New 2020 Kia Carnival MPV revealed

Kia has released the first official images of its fourth-generation Carnival people carrier. The refreshed model will go on sale in Korea towards the end of summer, sporting new SUV-inspired styling. The US and Asian markets will follow, but it won’t come to the UK.

Styling changes over the outgoing model are plentiful. Up front, there’s a stylised version of the company’s trademark Tiger Nose radiator grille and pair of fresh wrap-around LED headlamps. The outgoing car’s boxy dimensions have been retained, although the MPV’s profile has adopted a more SUV-like appearance.

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To complement the new SUV shape, Kia has added a range of styling features borrowed from the Sorento SUV. The Carnival shares a similar chrome fin on its C-pillar, near-identical LED daytime running lights, fresh running boards and new front and rear skid plates. 

Kia has also moved the Carnival’s A-pillar rearwards, lengthened its bonnet and shortened its front overhang. The MPV’s wheelbase has increased, too, which the company says has improved the amount of available passenger space.

Kia is yet to reveal details on the new Carnival’s platform and powertrains and interior. However, the previous-generation model shared the same underpinnings as the outgoing Sorento SUV, and we expect Kia will adopt the same tactic with this new model. 

As such, buyers will likely be offered the same 199bhp 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder diesel engine along with a detuned version of the V6 petrol found in the Stinger GT-S – as they’re the engines which sell the best in the US and Asian markets. Kia has also hinted that the new Carnival is unlikely to feature either a hybrid or PHEV powertrain.

We’re also expecting the new Carnival to adopt some of the technology found on the fourth-generation Sorento. The range-topping model should feature leather upholstery, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and adaptive cruise control, along with Kia’s latest 10.25-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

The second-generation Carnival was known as the Sedona in Britain. It was sold between 2006 and 2014, but it was pulled from the UK market in 2012 due to declining sales figures. Despite this, the Carnival performed well in other markets, with more than two million examples being sold globally since the model’s introduction in 1998.

Would you want to see the new Kia Carnival go on sale in the UK? Let us know in the comments section below…