Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the availability of the fourth-generation, locally assembled 2024 Kia Carnival 7-seater and 8-seater variants for booking.
Design and Interior
The 2024 Kia Carnival boasts a bold and athletic design, setting new standards in style and functionality. With its spacious three-row seating configuration for seven or eight passengers, the Carnival epitomises comfort and versatility. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, the interior exudes modernity and sophistication, creating a futuristic environment for all occupants.
Enhanced Features and Stylish Upgrades
The Carnival now features black and grey leatherette finishing, elevating its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, both variants come equipped with new 19-inch Black alloy wheels as standard, enhancing their overall presence on the road. Premium features such as LED daytime running lights, Dual Power Sunroof, and Smart Power Sliding doors ensure a luxurious and convenient driving experience.
Advanced Technology and Connectivity
It offers cutting-edge technology and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience. With a 12.3-inch High-resolution Touchscreen Infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, users can seamlessly integrate their smartphones for enhanced connectivity. Wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and seven USB ports further elevate the connectivity experience for both drivers and passengers.
Safety and Performance
Safety remains a top priority for Kia, with the Carnival equipped with a host of standard and advanced safety features. From 7 SRS Airbags to Blind-Spot View Monitor, the Carnival ensures a safe and secure journey for all occupants. Powered by a 2.2L Turbo diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Carnival delivers smooth and powerful performance, making every drive enjoyable.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Kia Carnival is now available for booking with a starting price of RM 245,888.00. It comes with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty and 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance, providing peace of mind to customers. The Carnival is locally assembled at the Inokom Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah, and is offered in four stunning colours.
In addition to the CKD variants, the Kia Carnival 11-seater variant is also available for booking, offering extra seating capacity for larger families.
With its exceptional features, advanced technology, and luxurious design, the 2024 Kia Carnival redefines the standard for premium MPVs in Malaysia. Experience the epitome of luxury and innovation with the all-new Kia Carnival.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of the renowned Kia brand in Malaysia, has unveiled the locally assembled Kia Carnival 11-seater variant, now open for booking at an attractive selling price of RM213,888. This milestone sees the Kia Carnival 11-seater become the third Kia model to be locally assembled at the Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival exhibits a design evolution that pays homage to its predecessors’ legacy, introducing a more robust architectural presence and an enhanced aesthetic that adheres to Kia’s overarching design philosophy, connecting all of Kia’s automotive creations.
Interior
Inside the Kia Carnival, the interior concept revolves around “Spatial Talents,” thoughtfully conceived by Kia’s design teams. This approach results in an environment that exudes spaciousness, comfort, and a futuristic aura, catering to young families. The Kia Carnival offers a unique blend of innovation, versatility, and style, catering to both drivers and passengers. Like its forerunner, it provides abundant space for passengers in all rows, now imbued with a heightened sense of modernity and sophistication.
It boasts a standard Black and Gray leatherette interior finishing. Notably, the specifications of the Carnival 11-seater remain unaltered, encompassing front styling and LED daytime running lights (DRLs), Smart Power Sliding doors, Smart Power Liftgate, Smart key with one-button open/close function for the rear sliding door and liftgate.
Technological Prowess
This 11-seater doesn’t hold back on technology either. It features a 12.3-inch High-resolution LCD Touchscreen Infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, versatile multi-Bluetooth connectivity, and an impressive seven USB ports.
Safety First
Safety is paramount, with the 11-seater Carnival being equipped with a comprehensive array of standard and advanced safety features. These encompass 7 SRS Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points, Top Tethers, and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). Notably, the Carnival also incorporates Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
Powerful Performance
At its heart, it houses a robust 2.2L Turbo Diesel Engine, seamlessly paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, managed by an electronic shifter (E-Shift). This powertrain generates 199hp at 3,800 RPM and a substantial 440Nm of torque, available between 1,750 and 2,750 RPM. The result is a smooth, linear acceleration and an exhilarating driving experience.
The Kia Carnival 11-seater is now locally assembled in a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) format at the Inokom Assembly Plant situated in Kulim, Kedah. The available color options include Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, Meteor Gray, and Jet Black, offering a total of four captivating choices.
Special Introductory Offer
To celebrate this launch, there is an exclusive introductory offer selling price of RM198,500.00, inclusive of accessories, for all bookings from 1st November to 31st December 2023.
Warranty and Maintenance
It comes with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty, covering up to five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first. Furthermore, it includes 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance, with coverage extending up to five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
The Kia Carnival 11-seater will be showcased at the Bermaz Auto Showcase event which will take place from 1st – 5th November 2023 at Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 10:00AM to 10:00PM.
