Coming Soon: Kia Carnival 11-Seater CKD – From RM218,000 (Estimated)

Fourth-gen Kia Carnival 8-seater variant pictured. Soon, its 11-seater twin will also be localised (CKD).

It appears that Kia brand importers and distributors Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd are set to launch a localised (CKD) version of the Kia Carnival 11-seater very soon. This is based off a social media posting by a seemingly eager Kia dealer indicating which.

Dinamikjaya Motors have yet to announce anything officially, hence why some details are still hazy at the moment. However, based on the soc-med post mentioned, what is note-worthy is the alleged unofficial estimated starting price figure of RM218,000.

As a recap, the 11-seater variant of the highly successful Kia MPV model is currently sold as a fully imported (CBU) offering that’s tagged at RM199,840.60 sans insurance. Yes, in this case, it appears localisation sees this particular model’s price raised instead of being lowered.

This could stem from one of two reasons, the first being a possible increase in features and amenities. The second and perhaps more likely reason here is the possible higher costs incurred by the model’s localisation. At present, we aren’t able to confirm this yet.

Presently, the current fourth generation Carnival in both its passenger-focused 7-seater and 8-seater forms are assembled locally (CKD) by Inokom at its plant in Kulim, Kedah. These are also currently priced between RM233,528.80 and RM261,228.80 sans insurance.

Unlike the passenger-focused 7- and 8-seater variant, the commercial-focused 11-seater adopts a 2-3-3-3 seating layout in its cabin.

Positioned for the commercial sector, the 11-seater Carnival adopts a 2-3-3-3 seating layout. The 7- and 8-seater variants mentioned also differs from the 11-seater through the presence of creature comforts like a digital dash display, Bose audio suite, and full-swing of active driver assist (ADAS) features.

What is shared across all variants though is the adoption of a 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ 4-cyl turbo-diesel mill that’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The former serves up 199 HP and 440 NM to the front wheels via the latter.

Given this somewhat eager dealer’s posting, we reckon it won’t be long before an official announcement plus further details are issued by Dinamikjaya Motors. Surely, this would stand as a decent alternative against its strikingly-designed Hyundai-badged cousin with 10-seats.