In my last update I had mentioned how weary I was taking the car to the dealer because of the cramped spaces. This concern is no longer relevant now. The new facility is quite large, well designed and looks quite modern too.

BHPian rrsteer recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Recently completed our Carnival’s 50k/ 5th service. Apart from a resurfaced squeaking sound that was addressed 3 months back by replacing the tensioner assembly, I had no other concerns to report. I can say that the overarching story of my ownership remains intact. The car performs well, but service support has been very poor. It would not be wrong to say that apart from the failed bearing of the tensioner assembly, all other issues have had the dealer’s stamp. Earlier they spoilt the tyres of the car, last service they damaged the front bumper, and this time they provided me an inside view of their terrible work processes. I had placed an order for a part – replacement for the car’s cardboard type underbody cover which had a slight tear. This request was placed in September last year. Six months on, I am still waiting for the correct part to arrive. To begin with, the dealer personnel forgot to place the order, later, thrice they ordered the wrong part, of which twice the same wrong part was ordered in succession. 

There is good news though. The dealer finally opened a new service center. In my last update I had mentioned how weary I was taking the car to the dealer because of the cramped spaces. This concern is no longer relevant now. The new facility is quite large, well designed and looks quite modern too. 

The new service center:

But can’t help thinking, it seems to be in sync with Kia India’s general philosophy (my opinion only) – more focus on the outside look and feel, but less on the inside. 

Coming to the car itself, it has now completed over 50k kms in 31 months of ownership. That translates to a monthly running of about 1500kms. It is a sharp reduction compared to the car it replaced -the Innova, which averaged about 2500 kms per month. A part of this is attributable to the mindset shift post Covid. People are more amenable to doing business over video calls or transacting virtually, reducing the need to travel. But a good deal is because the Carnival has brought about a specialisation to our garage which didn’t exist before. Due to its shape and size, we are following an unsaid rule that Carnival=highways. This specialisation has been further cemented with the recent purchase of Tiago.EV – a most suitable car for city runabouts. 

As mentioned above, the car recently faced its first mechanical/electronic part failure. The bearings of the tensioner assembly failed at 46k kms and 28 months into the ownership period. The new part was ordered and fixed in two weeks. The assembly itself was replaced under warranty. However, the belt, being a wear-and-tear item, wasn't covered. I ended up paying for half the cost of the belt, the other half was waived off as a goodwill measure after some negotiations. Disappointingly, the replaced part too failed within three months. The new part is expected to arrive by next week. Same part failing twice is not confidence inspiring, but for now I am willing to look pass it as a case of bad luck, as generally the car has been quite reliable and drives as good as new. 

I have both read and heard from a few owners, complaints about early brake wear – somewhat understandable, as it’s a heavy vehicle with an auto gearbox. But am happy to report that at 50k, the brakes of my car were reported to be good for another 10k kms at least. Apart from the brakes, I am also much inclined towards preventive upkeep of the auto transmission. Going against the tide, Kia prescribed a transmission oil change at the 90k km mark in the owner’s manual. I brought this up with the service advisor as part of a discussion, to which he said and I quote ‘as per the latest advisory from Kia, the transmission is sealed for life and we are not authorized to do a transmission oil change.’ If that’s the case, I will get the oil changed from an able outside garage at 60k kms. 

I recently also purchased a Scangauge for the car, and its a good way of keep a tab on transmission temperature. The transmission temperature mostly stays below 70 degree Celsius, but take the car to the hills and the temperature shoots up to 90-95 degrees in no time, although I have yet to see it go past 100. I am no expert in this, but I generally stop the car by the side for some rest if the transmission temperature continuously stays over 95 degrees for a longer duration. The other thing I have noticed is that the temperature increase gradient is less steep if driven in the manual mode. Generally too, I enjoy driving more in the manual mode, while driving on the hills. 

Overall, as mentioned in earlier posts, the space and practicality that accompanies the design of a full size MPV, the lusty engine programmed to an intelligent 8 speed auto and the great highway fuel economy that the car is capable of, are its biggest draws for me. 

Some pictures to go along with this update.

