First Drive: 2022 Kia Carnival 2.2D 8-seater Mid – RM231,228.80

Having recharged itself back into the local market recently by debuting the EV6, the folks at Kia Malaysia could have followed that up by perhaps introducing its posh new Sportage SUV, or even reintroduce its acclaimed Picanto supermini.

The firm did neither, choosing instead to launch the new fourth-gen Kia Carnival as its second act. Effectively, the firm elected to cater to an otherwise under-served market  segment with a product destined to woo consumer hearts, minds, and wallets easily here.

No doubt, this will pay off over the long term of Kia Malaysia. Crucially, it also proves that demand for a posh, practical, and highly capable family-mover as such is still alive and well.

Though the chance to sample the better-equipped 7- and 8-seat High variants eluded us during our recent two-day press drive to Penang and back, this rather ‘basic’ 2.2D 8-seater Mid variant featured was equally eye-opening as it was pleasant to drive and be driven in.

If you seek a family-mover that’s not an overpriced and jazzed up commercial window van, then pay attention…

OVERVIEW

Featured here is the fourth-gen Kia Carnival in 2.2D 8-seater Mid form. Now locally assembled (CKD) – along with its High-spec siblings – by Inokom at its facility in Kulim, Kedah, things arguably don’t look nor feel too different from its higher-specced twins slotted above it, which proved to be a good start.

In terms of styling, the Carnival is quite the looker indeed. Things like all-LED lighting front and aft, sleek roofline, snazzy 18-inch wheels, as well as tasteful application of brightworks – namely the grille and rear quarter windows – all bode well to give this MPV quite the stance.

Naturally this ‘base’ variant of the Carnival makes do without much of the high-tech and perhaps posher novelties seen in its higher-specced siblings, such as the 12.3-inch digital dash display, the sleuth of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (or ADAS), as well as Kia’s ‘Relaxion Seats’ – second-row captain seats.

These omission aside, the fourth-gen Carnival is more or less similar across the board in terms of kit and powertrain.  Overall, things don’t look or feel too shabby, and here’s what we garnered from said ‘base’ model we sampled.

ON THE INSIDE

It goes without saying: the innards of Kia’s current crop of cars are marvels In terms of fit, finish, and presentation. This is especially true when you take note of things like the dash’s gloss black accents, switchgears, touch control panels, and rotary gear selector dial. No cheap and hollow plastics here, folks.

Besides ambient, what the Carnival is abundantly rich with too is, of course, space, and not just in the first two rows either. In fact, there’s a respectable amount of real estate for those seated in the third row too, which can be enlarged further by sliding the second row further forwards.

Much of the cabin’s high comfort stems from the plush leatherette seat covers, the presence of second and third row air-conditioning vents and controls, not forgetting easy access to USB charge ports across all three rows. Yup, keeping passengers occupied on their devices over long drives will be a cinch.

Should you find yourself on one of your annual trips to Ikea, then fret not as the third-row easily folds flat down into the floor, whilst the second row seats can be completely removed too. Do that and the Carnival easily offers 2,875 litres of useable cargo haulage space, thus making such trips easier.

Besides that, things like the 12.3-inch toucschreen brimmed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a 12-speaker Bose hi-fi system, wireless charging pad, as well as core necessities such as keyless entry and ignition, powered and one-touch dual sliding doors and tailgate, all add to this Carnival’s credentials as a daily family mover.

DRIVING

Not just pleasant to be driven in, the Carnival is also surprisingly great to drive as far as MPVs go. What largely fuels this is its refined ‘Smartstream’ 2.2-litre 4cyl turbo-diesel heart, which delivers 199 HP and a meaty 440 NM of twist, both driving the front wheels via an equally slick 8-speed auto box.

Said package is quite a gem as it feels a lot more refined that Kia’s – and Hyundai’s – previous CRDI unit. There’s plenty of torque from down low and in the mid range, which easily gets this MPV’s claimed 2,129 KG heft going with ease. We reckon the smooth and precise delivery of it all will impress most prospects, so as long as they don’t mind the truck-like idling soundtrack, of course.

The other bit fuelling its high driveability is the purpose-built chassis the Carnival underpins. This isn’t a ladder frame or commercial van’s bones that’s been converted and jazzed up. Quirks are few and far apart, such as the typically muted feel of the electric power steering, as well as challenges stemming from this MPV’s size – it’s over 5 metres long and nearly 2 metres wide!

Nevertheless, for any seasoned family man – or woman – used to driving large family barges, these are not deal-breakers. At the very least, there are enough parking sensors plus a wide-angle reverse camera that ease efforts of manoeuvring about. In truth, the Carnival is no harder to drive than your average D-segment barge once you get used to its size.

Lastly, the settings dialled into the springs and dampers at all four corners should seal the deal here. These keep everyone aboard comfy when driving through town and highways, and drivers will appreciate just how less vague this Korean fighter feels at the wheel compared to similarly-priced alternatives.

SAFETY

We’ll be brief. There are seven airbags, the presence of ABS with EBD and BA plus traction and stability control suites, as well as hill-start assist, rear-occupant alert, ISOFIX childseat anchors, and a thing called multi-collision brake control (MCB) present as standard.

In short, Kia didn’t skimp on its effort to make this this iteration of the Carnival safe, which perhaps ought to help justify its asking price.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

Want a plush and practical family-mover that oozes loads of style and actually feels great to drive? Then the fourth-gen Kia Carnival, even in this base 8-seater Mid variant as featured, is worth a serious look indeed, especially for the price it’s tagged at – RM231,228.80 sans insurance.

In perspective, that’s just a little more than what a typical D-segment saloon commands, but you get loads more space and practicality to boot.

Sure, there are several other alternatives one can consider, especially from the evergreen local parallel (grey) imports side of things. However, the thought of proper after-sales support via Kia Malaysia’s inclusion of a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage, plus a 5-year free maintenance plan, sees this Carnival stand as a much firmer choice.

Certainly, this is one Carnival that the whole family will want to head into…