Kia has released the first teaser image of its fourth-generation Carnival people carrier. The refreshed model will go on sale in Korea towards the end of summer, followed by the US and Asia later this year, but it won’t be coming to the UK.
The second-generation model was known as the Sedona in Britain. It was sold between 2006 and 2014, but it was pulled from the UK market in 2012 due to declining sales figures. Despite this, the Carnival performed well in other markets, with more than two million examples being sold globally since the model’s introduction in 1998.
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Kia’s official teaser image gives us a good indication of how the new Carnival will look. Up front, there’s a stylised version of the company’s trademark “Tiger Nose” radiator grille and pair of wrap-around LED headlamps. The old car’s boxy design has also been retained, although its profile takes on a more SUV-like appearance.
The previous-generation Carnival shared the same platform as the outgoing Sorento SUV – and we expect Kia will adopt the same tactic with this new model. As such, buyers will likely be offered the same 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder diesel engine along with a V6 petrol, as they’re the engines which sell the best in the US and Asian markets. Kia has also hinted that the Carnival is unlikely to feature either a hybrid or PHEV powertrain.
We’re also expecting the new Carnival to adopt some of the technology found on the fourth-generation Sorento. The range-topping model should feature leather upholstery, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and adaptive cruise control, along with Kia’s latest 10.25-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle.
Would you want to see the new Kia Carnival go on sale in the UK? Let us know in the comments section below…