Kia Carnival CKD production commences in Kulim

Kia Malaysia, a joint venture between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto (BAuto), have revealed the first locally assembled (CKD) Kia product under this partnership, and it’s none other than the fourth generation Kia Carnival 7- and 8-seat MPV model.

BAuto has begun rolling out the localised fourth generation Kia Carnival from the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, starting this week, ahead of its official launch. According to the firm, we can expect this launch to take place very soon.

Notably, this CKD effort will not only encompass the local market as BAuto will also export these Malaysian-built Kia Carnival models to other markets in the region.

Publicly previewed earlier this month, the fourth-gen and now locally produced Kia Carnival CKD model line will feature three variants in total. All share the same 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel mill and 8-speed automatic powertrains, the former delivering 199 HP and 440 NM to the front wheels via the latter.

Unlike the fully imported (CBU) version, which boasts an 11-seat layout, the CKD Carnival will offer the choice between 7- or 8-seats instead. Yes, it loses a row of seats, but it does gain more room for cargo plus a host of notable features too.

Key highlights across the board include keyless entry and ignition, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, faux leather upholstery, Qi wireless charger, 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a premium 12-speaker Bose hi-fi suite, 360-degree camera system, manual sunshades for the sliding door and rear windows, as well as hands-free powered sliding doors and tailgate.

As for the exterior, key features present here are LED lighting, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, as well as distinct silver-finished roof rails.

Higher-spec variants see the addition of dual sunroofs, driver’s side seat memory plus front seat heating and ventilation, as well as a 12.3-inch digital dash display unit. Notably, the 7-seat variant, which sports a pair of ‘Captain Seats’ in its second row, will also gain plush leather upholstery.

In terms of safety, standard across the board too are seven airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a rear seat occupant detection.

Higher-spec variants will be further laced with a myriad of driver assistances too such as autonomous emergency braking (FCA) with junction turning detection, smart cruise control (SCC), blind spot collision avoidance assist (BCA), rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist (RCCA), lane following assist (LFA), lane keeping assist (LKA), driver attention warning (DAW) and high beam assist (HBA).

As for pricing, the fourth-gen Kia Carnival CKD will command the following figures:

2.2D 8-Seater - RM231,228

2.2D 8-Seater High - RM247,228

2.2D 7-seater High - RM261,228

(OTR excluding insurance)

All prices include a five-year or 100,000 KM warranty and service package.