Kia reveals new-gen Carnival interior

KIA has continued to show off its fourth-generation Carnival people-mover due in Australia late this year, following up the exterior design images released late last month with interior shots that indicate a big lift in technology.

Shown in Korean specification where it goes on sale in the third quarter, the cabin has been redesigned to reflect a vehicle fit for the new decade.

The wraparound dash incorporates two 12.3-inch screens displaying both the latest touchscreen infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, the former containing satellite navigation and haptic touch controls.

Like current Kia models, a series of buttons and dials also help operation of the multimedia system.

The standard gearshift on the outgoing model has been replaced by a rotary dial, which Kia says gives the new Carnival an added sense of modernity.

The South Korean car-maker has also maximised interior space for the cavernous Carnival, offering packaging for up to four rows of passengers.

This is possible due to the new model featuring a longer wheelbase, wider body and extended rear overhang, allowing for greater interior space.

Depending on the market, the Carnival will be available with either a three- or four-row configuration, with seating for either seven, nine or 11 occupants.

In seven-seat guise, the Carnival features individual captain’s chairs for second-row occupants, offering a wide range of adjustability.

New storage and convenience facilities have also been developed, including seatback USB chargers for second-row passengers, storage nets for mobile devices and a drawer at the base of the centre console that is designed to store tablets or phones.

Kia is also claiming best-in-class luggage capacity, thanks in part to the 40mm longer vehicle length, 10mm wider body and 30mm extended wheelbase.

The exterior reveal last month showed a new, more aggressive front fascia for the MPV with a design that better matches Kia’s SUV line-up.

Powertrains have not been announced, however it is expected the existing 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and 3.3-litre petrol V6 will be carried over.

Local details including pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch.

Through the first half of the year, Kia has sold 2087 examples of the Carnival, down 41.1 per cent for the year to date but still dominating the sub-$60,000 people-mover segment with a 56.7 per cent share.