The new locally-assembled Kia Carnival shows how Korean design has come a long way in 50 years, having started with adapting foreign models (under licence) and then trying to design their own cars. They tried to be different, seemingly for the sake of being different and there were strange forms and shapes which were unnecessary. After realizing there was no need to ‘reinvent the wheel’, they began to get experienced foreign designers – the best known being Peter Schreyer who gave Kia a recognizable identity.
From having foreign designers, they also opened design studios in Europe and America where their designers could be immersed in the markets that they were developing products for. As a result, the designs today are original and appealing, without the oddities of trying to be different.
New design approach In the case of the new Carnival, the design originated from Kia’s studio in California which has been in existence since 2008. It’s therefore not surprising that the design is polished, of high quality and has a unique combination of MPV and SUV. In fact, Kia designers have coined the term ‘GUV’ – for Grand Utility Vehicle – to reflect a slightly different class of MPV.
While it has the long monoform of a people-carrier, it doesn’t have the bulkiness and has styling elements that make it look like a long SUV. Besides the lifted front top of the bonnet to give the feel of a large SUV, a skidplate on the bottom edge of the front and rear bumpers are elements which give the SUV-like impression.
The headlamps don’t have conventional covers, with each of the DRLs and lighting elements being separate. The appearance is a bit futuristic, which also gives originality to the Carnival’s design. The grille, sized proportionately to the vehicle, is quite a simple execution which looks like the ‘Tiger Nose’ has finally evolved away from its familiar look.
Most MPVs have a pretty dull side view but the Kia designers have given the Carnival a more eye-catching and sporty appearance here. Apart from the ‘floating roof’, the tapered and angled C-pillar provides a unique look, and the texture garnish adds a touch of class too. The texture is also found on the dashboard trim, contributing to the premium image that Kia is aiming for.
2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel Like the imported version we drove earlier, the locally assembled Carnival also has a turbodiesel engine and it is the same all-aluminium 2.2-litre Smartstream 4-cylinder unit. With high-pressure commonrail fuel delivery (Euro5 B7 biodiesel), it develops 199 bhp/440 Nm, with the strong torque available from 1,750 rpm.
The engine is mated to a conventional torque converter automatic transmission with 8 speeds. There’s no conventional lever for selecting transmission positions; instead, a large E-Shift knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is rotated to select the R, N and D positions. Manual selection of gear can still be done using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The PARK position is easily selected by just pressing the button in the middle of the knob. It’s probably the way transmission control will be in future but for now, some might still miss a lever.
There are also drive modes for quicker acceleration or better economy as well as a SMART mode which is adaptive. It learns the behaviour of the driver and gradually adjusts the characteristics to suit the driving style. Over time, the driver will find the transmission operating smoothly and almost predictably. However, a different driver who takes over may not necessarily like that character and if this new driver uses the vehicle for a long period, then it will gradually change to his or her style. Perhaps then there should be a ‘memory’ function to store preferred characteristics, just like seat positions.
Spaceship-inspired interior The interior is where the new Carnival impresses, and not just with spaciousness that would be expected from its exterior dimensions. The designers have created a more premium image and feel to the cabin with convenience features for everyone on the three rows. The interior designers were inspired by the minimalist yet elegant spaceship interior in the classic 1968 movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ so their initial idea was a family vehicle for going on space travels! Even the dashboard panoramic display that stretches across the driver’s side is intended to give the feeling of being in the cockpit of a high-tech spaceship.
The spaciousness is enhanced by the large windows, especially on both sides of the second row. There’s a panoramic view of the world passing by and with the High version, there are also dual sunroofs overhead to make things feel even more airy.
Versatile seating a strong point By far, it was the seating that attracted a lot of attention with its variability. As mentioned before, the locally-assembled model is available as a 7-seater or 8-seater, whereas the CBU version we tested in February was an 11-seater. The layout, with maximum people capacity, would be 2-2-3 or 2-3-3. In both versions, the third row folds flat into the floor but for the second row, the seats are fixed in the 7-seater due to the many electrical systems in them. For the 8-seater, they can be adjusted in various ways, turned around the face backwards and even removed completely.
Turning the seats to face backwards requires a bit of work as the left and right side seats have to exchange positions. They are not that difficult to remove and there are security features to ensure that they are locked in place when installed. Most people should be able to handle the task but it’s not something that might be done frequently either.
For the ultimate in comfort, the 7-seater comes with two Premium Relaxion (not a spelling error) seats for the second row. These are wide and when reclined, there is an additional pad that extends forward and up to provide support for the lower part of the legs. Pivoting armrests on the outer side of each seat provide a place to rest the arm while being out of the way when getting in and out.
The seats (which are made locally) have heating and ventilation within and for keeping the entire cabin cool, there are air-conditioning vents on the ceiling over the middle and rear sections. The fan speed and temperature can be controlled separately from the front system but because the panel is situated just behind the driver’s seat (on the ceiling), it can be difficult to reach for most passengers.
