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2024 Kia Carnival
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival is a one-of-a-kind offering in the Indian market. Priced at Rs. 63.90 lakhs (ex-showroom), it has no direct rivals.
What you'll like:
• A top-class luxurious MPV that’s also high on practicality - beats most same price SUVs on both parameters
• Has a sturdy build and excellent fit & finish
• Large size and imposing road presence
• Spacious & comfortable interiors. 3rd-row is usable for adults too
• Fantastic engine & gearbox combination! 2.2L diesel & 8-speed AT impress
• Comfortable ride quality & neutral road manners - ride comfort is superior to the Toyota Vellfire
• 627L boot space with all three rows up; massive cargo space with the third row down
• Impressive kit (
2 sunroofs, 12-speaker Bose sound system, relaxation seats, electric rear doors, sunshades, drive modes, paddle shifters which the outgoing Carnival didn't have, etc.)
• 5-star safety rating in the ANCAP. Kit includes 8 airbags, ADAS Level 2, ESC, HSA, 360-degree camera etc.
What you won't:
• Twice as expensive as the outgoing car! Ex-showroom price is 64-lakhs (IMHO, it's fully worth the asking price)
• Massive size can make it cumbersome in the city, while parking & in narrow lanes. Majority of Kia Carnivals are chauffeur-driven for good reason
• Available in merely 2 colour options, 1 variant and 1 seating configuration
• No petrol or hybrid powertrains on offer
• Ordinary urban fuel economy due to the heavy weight, 190 BHP engine & AT gearbox
• 3rd-row access is difficult for larger adults and the elderly
• Quality of some of the interior materials is more comparable to a Hyundai Tucson than a Mercedes
• Some misses such as a full-size spare tyre (you get a skinny 135 mm space saver which will cap your cruising speed to 80 km/h), cooled glovebox, fully electric second row seat adjustment, etc.
Review Link
So, would you buy the Carnival or something else - a cheaper alternative (Toyota Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, etc.) or similarly priced cars from European / Japanese manufacturers (Mercedes GLB-Class, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, etc.)?
I am disappointed with the pricing of the Carnival, it almost doubled in the starting price when compared to the previous gen and also there are no base or mid variants which were value for money, we were seriously considering the Carnival base model in 2021 with the discounts it was coming under 30L on road but we didn’t buy it for 2 main reasons first it’s too big and just has a different premium van image to it that we didn’t want to associate with and which will limit its usability.
At this price, I would instead consider Hycross/Crysta/Fortuner/Camry or would buy an entry-level German car.
I think the sales numbers reflect the general mood and judgement of the car buyers.
At 75L on-road price, a big no.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ripcord09
(Post 5871037)
So, would you buy the Carnival or something else - a cheaper alternative (Toyota Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, etc.) or similarly priced cars from European / Japanese manufacturers (Mercedes GLB-Class, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, etc.)?
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I feel many will think about other options because of the pricing and resale value of Carnival. Those who are ready to shed some more money might even think of options Toyota Vellfire.
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Thanks!
I just love the Kia Carnival, last generation & the current one. Am in the minority here, but I think it is fully worth the asking price for chauffeur-driven owners, and those who frequently travel in big groups.
However, I don't fall in either of those categories. For 75-lakhs, I would buy a fast German car. If you put a gun to my head, new. My real preference would be a pre-worshipped 6-cylinder beast.
Actually this question can be answered by looking at Customer Segmentation. Its not a general question where you ask will you buy a Carnival today at 70L on Road ?
A customer who is looking for a comfortable 7 Seater in 30 to 40L range has multiple options - Innova HyCross, Meridian and many others. May be even stretch up and get fortuner.
However there are many who prefer chauffeured cars and they are ok to look at cars in the 70L+ Segment. These can be your Movie stars, VIPs, Lawyers etc - basically anyone who wants to be driven in comfort with Black glasses, who would have bought in a Velfire today. Now they have another choice in the Carnival. So yes there is a market for this car and it will sell. Wasn't there a news that all the 2025 Carnical Inventory is already sold out ?
No way I am going to spend even 40+ lakhs on a Kia, forget 70 lakhs. As such I am not a fan of this category of cars. For 70 lakhs any day would prefer luxury Europeans (say Q5) as first option. Or as a second option pick a Kodiaq and save good money.
Let me be honest. Carnival is way above my budget. But I love the car. Even if I don’t have budget constraints, I won’t be buying a carnival for a simple reason that mine is a single car garage and it is not practical as a daily driver. I would prefer ze Germans at this price point :)
If I had a need for a XXL size chauffeur driven people mover for 4 - 5 passengers with luggage when needed, I would definitely consider this. I would also value it for my usual city driving where I’m chauffeur driven for its extreme comfort.
The only major con in my choosing it even in the above use case is really its diesel mill - not its price or size.
In a 2024 and beyond day and age, I would be very very selective about choosing a diesel engined car. Like if I really only wanted a Hilux for any reason or must have a Roxx but only in 4x4 guise. Other than extreme use case scenarios, I’d actively look for petrol / strong hybrid / EV alternatives.
At this price, I’d have liked for Kia to launch a product like the Carnival with a strong hybrid maybe.
I would happily spend half that amount on an Innova Hycross hybrid and be at peace.
I would be happy in a good-old, reliable, fuel efficient Hycross. I can use the balance money for a smaller city car for errands.
I will never consider the Carnival at 75 Lakh OTR. This is because the previous one was available for 40 Lakh OTR. So my natural comparison will always be against the first gen Carnival. If the first gen Carnival would not have been launched in the market at that price which appears discounted now, I would have 60% considered Carnival and then would have done Pros and Cons and driving comparison. But at the moment, with 75 Lakh, I would put my vote for German Cars, specially Q5.
I love the Kia Carnival. The Kia Carnival's backseat experience is unmatched in its price range. Given its strong demand, local assembly could make it more affordable. Let's hope Kia considers this soon.
If I have that kind of money to burn and not worry about it - I would definitely choose Carnival. The first gen Carnival was one of my favorites and a wish list item.
The new one looks great, and I am sure it would be a cocoon.
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