Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) has rolled out the facelifted Kia Carnival, marking its first model launch since taking over the brand’s local distributorship on January 1. The MPV, locally assembled (CKD) at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, arrives two years after its global debut and three months post-Thailand launch, ditching the 8-seater variant to offer only 7-seat and 11-seat configurations.
Priced RM188,888 (11-seater) and RM248,888 (7-seater) (nett, excluding on-the-road costs and insurance), the new Carnival gets a price cut vs the outgoing model – the 11-seater is RM8,700 cheaper, while the 7-seater costs over RM10,000 less, aligning with KSM’s "right-pricing" strategy. With on-the-road costs included, prices climb to RM189,849 (11-seater) and RM249,849 (7-seater).
Power stays loyal to the tried-and-tested 2.2L Smartstream D turbo diesel engine, churning out 202 PS at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 1,750–2,750 rpm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The 2.1-tonne MPV boasts a 6.5 L/100 km fuel consumption rating (NEDC). Notably, the hybrid version – built locally for Thailand – isn’t offered in Malaysia, leaving private buyers to contend with diesel costs amid targeted government subsidies.
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Exterior tweaks bring a bolder look: a wider "tiger nose" grille, L-shaped LED headlights with 4x vertical cube projectors and Star Map LED DRLs, plus a simplified front bumper with a silver U-shaped skid plate and LED fog lights. At the rear, full-width Star Map LED taillights and a redesigned bumper with a matching silver bar complete the refresh. Both variants get roof rails and hands-free powered sliding doors/tailgate (with walk-away close function), but differ in wheels: 18-inch two-tone turbine rims for the 11-seater, and 19-inch cubic-design wheels for the 7-seater. The 11-seater also retains taller door mirrors, a feature missing on the 7-seater.
Inside, key upgrades include a curved integrated display housing 12.3-inch digital instruments and infotainment – standard across both variants, ditching the old 11-seater’s analogue cluster. The updated ccNC infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while a full-width ambient light strip runs under the air vents, and audio/AC controls are merged into a switchable touch panel (like the EV6) for extra storage space. All seven USB ports are now USB-C.
Seating layouts are 2-3-3-3 for the 11-seater, and 2-2-3 for the 7-seater – the latter’s second-row captain’s chairs feature one-touch Premium Relaxation recline and side-to-side sliding. Front seats get 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support; the 7-seater adds 4-way lumbar adjustment, memory function, and heating/ventilation for the driver. Standard kit includes keyless entry with remote start, triple-zone auto AC, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, faux leather upholstery, second/third-row sunshades, paddle shifters, wireless charger, 6 speakers and 360° monitor. The 7-seater ups the ante with a head-up display, genuine leather seats and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, though dual sunroofs from the pre-facelift model are removed.
Safety-wise, 8 airbags (including driver’s knee and front centre airbags), stability control, door opening warning and rear seat reminder are standard. ADAS features, however, are exclusive to the 7-seater: autonomous emergency braking with junction turning assist, adaptive cruise control (stop & go), lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance, blind spot cameras, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake and driver attention monitor.
BYD