The third row, for 3 persons, is quite comfortable, as we found from sitting in the section for about a third of the journey to Penang. You can’t say that of all MPVs but with the Carnival, there won’t be reluctance to go to the back. Legroom is also pretty good and more importantly, even though the seats are over the rear end, there’s no bumpiness.
The powered sliding doors on both sides are a nice luxury feature but to be expected considering the price. Getting into the third row is easy as the second row seats tumble forward, but when getting out, the passenger in the third row might need help as the release handle is right at the B-pillar. Presumably, there will be a driver to help, or someone in the second row will also be getting out.
Enough cargo space for moving house The standard boot space when the third row is in use is limited but there’s a deep compartment below it for storing items. This, however, means that only a temporary spare wheel can be carried. This is the skinny tyre for emergencies which is lighter and saves space too.
The cargo volume is variable so it depends on what you want to carry. For maximum volume, the third row can be folded into the floor and the second row seats removed. This gives a space that would rival a pick-up truck – and it’s enclosed. So that adds another dimension to the term ‘multi purpose’ as you could probably do house-moving with just the Carnival alone.
Most features are common to all three versions and the extras that the High versions have are the dual sunroof, memory function for the front seats, larger digital instrument panel and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. There won’t be fighting for USB recharging ports as up to 7 are provided plus a wireless charging pad. The sound system is from Bose and has 12 speakers placed around the cabin. The only thing missing for a family-type vehicle would be a cooler box but that’s something that can be purchased as an accessory anyway.
Driving impressions At 5 metres long and almost 2 metres wide, the Carnival is an imposing vehicle and for some, it may be intimidating. It would fit right into the landscape in America but in Malaysia, with our narrower roads and tighter congestion, a large vehicle might seem impractical. However, as we discovered back in January when we drove the 11-seater, the size does not mean it is difficult to drive. In fact, when on the move, it doesn’t feel much different from a smaller MPV and there is the added stability of being 2,100+ kgs.
Where you become aware of its bulk is in tight situations, like parking, but even then, it is not as cumbersome as a pick-up truck. The Surround View Monitor is a great help here and we found that parking was a ‘no-sweat’ exercise and the vehicle could be positioned properly within a bay.
Even more surprising is the way the vehicle behaves on winding roads. Apart from the competent chassis design, the low ride height also helps keep the Carnival stable and hardly any lean could be felt. With motor-assisted power steering these days, big vehicles like the Carnival are no harder to drive than small sedans. The feedback is good and assistance is progressive. The body control is certainly light years from what we remember of the original Carnival (the one that was also sold as a Naza Ria) which wallowed when pushed too hard in turns.
The 2.2-litre Smartstream engine provided enough power for brisk motoring but it has also to be said that our two drives did not have the maximum number of passengers aboard and the load was fairly light. With all 7 or 8 seats occupied, perhaps the performance might feel different but as we kept hearing from our convoy leader ‘Enjoy the drive’, and unless you are in a rush, the engine should be able to provide decent performance.
The weight also helps with ride comfort although the pressures were on the high side as the vehicles had come straight from the plant with pressures meant for maximum load. It’s not super quiet in the cabin but the ambient noise level seemed to be consistent. Conversations with people next to you are fine but because the seat rows are far apart, you sometimes have to raise your voice to talk to the drive (certainly if the person right at the back is talking).
Priced (excluding insurance) from RM231,228 – RM261,228, the Carnival is a breath of fresh air in the MPV segment, with smart styling and it has not just a premium image but also the feel to go with it. We would go as far as to say it sets a new benchmark for the MPV class and even those who have not had a liking for MPVs will find the Carnival appealing.
Kia vehicles have been sold in Malaysia since the 1990s but the Korean carmaker has kept its involvement in local activities at arms-length. Although its models were assembled locally, the activities were largely left to their local distributor (the NAZA Group at that time). Kia did have a regional office here and too and interest in what was going on but didn’t want to make investments itself.
That changed last year when the local partner changed and Bermaz Auto took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Perhaps the Korean carmaker decided that it was time to control its destiny and for that, it would have to become directly involved. It formed a joint-venture company with Bermaz Auto called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country.
The Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, where Kia vehicles are being assembled.
More significantly, Kia Malaysia’s operations include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It is vital to assemble locally to be able to grow volumes more quickly and be competitive. Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026, for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.
Four models to be assembled locally
When Kia Malaysia announced its formation, it also provided an insight into its 5-year plan with 4 models to be produced, including battery-electric vehicles. The models, in launch sequence, will be the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento and Niro, the latter to be offered as a BEV.
