[TusharK]

Mod Note: Our Carnival Report has been taken live at this link (Kia Carnival : Official Review). Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!


Kia showcased a wide range of models from its global line up at the 2018 Auto Expo. Among them were the Stonic compact SUV and the Grand Carnival MPV. Latest reports suggest that both these models are now being evaluated for India.



The Kia Stonic is based on the Rio hatchback. It measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,520 mm in width and 1,760 mm in height. The car has a dual-tone exterior with silver trim around the grille and projector headlamps. The rear features a roof spoiler and wraparound tail lamps. The dual-tone rear bumper has an integrated silver scuff plate and chrome exhaust tips.

The Stonic is powered by a 998 cc, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 118 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 172 Nm of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The Stonic could rival the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and Tata Nexon in the Indian market.



The Grand Carnival, also known as Sedona in some markets, is a large MPV with power sliding rear doors. It comes in 7, 8 or 11-seat configuration and could compete with the Toyota Innova Crysta in the Indian market. It is powered by a 2.2-litre, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 199 BHP @ 3,800 rpm and 441 Nm @ 1,750-2,750 rpm, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Autocar India

Link to Team-BHP News

[swiftdiesel]

Great news if this was true! I for one love the Stonic and the Grand Carnival is a great MPV. The space inside will put our current MPVs to shame. But if Kia is serious about the Carnival, they need to work on the long wheelbase and low ground clearance for local conditions.

[wheeledsoul]

At last, something that can not only challenge Innova, but beat it too. Was disappointed initially when Carnival wasn't in their line up when they announced. Sat in it's 3rd row when travelling in Australia and must say it was very comfortable. Will be interesting to see how KIA prices it.

[vinair]

Having travelled in the Grand Carnival during my recent visit to South Korea, can safely say that this will be a game changer if launched in India! Almost everything is automated and was pretty comfortable for 6 individuals to travel in. Only issue could be the not so great ground clearance.

Hope Kia is serious with this launch and also price it atleast a couple of lakhs below the over rated Innova Crysta!!

[vipul_singh]

I am somewhat surprised at the pricing expectations expressed by members here.

If two-row crossovers like the SantaFe and CR-V sell for ~30 lakh and more, can we realistically expect this car to sell at Innova-like prices or lower?

Unless severely decontented, this is a 35 lakh rupee vehicle, at least (IMO, of course).

[Ragavsr]

Originally Posted by vipul_singh

If two-row crossovers like the SantaFe and CR-V sell for ~30 lakh and more, can we realistically expect this car to sell at Innova-like prices or lower?

The Santa Fe and CRV are expensive because they are imported as CKD. The Carnival needs to be manufactured here and sold at 20-25 L range to have any sort of success. Anything more it will flop.

[praveen_n]

Kia carnival competes with Toyota Privia globally and not with Innova . Kia may not be able to price it similar to innova. It's bigger than Innova and is more luxurious.

[MercFan]

Kia grand carnival is bigger and spacious than the Innova and the Honda Odyssey. Even if manufactured in India, will not be priced less than 35-40L.

Here is a review from Malaysia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0-g6JdtwYg

[sunilch]

Just when we had a new thread on "Why no more sliding door?" we see rumors of a sliding door MPV coming soon

[GTO]

The Innova first pushed the MPV pricing envelope to 10 lakhs. Slowly over the years, it started getting close to 20 lakhs and people still bought it. Today, the Innova Crysta has variants that touch 26 - 27 lakhs on the road.

Can the Grand Carnival make Indians pay more for MPVs, however luxurious? I think it will. There are many customers with deep pockets who value practicality above all else.

Definitely worth a shot. Will help contribute to Kia's image too.

[sunilch]

Originally Posted by GTO

....
Definitely worth a shot. Will help contribute to Kia's image too.

+1 to both the points.

People with pockets but disappointed by the lack of availability of a similar offering will pick it up for sure. Prospective Toyota Hi-ace buyers is one group that I think will buy this one.

Agreed that both the cars are different but I am looking for folks who do not mind paying a price for a premium and comfortable ride. City and highway both. Toyota Hi-ace is marketed by some travel agencies as a premium comfortable ride. Lack of clarity on Diesel engine policies in India is forcing the company to not to launch the product

Kia will be viewed as premium brand if this product is marketed well.

[srishiva]

Being in the same class as Toyota's Sienna and Honda's Odyssey, it would have a first mover advantage in that class of minivans. Imagine Kia pricing it just above the Innova and people will buy these easily. They should definitely do it as their first vehicle in India to have a premium car maker impression.

I can see companies and Hotels buying this in good numbers definitely. The rear looks really good for a minivan although not much impressed with the front.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by GTO

I think it will. There are many customers with deep pockets who value practicality above all else.

Here's another reason I think Kia should bring it fast = Innova owners don't have a damn UPGRADE. I know some people who bought an Innova in 2005, then bought another Innova and are now planning to buy the Innova Crysta. There is simply no upgrade option *above* the Innova (this is also the reason that Toyota got in the more upmarket 2.8 AT variant).

Originally Posted by sunilch

Prospective Toyota Hi-ace buyers is one group that I think will buy this one. Toyota Hi-ace is marketed by some travel agencies as a premium comfortable ride.

Man, that HiAce has some following. There are people who lust after it like we do Ferrari F430s. And the pricing - crazy! Check this post.

I think the time has definitely come for a luxurious 35 - 45 lakh MPV in India.

[Nitthari]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Kia showcased a wide range of models from its global line up at the 2018 Auto Expo. Among them were the Stonic compact SUV and the Grand Carnival MPV. Latest reports suggest that both these models are now being evaluated for India.

The Kia Stonic is based on the Rio hatchback. It measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,520 mm in width and 1,760 mm in height]

I think you got the height and width mixed up. It measures 4,140 mm in length, 1,520 mm in height and 1,760 mm in overall width.

But having said that I seriously fail to understand how can the Stonic be called a SUV (compact or otherwise)? Is it that I am becoming old fashioned, or has the definition of an SUV undergone a drastic change or both? This car at best can be described as a premium hatchback. Please educate me in case my understanding is wrong.

I hate the way the car makers are calling everything as SUV nowadays with a cladding and a higher GC in India. And our people are falling for it! Ex: i20 active, Ford Freestyle, Nexon anyone?? Don't mean to offend anyone here but I just don't get it. At least try and build a car that looks like a SUV. Ecosport is a good example if not the best.

[wheeledsoul]

If Carnival is "manufactured" in India (AP) then pricing the 2.2L diesel within a price range of 25L - 35L would be a coup. Offer the basic variant with mandatory safety features including 2 airbags and the Innova is already running for cover.

The 3.3L petrol would be a no go for sure, I wonder if they would launch it.

P.S: The pricing is similar in Australia, where it is not manufactured.