NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Kia teases new Carnival

It was spotted in camouflaged prototype form just last week and now Kia has revealed the first teaser image of the vehicle that will replace one of Australia's most popular people-movers within 12 months.

Due on sale here slightly later than expected in January 2015, Kia's new-generation Grand Carnival (assuming that's what it will be called) will appear at next month's New York motor show not in concept guise but in final production form.

The big, new eight-seat wagon will not only mark the renewal of the South Korean car-maker's entire model range under former design chief and now global president, Peter Schreyer, but will bring a completely new design language for other future Kia models.

No new information accompanies this official rendering -- which confirms the somewhat staid existing Carnival, which dates back to 2007 and was last updated in 2011, will indeed wear a far sleeker new look -- but Kia says it will do so before its world debut on April 16.

"This global debut will challenge the segment and will offer the functionality to transport as many as eight passengers and their belongings while also serving as a purposeful offering for adventure seekers," said Kia.

"Stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead."

Expect the third-generation Carnival, which will be launched locally at the Kia-sponsored Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne next January, to also make vast strides in terms of performance, efficiency and technology.

The new Carnival promises a fresh petrol and diesel engine line-up, improved safety and equipment levels, even more passenger and cargo space, and a more luxurious interior.

New high-tech driver aids should include blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning, while new multimedia and rear-seat entertainment options are also likely.

Watch this space for more details as they're announced, and for live coverage from the Big Apple show floor next month.