The first product has started rolling out on schedule from the Inokom plant in Kedah and it’s the Carnival MPV. The model was already on sale at the beginning of the year as a CBU (completely built-up) import from Korea and from our driving impressions, it was certainly a very different MPV from the original Carnival which was also cloned into the Naza Ria. It’s a premium product, which is in line with Kia’s aim of raising the image of its products.
The locally-assembled Carnival is a 7/8-seater (above) whereas the CBU imported model is an 11-seater (below).
8-seater instead of 11-seater
While having the same appearance, the locally-assembled Carnival is not an 11-seater but a 7-seater or 8-seater. There was no shortage of buyers for the CBU 11-seater but having less seats might also work better to sell in greater numbers.
The powertrain is the same Smartstream 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it is a large vehicle, the 199 bhp/440 Nm provides respectable performance, as we experienced on our drive at the beginning of this year.
Bermaz Auto (its retail arm for Kia vehicles is Dinamikjaya Motors) is known for being generous with equipment and features and the locally-assembled Carnival will come with a list that maintains the premium positioning for the MPV. There will be ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion Seats (second row), 12-speaker Bose audio system, powered sliding doors, ‘smart’ powered tailgate and a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
New beginning for brand
“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD [locally assembled] form is an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” said Ted Lee, Kia Asia Pacific President & CEO.
“The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” added Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors.
The prices have not been officially announced but it is known that there will be 3 versions with prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM231,299. PISTON.MY will be joining a media drive of the Carnival to Penang later this week and we’ll let you know what it’s like although we expect that we will be equally impressed as we were with the CBU model.
In America, they call MPVs ‘minivans’ and in fact, that’s where these people-carriers started. In the mid-1980s, Chrysler came come out with a vehicle that could carry more people than a stationwagon and had the spaciousness of a van. It was actually an idea that Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich came up with when they were in Ford but Henry Ford II didn’t like the concept and then later fired both of them (for other reasons). Both men moved to Chrysler where they continued the project and introduced a new market segment that was so successful that it saved Chrysler from collapse.
Elsewhere in the world, the minivan idea caught the attention of other carmakers but they called it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which emphasized its versatility in carrying people and cargo. MPVs quickly became a new segment, joining sedans, coupes, liftbacks, hatchbacks and stationwagons. They came in various sizes, big and small, just as with the SUVs that started appearing in the following decade.
Kia came out with its first MPVs in the late 1990s, a small one called the Carens and a big one called the Carnival. Both were popular in many markets and the Carnival was even adapted by Naza and sold as the Ria under its own brand in the 2000s. Although SUVs have since gained dominance in the company’s product lines, MPVs still have a place and the effort put into styling the Carnival’s fourth generation is no less than for the other models. In fact, Kia is even trying to reposition it higher up by referring to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ (GUV?).
Large MPV with SUV style
The dimensions of the new Korean MPV give it an imposing presence on the road – slightly more than 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. However, it’s not as tall as other MPVs and the styling is SUV-like with an upscale appearance. There is yet another interpretation of the ‘Tiger nose’, a familiar signature element in Kia models for some 15 years, which spans the whole width of the front end.
The detail is impressive with the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, having a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The new Kia brand logo is also seen for the first time on a model in Malaysia, affixed to the bonnet and the rear door.
A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A and B-pillars beneath a body-coloured roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of the SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.
The monolithic form is also aerodynamically efficient and little details along the sides keep airflow smooth for less drag. The underside is also largely closed off so air rushing through underneath does not become turbulent as it encounters openings in the floorpan.
The new body sits on a new midsize Hyundai Motor Group platform that has a longer wheelbase of 3090 mm and the structure has had a lot of engineering improvements to strengthen rigidity. There’s expanded use of hot-stamped parts as well as ultra high-tensile steel and cold-rolled steel.
Progression towards a more premium image
Like the exterior, the inside of the Carnival shows another progression towards a more premium image. The finishing is impressive and the materials have a high-class feel and look. Some new models have gone fully digital and touchscreen for everything and it is not always practical. In the case of the Carnival, the interior designers provide different adjusting methods that are more sensible.
For example, a rocker switch is used for temperature adjustment (individual for left and right sides) which is a lot better than a touchscreen which you need to look and pinpoint your finger on – not so good while driving. For the blower speed and switching between recirculating and fresh air mode, there are pushbuttons and for tuning the radio, a rotary knob is used.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the command centre for the infotainment system where you might need to just touch an icon once to activate an app. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can easily be connected and the popular apps operated from the display.
The 11-seater cabin
The lengthened wheelbase means a more spacious interior and there’s space for up to 11-persons in the massive cabin. That ‘11-seater’ is mentioned gives it an image of being a minibus though it is far from that! The 4-row/11-seat layout is available when really needed but it is likely that the Carnival will be used as a 7-seater at most with the fourth row folded into the floor. For smaller groups, it can even be configured with four individual rear seats (generously-sized) and a passage between them which can be filled by a table that appears when the middle seats are folded.
