2022 Kia Carnival CKD: All you need to know

Kia’s new official distributor in Malaysia, Dinamikjaya Motors launched the Kia Carnival CBU earlier this year. The MPV was offered only in an 11-seater version, with a 2-3-3-3 seating configuration. Priced at RM 196,340, it was sold fast and remained the segment's top seller for five months. Well, now comes the all-new locally-assembled 7 & 8-seater Kia Carnival with a more spacious and luxurious cabin. Here, we bring all you need to know about the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival CKD, have a look.

2022 Kia Carnival CKD price list

Kia Malaysia offers the new Carnival in three variants, pricier than the outgoing imported version on account of improved cabin layout and equipment setup. Check out the complete variant-wise price list -

Variants	Price (on-the-road, without insurance)
2.2D 7-seater High	RM 261,228
2.2D 8-Seater High	RM 247,228
2.2D 8-Seater	RM 231,228

Note the prices include sales and service tax and also a five-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty and free service package. 

2022 Kia Carnival CKD exterior

The locally-assembled Kia Carnival continues to be the same in terms of exterior design, which is significantly inspired by SUVs. However, the bulb-type combination tail lights are now replaced by new LED Rear Combination Lights.

Among the ongoing exterior highlights are automatic LED projector headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, 18-inch Y-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, dual smart powered sliding doors, smart powered tailgate, and silver roof rails.

2022 Kia Carnival CKD interior

The cabin of the locally-assembled Carnival is the place where you can find most of the improvements, offering a more luxurious ride to the occupants. 

The seven-seater model features luxurious captain’s chairs in the second row. These Premium Relaxation seats are cushier and offer armrests, powered seat back and height adjustability, a powered ottoman, and a one-touch recline button. 

With less number of seats, the occupants get more space inside the cabin as well as in the boot. Both the 7- and 8-seater models offer a sizable boot space of 627 litres with all seats up. This can be expandable up to 2,785 litres by folding the third row. You can also remove the second row on the 8-seater version to enjoy a van-like cargo hold.

Depending on the variant, the new Kia Carnival equipment list comprises the following bits -

• 12.3-inch digital instrument panel
• 12.3-inch infotainment display
• Three-zone automatic climate control with the rearmost controls mounted on the second-row roof.
• Qi wireless charging pad
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• 7 USB Type-A ports
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation systems; Driver’s seat also get the seat memory functionality
• Faux leather upholstery
• 360-degree camera system
• Dual sunroof

2022 Kia Carnival CKD engine

In terms of mechanical setup, Kia Malaysia introduced no changes with the locally-assembled model. That means the MPV continues to get energy from the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel mill, which kicks out a maximum power output of 202 PS at 3,800 rpm and a peak torque of 441 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels of the vehicle via an 8-speed automatic transmission paired with paddle shifters. The top speed of the MPV is rated at 190 kmph while the claimed fuel consumption stands at 6.5 litres per 100km (on the NEDC cycle).

2022 Kia Carnival CKD safety

When it comes to safety, the locally-assembled MPV is kitted with a number of active and passive safety gears. The standard kit comprises seven airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control system, and rear seat reminder.

With the High variants, you also get the brand’s Drive Wise suite of active safety features. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic high beam, autonomous emergency braking, lane centring assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot and rear cross traffic collision avoidance, and a driver attention warning. 

So, what are your views on the new 7- & 8-seater Carnival? Do you think the family car buyers in Malaysia will be ready to pay a premium of RM 66k for less seats and more luxury? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

Also read: First official images of the 2023 Kia Seltos released, global debut next month