engine that develops 294 metric hp (216 kW) and 355 Nm (262 lb-ft) of torque. There’s also a 3.5-litre MPi V6 on offer, which develops 272 metric hp (200 kW) and 332 Nm (245 lb-ft) of torque.
For those who don’t want any of that, there’s a new 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel engine on offer that develops 202 metric hp (149 kW) and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of torque. This new engine replaces its predecessor’s cast-iron block for about 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter aluminum block. More on the new engine here.
All three engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.
The new Carnival will go on sale in Korea in Q3 2020, with other global markets to follow at a later date.
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