The centre row can be folded sideways to create a walk-thru aisle to the rear when there are four or more rear passengers, and when the middle seat is folded down, the back of the seat can be turned into a table with cupholders (below).
Each seat has 3-point seatbelts and the air-conditioning is well designed to ensure that the last row gets cool air as well. A separate control unit is provided for the rear occupants to adjust their environment for a more comfortable journey.
The Carnival comes with two side doors which are motorized and are ‘smart’ because they can open automatically when you stand next to them (or you can press the key fob button) . To avoid accidents when getting out, the sensors that are used for the blind spot detection are also used to detect vehicles approaching. If a vehicle detected and the door is about to be opened, its operation will be stopped. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with kids who may be eager to rush out when the vehicle is stopped.
When 11 seating spaces are not needed, the fourth row can be folded flat and out of sight (below).
The back door also has the smart sensing feature which opens it automatically upon approach. While it is certainly a convenient feature, it might not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you are parked near a wall and the door starts to open by itself (when you are nearby), the door may hit the wall or worse, trap you against it! Perhaps the system should detect if there is a wall and deactivate the automatic opening. Or better still, just deactivate the feature in the settings and use the button on the key fob.
Both the front seats have 8-way power adjustment with the driver’s seat having lumbar adjustment as well. The seating position is such that the driver can have a commanding position which is important given the size of the Carnival. In fact, on our drive, we had a rather small-sized person who was not intimidated at all by the vehicle’s size and found easy to drive.
Individual safety systems
The latest Carnival comes with a long list of active safety systems but it doesn’t have a suite with a fancy sounding name like many of the new models introduced lately. Besides the airbags at the front, all the side windows have curtain bags which will deploy if the vehicle is hit from the side and by covering the openings, there is reduced risk of someone being ejected if the accident is a violent one.
The Surround View Monitor makes it easy to park the large Carnival and the simulated overhead view is detailed enough to help position the vehicle properly in a bay.
An interesting safety system is Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCBC) which reduces the severity of a secondary impact if it occurs after a collision. This can happen after the vehicle is hit and the driver may no longer be in control. When activated, the system measures vehicle speed and any changes of direction, applying the appropriate level of braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. It may also use the electronic stability control system in some cases but will not activate if the speed is very high as automatic brake intervention at high speeds could cause undesirable vehicle reactions.
Driving impressions
The Carnival imported to Malaysia (and which will be assembled locally in future) comes with only a turbodiesel engine that runs on Euro5 (B7) fuel. This is the new 2.2-litre Smartstream unit that has an aluminium block which saves 38 kgs compared to the previous engine with a cast iron block. It generates 199 bhp with maximum torque of 440 Nm available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The strong low-end torque at the front wheels will be appreciated when the 2,000-kg MPV moves off.
Kia has fitted a conventional torque converter automatic transmission and it has a good choice of 8 ratios well matched to the relaxed engine’s characteristics. A rotary knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is used for selecting the main operating modes with a PARK button in the middle. The driver can choose drive modes for more acceleration or better economy but we found that the default mode is a good balance and there was no real need to use the other modes.
On the move, the size of the Carnival becomes less apparent the longer you drive it. Thanks to the nicely-weighted motor-assisted steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver and it doesn’t wallow in corners either. The size and weight became advantageous on highways where there is good stability and the vehicle sits firmly on the road at high speeds. The long wheelbase also smoothens the ride quality although those in the rearmost row will tend to feel bumps a bit more noticeably.
For now, the Carnival imported in completely built-up form from Korea is priced at RM196,340.80 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration). You have a choice of 6 colours, and Dinamikjaya, the new distributor, offers a 5-year vehicle/100,000 km warranty and during the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), scheduled maintenance will be free.
It’s no secret that the Carnival will be assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah later this year. And the assembly operations will be managed by Kia Malaysia, which Kia Motors has majority share in. Naturally, when assembled locally, the price will be lower and if Dinamikjaya can maintain a similar level of equipment and features, the Carnival should be a worthwhile buy for those wanting a large MPV. As we said earlier, don’t let the ’11-seater’ description be a turn-off as the extra seats can be out of sight (though not removed).
After a period of obscurity, Kia is ready to move forward with great determination and has formulated a plan to grow its volume in the ASEAN region. Having established a new business operation in April this year, the Korean carmaker has a partner – Bermaz Auto – which took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Bermaz Auto and Kia have formed a joint-venture company called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country. Distribution and retail operations will be handled by Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto.