Above, I talked about practicality, didn’t I? Some demonstrations below:

Here we are carrying about 60-70 tree saplings.

Transporting all sorts of things.

An update will be incomplete, without me flaunting some fuel economy figures. Below are the stats of a recent drive from Delhi to back home Jalandhar. It was done on a long weekend, meaning heavy traffic throughout, while also having to deal with road diversions and interruptions caused by the farmer’s protest. I was very pleased with the figures in the end. The lifetime average fuel economy too is a very good 12.9 kmpl.

It has not been all highways for the car, when presented with a chance and if conditions allow, I do carefully take it offroad. 

I have also been adding accessories, bit by bit. In the last 10k kms, I have added the following:

1) An external tyre pressure gauge. It has proved very helpful in keeping the tyre temperature around the intended values. 

2) Scangauge II (got it from US through a visiting relative). It throws a range of data- not all of which I understand or even need, but its greatest use is keeping an eye on transmission temperature. The other thing I found out is that the eco mode in the car is an eyewash. I have not seen any change in the engine rpm, air fuel mixture or the engine load while using it.

3) A neat trunk organizer – helps me keep the tyre puncture repair kit and other things neatly tucked in. 

4) A funnel for pouring DPF. Again, of great use, no more spilling of DPF fluid.

5) Some ambient lighting – I arranged them around the perimeter of the front seats, and it gives a nice effect at night, although there is just one color. 

6) Rubber door beadings – have a real tight garage and this helps in protecting the door edges. 

That’s it, for now. Hopefully would provide the next update at 60k kms.

Click here to read more BHPian comments & insights.

The hybrid powertrain will be available across the entire variant lineup, except the base 'LX' trim.

Kia unveiled the 2025 Carnival MPV in October last year, receiving a bunch of subtle updates. Now though, the South Korean carmaker has unveiled the MPV with a hybrid powertrain.

The new Kia Carnival hybrid comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a 72 BHP electric motor. The hybrid powertrain produces a total output of 242 BHP and 368 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic. This is the same powertrain found in Kia's Sportage & Sorento models offered internationally. While the fuel efficiency figures of the Carnival hybrid haven't been revealed, it is expected to be around the same as the Sorento hybrid, which offers 37 mpg.

In terms of design changes, the 2025 Carnival comes with revised headlights, an updated grille, a tweaked bumper and a new wheel design - most of which has been inspired by the brand's EV9 model. Inside, the 2025 Kia Carnival comes with a fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual 14.6-inch entertainment screens for the rear passengers and plenty of other connected tech.

Reports suggest that the hybrid powertrain will be available across the entire variant lineup, except the base 'LX' trim. Kia is expected to launch the Carnival hybrid internationally in the coming months.

Source: Autoblog

In India, Kia is likely to offer the turbo-diesel paired with an automatic transmission.

The fourth-generation Kia Carnival is coming to India. The refreshed version of the MPV has now been spotted testing, which indicates that we will be getting the facelift version after all.

The updated Carnival features large L-shaped LED daytime running lights, which can be seen in these spy images. At the rear, it gets L-shaped LED tail lights connected by an LED light bar, something we’ve seen on most of the latest Kia products.

Inside, the new Carnival gets a more minimalistic interior with a sleek dashboard and dual 12.3-inch displays. The MPV comes in 7, 9 and 11-seater configurations, but we still don’t know which one of these will be offered in India.

The Carnival is offered with three engine options. These include a 3.5-litre petrol V6, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid and a 2.2-litre diesel. In India, Kia is likely to offer the turbo-diesel paired with an automatic transmission.

Source: Motoroctane

The Kia Carnival facelift is likely to be introduced in India sometime next year.

Last month, Kia took the wraps off the Carnival facelift. However, at the time, we only got to see the exterior of the India-bound MPV. Now though, the carmaker has shared images of the Carnival’s revamped cabin.

The updated Carnival gets a dual-tone interior and a reworked dashboard. It features a curved display with two 12.3-inch screens, a 3-spoke steering wheel and a head-up display. It has a rotary dial instead of a conventional gear lever.

