NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Kia outs new Carnival
Third-generation Kia people-mover emerges with new engines, latest safety tech and sleeker designKia has revealed full details and images of its third-generation Carnival, ahead of the full-size people-mover’s world debut at tomorrow’s New York motor show.
Claimed to bring large strides in technology, safety and style, the new Carnival -- which will no longer be called the Grand Carnival – will finally bring full-length curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts for all occupants.
Australian specifications have not yet been confirmed – and won’t be until closer to its launch here either late this year or in early 2015 – but all of the new model’s advanced safety aids will be available Down Under.
In the US, new standard active safety equipment will include Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), in addition to Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
New safety options include Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
It’s unclear which of those features will be standard locally, but Kia Motors Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth said many of them will be fitted in all models, but entry-level pricing – which currently stands at $38,990 – is likely to increase as a result.
In North America, the Carnival will be available with seven and eight seats, as well as V6 and even V8 petrol engines, but Australian buyers will again be offered a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and, as in the US, Kia’s new 3.3-litre petrol V6.
The Lambda Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.3-litre V6 delivers more power and torque than the 3.5-litre V6 it replaces, producing 205kW at 6000rpm, 336Nm at 5200rpm and, says Kia, more mid-range torque.
Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, the new V6 features dual continuous variable valve timing.
Although it’s about the same height and width, the new Carnival rides on a 40mm-longer wheelbase and is about 25mm shorter, resulting in much shorter overhangs at both ends. Also contributing to its sleeker look are a ‘faster’ windscreen and standard roof spoiler.
Despite this, Kia says its provides more front shoulder room, more legroom in all three rows and a slightly higher hip-point, improving visibility for all occupants.
At the rear there are LED tail-lights and an integrated rear bumper guard, while optional 19-inch alloy wheels complete the sportier appearance.
The MkIII Carnival marks the complete renewal of Kia’s entire model range under the direction of design guru Peter Schreyer. It’s also the first model to wear the Korean brand’s new design theme, including a new take on its signature grille, while LED positioning lamps have been added.
Kia claims its latest Carnival also represents a big step up in terms of handling and interior quality. In the US, where it is badged as the Sedona, a new premium model grade known as SXL will be part of the range that launches there by October.
“Throughout the development process, our engineers in the US and Korea focused on adding the element of desire to the all-new Carnival with improved driving dynamics and power and the incorporation of modern styling cues, premium materials and technology,” said Orth Hedrick, Kia Motors America’s vice-president of product planning.
“Combined with a host of active and passive safety features and technology, the completely redesigned Carnival retains the functionality the nameplate has always been known for, while rising to meet the diverse needs – and tastes – of today's consumers."
Kia says the horizontal-themed dashboard increases the car’s sense of interior width, while “the generous use of soft-touch materials adds to the all-new Carnival’s premium ambiance”.
The large centre console offers sizeable storage space between the front seats, while second-row ‘Slide-n-Stow’ seats fold upright behind the front seats to provide a large, flat load area.
As an option, ‘First Class’ seats with retractable lower leg rests can be specified in the centre row, while seat-cushion heaters for the same seats are claimed to be unique in class.
All 2015 Carnival models offer a third-row seat that’s split 60/40 and folds flat into the floor, as well as stain-resistant, anti-static ‘YES Essentials’ seat fabric.
Solid and two-tone interior colour schemes will be offered in the US in beige, grey and burgundy, while the top-shelf SXL grade features Nappa leather seat trim throughout.
Kia is also claiming big advances in multimedia, with a next-generation UVO infotainment and telematics system making it the first Kia to offer four new eServices features, at least in the US: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score.
In the US, the new Carnival will also have the ability to download apps including Pandora , iHeart Radio and Yelp, and will incorporate Siri Eyes Free and Google’s Local Search to help find locations.
Handling dynamics haven’t been overlooked either, with Kia claiming the new Carnival’s all-new chassis is 36 per cent stiffer, in terms of static torsional rigidity, than its closest competitor, thanks to ultra-high strength (press hardened) or high-strength steel forming 76 per cent of its body.
Kia says the new Carnival is designed to achieve a maximum five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA).
The new chassis also employs Amplitude Selected Dampers (ASD), revised rear cross-member bushings, an isolated rear sub-frame with longer trailing arms and added rear strut reinforcement, all of which Kia says improves dynamic ride characteristics.
New noise suppression measures include extra wheel-house padding, double-seal sliding doors and an expanded use of sound-deadening foam in the engine compartment.
New convenience features include a dual glovebox comprising a cooled lower storage area and, in the US, Kia’s first application of the newest high-power (2.1-amp) USB charging port and a 115-volt AC outlet to charge small electronic devices.
Aiding parking and low-speed vehicle maneuvering is Surround View Monitor, which displays real-time images from cameras positioned around the vehicle, while Smart Welcome automatically illuminates the door-handles and unfolds the power retractable side mirrors when a vehicle key fob is detected.
Finally, a hands-free Smart Tailgate opens the rear lift gate automatically when the key fob is sensed for three seconds.
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