Kia Malaysia’s operations will include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It considers this to be a key factor for growth as it will enable Kia vehicles to be sold around the ASEAN region at competitive prices. This is because they can be assembled in Malaysia and exported to other markets without import duties imposed by those countries, a privilege accorded by the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.
Previously, there were some Kia models assembled locally but the volume was small and therefore not efficient. Now, Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026. The vehicles will be for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.
The vehicles – comprising new generations of the Carnival, Sorento, Sportage and Niro – will be assembled at the Inokom plant in Kedah. This plant, which began operations in the 1990s, assembles for brands such as Mazda, BMW and MINI. Incidentally, among the plant’s shareholder’s is Hyundai Motor Company, which is affiliated with Kia in the Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai’s share is 15% and it has been a shareholder since the plant started in 1997.
From what Kia Malaysia has revealed of the coming products, all four models will be produced with combustion engines as well as electrified powertrains. The Carnival and Sportage will be hybrid electric while the Sorento and Niro will also have plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. A fully-electric version of the Niro will also be produced, and this would enjoy attractive incentives offered by the government for battery-electric vehicles.
ICE: Internal Combustion Engine | HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle | PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle | BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle
The Inokom factory in Kedah which will assemble Kia vehicles. It began operations in 1997 assembling Hyundai and Renault vehicles.
Omitting passenger cars may not be a disadvantage as Kia’s past models have enjoyed limited success. Their SUVs have met with good response and the new Carnival is also a big leap from the previous generation. Now the task for Dinamikjaya will be to assure customers that it will offer the best aftersales support to those who buy a Kia. The company will examine all past promises to customers and see how to best move forward with existing owners.
Teaming up with Bermaz Auto is advantageous for Kia as the team in this company have long experience in all aspects of the auto industry. They are led by Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh, whose career spans 5 decades, during which time he has been involved in brands like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Daihatsu, Proton, Mazda, Skoda and Hyundai. Senior members of his team were even involved in setting up and running the Inokom factory before it was acquired by Sime Darby Motors.
After Naza’s swift termination of its involvement with the Kia and Peugeot brands during the last quarter of 2020, the market was curious to see who would take over the brands. By December, one part of the question was answered when Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) was announced as the new distributor for the French brand. BAASB is a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, the latter already established as the distributor of Mazda vehicles.
Kia took a bit longer but Bermaz Auto (or BAuto) was a strong candidate and today, that has been officially confirmed with the full details announced at a press conference. A subsidiary of BAuto, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), will be the sole distributor while another company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd – has also been formed to manage the assembly of Kia vehicles locally and Kia Motors has majority share in this company.
A fist-bump between Tae-Hun Lee, President & CEO of Kia Asia-Pacific (left) and Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of Bermaz Auto, after exchanging documents to start off the new relationship between the two companies.
Joint-Venture and Distributorship agreements
Commenting on this development, Tae-Hun Lee, President & CEO of Kia Asia-Pacific, said: “After months of searching for the right partner, Kia is delighted to enter into the Kia JV and Kia Distributorship with Bermaz Auto. With BAuto’s proven capability in successfully building up automotive marques in Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as their automotive manufacturing experience, we believe we have placed the Kia brand in good hands under the capable leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh.”
While the matter of continuing its presence in the Malaysian market is settled, Kia is also looking at making its assembly operations Malaysia a hub for supplying vehicles around the region and possibly beyond. In as far as ASEAN is concerned, the Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement provides for duty free import of vehicles by an ASEAN country of the vehicle is produced within the region. However, the level of ASEAN-sourced content must be at least 40%.
The first two models to be assembled in Malaysia will be the Seltos (above) and the 4th generation of the Carnival MPV which was launched in Korea in August 2020.
Due to current government policies and incentives, vehicles assembled in Malaysia can be sold at more attractive prices in the local market, enabling growth of volumes. However, Dato’ Seri Yeoh said that the locally-assembled models won’t be available for at least 12 to 18 months as that is the time that will be needed to prepare the plant and get suppliers of certain parts.
Local assembly to be at Inokom plant
The plant to be used is Inokom Corporation in Kulim, Kedah which is majority owned by Sime Darby Berhad. The other shareholders are Bermaz Auto and, interestingly, Hyundai Motor Company (15%). The Korean carmaker was actually an original investor in the plant when it began operations in 1997 and in those early years, Renault also had a share. Both Hyundai and Renault assembled some products that were sold under the Inokom brand then.
In the meantime, DMSB will distribute models that are imported CBU (completely built-up) from Korea. There are some stocks remaining from Naza’s inventory which will be taken over and sold through the Kia network which has 30+ dealers presently.
The Inokom factory in Kedah where vehicles from the BMW, Hyundai, MINI and Mazda brands are currently assembled, with Kia to be added next year.