The Carnival will be available in 4-seater, 7-seater and 9-seater versions. The updated model comes with features such as a rear seat entertainment system with a 14.6-inch screen, multi-zone climate control, wireless charger, ambient lighting and a digital IRVM.

The Carnival facelift comes with two petrol and one diesel engine options. These include a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, a 3.5-litre V6 petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel.

The Carnival facelift will be offered with a new 1.6L petrol hybrid powertrain.

Kia has taken the wraps off the Carnival facelift. The MPV gets refreshed looks and updated powertrains and is expected to be launched in India sometime next year.

The Carnival facelift is based on the KA4 MPV that was showcased at Auto Expo 2023. On the outside, the updated model receives several design changes, including a bolder-looking front section. It has a wide grille flanked by vertical LED headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lights.

At the rear, the Carnival gets L-shaped LED tail lights connected by an LED light bar, and it rides on new dual-tone alloy wheels. Kia is yet to reveal the interior of the new Carnival.

The Carnival facelift comes with two petrol and one diesel engine options. These include a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, a 3.5-litre V6 petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel.  

The new Carnival is likely to be launched in India sometime next year.

The first undisguised images of the updated Kia Carnival have surfaced online. The latest spy images come from South Korea and reveal the exterior design updates in crisp detail.

The Carnival facelift gets a heavily revised nose section with a tweaked Tiger Nose grille with shiny inserts and vertical headlamp units with new L-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The rear design of the Carnival is also based on Kia’s latest design philosophy featuring slim L-shaped LED taillights connected by an LED light bar. Overall, the design looks quite modern with the right blend of shiny aluminium and glossy black surfaces. The wheels with their square pattern look unique too.

Inside, the Carnival is expected to get curved displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, multiple seating options with the latest seats from the EV9 and additional safety features including ADAS.

The new Carnival is likely to be launched in India sometime next year. It will be imported via the CKD route.

Source: Drive

I am currently in the slope of enlightenment phase, feeling quite satisfied with the car.

BHPian rrsteer recently shared this with other enthusiasts

Time for the 40K and two years ownership update.

Will cover the update in two parts. The first part will be about the 40K service experience and in the second part will update about the car in general.

Part 1: The 40k service.

The dealer's customer service team worked overtime harassing me to bring the car for service. When I did, found my booking was not recorded in the ledger and so ended up being treated like a drop-in with no prior booking.

Apart from regular service, additional request from my side were: 1) DON'T touch the wheel alignment/ balancing (I am entitled to free wheel balancing/ alignment once a year) 2) DON'T wash the car (I do the job 10 times better + the cramped washing area doesn't give me the confidence that the car will come out of it without getting hit + I want to keep unknowns from driving my car to a minimum). But, inspite of repeated reminders, they ended up washing the car.

A Whatsapp group was created for the service, but absolutely no updates were provided, until i asked for it a couple of times. In the end and as if to taunt me, just one update picture was shared - the car hoisted on the lift!

Just a month back I got my 12 year old Etios serviced at the Toyota dealership - incidentally just opposite the Kia dealership. They arguably handle more volume and were attending to a 12 year old discontinued, cheapest model launched by them. But it was a totally satisfying, no fuss experience. In this case, dropped the car (their most expensive model at launch) for service, was promised delivery by 6pm, no updates were provided till 5.30pm, after which it was informed the car could be delivered only the next day. Next day, there were again no updates. From the advisor to the CRM head, all were unresponsive. Finally spoke to the GM service, who got the balls rolling and had the car ready by 2pm.

Given my perception of the way the dealership is managed, the folks who work there and the cramped spaces, I am always apprehensive of leaving the car for service. Unfortunately, this time my fears came true. The car was delivered with the front bumper lip unhinged from the main bumper frame. Such are my expectation levels from the dealership, I was almost relieved it was nothing major. But, credit where its due, they immediately agreed to repair it - no questions asked.

Finally ending with a happy note. The 40k service cost me just Rs 827/-, and even that was for a new number plate frame and urea top up. The service costs are covered under 5 year service pack which I got at a hugely discounted rate at the time of buying the car.