Three models to be assembled
At least three models will be assembled locally and the first two have already been identified. They will be the Seltos, a small SUV, and the new generation of the Carnival. The third model will be decided later. When exports do begin, possibly in 2023, the first market is likely to be the Philippines as BAuto already has its own subsidiary there handling the Mazda business. Of course, a new operating unit will be set up for Kia, and the same will apply in Malaysia although some of the key figures at the top will be the same for all the brands.
The most notable is Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh who has decades of experience in the auto industry. He started off in the 1970s at Cycle & Carriage Bintang and was involved in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and then spent time over the following decades involved in brands such as Toyota, Daihatsu, Proton, Hyundai, Skoda and Mazda. He is therefore familiar with Japanese, European and Korean products and is helping develop the next generation for the auto business.
Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh (left) and some of the members of his team who have set a good track record of building up the Hyundai and Mazda brands.
He is aware of the legacy issues relating to Kia vehicles and said that DMSB will examine all past promises to customers and see how to best move forward with existing owners. Given the track record shown in building up the Mazda brand in Malaysia, many expect that he will put a shine on the Kia brand in due course. He said that he is also pleased that Kia Motors has a share in the joint-venture as this demonstrates that strong commitment and support for the business.
Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, who will head the Kia business, has previously been in a company that also handled Mazda, Peugeot and Kia. This was during the 1990s when Cycle & Carriage Bintang was the distributor for the brands. He will also be heading the team at BAASB which handles Peugeot and is a director of Bermaz Motor which handles Mazda.
The Inokom plant is very familiar to the BAuto leadership, some of whom were in its management in its earliest days. They also began local assembly of Hyundai models during the days when Hyumal was the distributor and 10 years ago, they returned to being involved at the plant when local assembled of Mazda vehicles began again. Soon, they will be planning for the assembly of the Seltos and Carnival.
At the beginning of this year, Kia introduced its new brand logo and also announced a bold transformation strategy.
Kia’s bold transformation underway
The timing for BAuto to associate itself with Kia is also good, as it was when the company took over the Mazda franchise in 2008 from Cycle & Carriage Bintang. At that time, Mazda was starting with to introduce a completely refreshed range of models, all of which would prove highly appealing to customers and boost sales quickly. Likewise, Kia started this year with the unveiling of a new corporate logo which also marked the start of a bold transformation which will see the revamping of nearly all facets of its business to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry.
The Korean carmaker’s long-term business strategy, which has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market, will include popularizing electric vehicles. A global EV business strategy aims to put the brand in a leadership position and to achieve this, Kia will launch a diverse range of dedicated BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). “The next generation products are sustainable, focusing on high electrification, active safety, connectivity with many autonomous features and are highly human-centric,” observed Dato’ Seri Yeoh.
Kia will be focussing more and more on electrically-powered vehicles and aims to become a global leader in the field.
Dato’ Seri Yeoh said that while it is evident that Kia is strongly focusing on EVs, such vehicles may not be offered so soon in Malaysia. He has always been pragmatic in his approach to business and he believes that consumer acceptance needs to be stronger. That is the same sentiment that other companies have as the government is not pro-active in the area of electric vehicles. While governments in neighbouring countries have announced and even implemented sound policies and incentives that are attractive and give carmakers confidence to invest, Malaysia is still not doing the same.
Calling existing Kia owners
In the meantime, DMSB, as the new distributors, would like all existing owners of Kia vehicles in Malaysia to provide their details so that they can be registered in the database. This is especially important for those whose vehicles are still under warranty. It is almost certain that as a responsible manufacturer, Kia will honour whatever warranties have been given with their vehicles sold previously but DMSB will need owners to provide information. Furthermore, being registered in DMSB’s database means that any recalls or other notifications will be communicated to them. To register details, visit this website: Kia Customers’ Information Update.
An all-new Kia Carnival (also known as Sedona in some markets) has been revealed, marking the beginning of the fourth generation of the brand’s flagship MPV. Based on Kia’s new midsize platform, the Carnival has been dubbed a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ and is said to offer more refinement, efficiency and space compared to its predecessors in the model line which began in 1998.
Current Carnival
“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle. The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group, which Kia Motors has been part of since 1998.
“It improves the quality, versatility and usability of its predecessors, while making travel far more relaxing and more enjoyable for families. With a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies to provide owners greater value in their daily lives, the new model solidifies Kia’s role in the minivan segment. It is a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ that sets a new standard for MPVs,” he said.
SUV-inspired form
The new Carnival represents a design evolution for Kia’s flagship MPV and its SUV-inspired form and surfaces bring a stronger, more stylish presence to the MPV segment as a result. “The design of the new Carnival presents a concept focusing on two essential points. First, as a minivan with a great exterior design that feels like a premium SUV; second, maximized interior space satisfying our customers’ needs, and maybe even surprising them with more intuitive and positive experiences,” explained Karim Habib, Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design.
“The new Carnival’s design has a great sense of solidity with a stable stance and powerful proportions. Detailed and futuristic elements further amplify its confident presence. We believe the all-new Carnival will be a fantastic looking vehicle and a great partner to our customers’ lives.”
Compared to the outgoing model, the new Carnival has a shorter front overhang, with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer bonnet. The new ‘tiger-nose’ design spans the width of the vehicle, integrating LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, giving a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The sculpted bumpers and lower air intake at the front are matched with metallic trim and a black lower bumper – a treatment evident on the brand’s SUVs.
A single character line runs the length of the MPV, with bold wheel arches and sharp lines giving a more modern, sculpted appearance. A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of its SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.
Longer wheelbase, more cabin space
Its increased wheelbase contributes to greater space throughout the cabin which is based on the concept of ‘Spatial Talents’. Besides roominess, combined with a sense of modernity and style, the interior has higher quality than its predecessor, with a futuristic new cabin.
The hub of vehicle connectivity features a high-tech twin digital display. This links Kia’s latest 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system under a single seamless piece of glass. The dual-screen display creates a panoramic, widescreen user experience, with many infotainment functions controlled via touch-sensitive buttons around the screen.
There is a similar haptic control panel further down the center console for climate control. A compact shift-by-wire dial for the transmission is located at the base of the centre console, freeing up space and falling easily to hand. The infotainment system also enables users to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth at the same time, enabling separate phones to be used for phone calls or media.
A new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature enables front passengers to check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system, instead of turning around in their seat. It also lets front occupants communicate more easily with other passengers, as the system amplifies their voice through the rear-seat speakers. Should front occupants allow, a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ technology also lets occupants in the second row issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.
Depending on the market, the Carnival can have three or four rows of seat, with space for up to 11 occupants. This is possible with the 30 mm longer wheelbase (up to 3090 mm) and 10 mm wider body (up to 1995 mm). The overall length has increased by 40 mm to 5155 mm, with a 30 mm longer rear overhang (up to 1130 mm), creating more space for passengers in the third row and best-in-class luggage space.
New ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies
The new Carnival has Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies to enhance efficiency and performance. It has been engineered to use up to three different powertrain types. The most powerful engine is a 3.5-litre GDi direct injection V6, producing up to 294 ps/355 Nm. There’s also a 3.5-litre MPi V6 producing up to 272 ps/332 Nm which features the new integrated thermal management system like its GDi counterpart.
The new 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ turbodiesel engine is said to be one of the cleanest diesel units that Kia has ever made. Producing up to 202 ps/440 Nm, this new engine replaces its predecessor’s cast iron block for a 20-kg lighter aluminium block. All engines are paired as standard with 8-speed automatic transmissions.
ADAS technologies
The new Carnival comes with a range of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems. Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving.
The bodyshell has different grades of high-strength steel, maximizing torsional rigidity while keeping body weight low. The shell of the new model features newly reinforced pillars, and contains a higher proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel and hot-stamped steel than its predecessor, again increasing torsional rigidity and adding strength. The more rigid bodyshell reduces road vibrations and enhances occupant safety in the event of a collision.
Pre-order record in Korea
The new Carnival has just gone on sale in Korea and prior to its sales launch, it set a new one-day pre-order record for any vehicle in Korea. The company said it received 23,006 bookings, breaking the previous record of 18,941 bookings set by the latest Sorento SUV in March this year. Exports to global markets will commence later in the year.
Following the Government of Malaysia’s announcement of Sales and Service Tax (SST) implementation,Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd officially announced the new pricing of its model range inclusive of 10% sales tax applicable for vehicles.
Refer to the pricing list below for the breakdown of prices according to model.
Model
GST PRICE
NEW SST PRICE
Difference
Picanto EX
RM49,888.00
RM49,888.00
RM0.00
Rio
RM79,888.00
RM78,888.00
less RM1,000.00
Cerato
RM103,888.00
RM103,888.00
RM0.00
Optima GT
RM174,888.00
RM169,888.00
less RM5,000.00
Sporatage EX
RM129,888.00
RM126,888.00
less RM3,000.00
Sporatge GT
RM153,888.00
RM149,888.00
less RM4,000.00
Sorento EX
RM173,888.00
RM169,888.00
less RM4,000.00
Sorento SX
RM185,888.00
RM179,888.00
less RM6,000.00
Grand Carnival SX
RM188,888.00
RM184,888.00
less RM4,000.00
Grand Carnival KX
RM159,888.00
RM155,888.00
less RM4,000.00
*OTR price without insurance
For enquiries, contact Naza Kia Malaysia customer service at 1-800-888-542 or csd@naza.com.my.