Some pictures from the service experience:

First up, the hit job by the dealer:

At the dealer, the cars go up a very narrow ramp and make successive extremely narrow hairpin turns to reach the service area which is at the third floor of the building. They have a specialist driver to take the Carnivals up there:

Look at all the cars. The washing area is not visible, but on the left side of where the cars are parked at the end. Very cramped and a disaster of a planning effort:

The sole update (in the form of a picture) I received on the Whatsapp group. It's so sad, it makes me laugh:

Dealership owner's Porsche Taycan. Didn't like the car's looks - looked too bulbous from the front and front side:

Part 2: My Ownership Experience.

My ownership is aptly depicted by the below chart. I am currently in the slope of enlightenment phase, feeling quite satisfied with the car. Finally, can start to visualise a long (10+ years) ownership period with it.

Premature tyre wear was a leading marker of my 'trough of disillusionment' phase. It hampered my ownership experience almost since I purchased the car. The 'issue' itself is quite widespread. I spotted premature tyre wear in all the Carnivals stationed at the dealership this time. But of course mine was an exception, and all thanks to Team-Bhp and in particular these two gents @ss-traveller and @zeng. More details available in this thread.

The present condition of the LHS rear tyre. The new tyre (put at ~30k) had worn somewhat by 34k, but since then premature wear has been arrested.

There were 3 Carnivals at the dealers. Each had worn off rear tyres. An example below:

If I discount the above issue, otherwise in the 40k kms of running and 2 years of ownership I have not faced any mechanical troubles or heard unwanted noises or seen unwanted lights. It drives tight and like new.

Before I end the update on the car, and I have mentioned this before but will repeat again, I am still surprised how fuel efficient the car has turned out for me. Believe it or not, it's the most efficient car we have right now. The relatively high figures are a result of it being mostly highway driven + driven at steady speeds between 90kmph and 110kmph + engine braking. Even so, an overall fuel consumption figure approaching 13 kmpl for a 2 ton/200 bhp car is worth applauding, I think:

In other news, have added a couple of accessories for the car:

A folding solar panel + rechargeable battery. This enables me to play TV in the car for kids when parked without using the car battery. I land up in such situations often, so this was much needed:

Got a car window net - again very useful when the car is parked and you want the windows rolled down, but need some sort of a screen:

One final picture, and that's it. Hopefully will post the next update at @50k. Cheers:

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The fourth-generation Kia Carnival is likely to be launched in India next year.

The Kia Carnival has been phased out from the Indian market. The car is no longer listed on the brand's official website.

The Carnival was launched during the 2020 Auto Expo as the brand's flagship offering. It was powered by a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 197 BHP @ 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm. The engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The fourth-generation Carnival is already on sale in the global markets. The MPV was also presented in India during the 2023 Auto Expo. Moreover, reports suggest that it is likely to launched in India next year.

Globally, the fourth-generation Carnival is offered with 3 engine options. These include a 3.5-litre GDi V6 petrol, a 3.5-litre MPi V6 petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is offered as standard across all variants.

Source: Autocar India

Keeping Innova Hycross aside, what other cars can be considered?

BHPian Roadster101 recently shared this with other enthusiasts

Having recently sold my Innova, I'm on the lookout for a new car. Let me start of by saying that this isn't a conventional what car thread. As they say, only an Innova can replace an Innova and my family is no exception from this saying. However, Hycross being our top priority, we aren't able to explore other cars with as open a mind.

My query today is, keeping Hycross aside, what other cars can be considered?

Requirements:

• Fuel - We are open to both Diesel and Petrol as well as Hybrids.
• Transmission - Dad is inclined towards automatic but I personally want a manual as I'm about to turn 18 in a year and few months and I'd love to drive stick shift.
• Body type - Preferably SUV, but open to sedans as well.
• Budget - 25 Lakhs +/- 10% OTR
• Length - Longer than 4.5 metres

Cars not considered:

• VAG twins (Taigun and Kushaq) due to less cabin space
• Kia Seltos - Poor safety
• MG Hector and Hector plus - Poor MG reliability and ugly front design
• Tata Safari and Harrier - Poor reliability again

Cars in consideration: (In order from most to least preferred)

• Toyota Innova Hycross
• Honda City
• Skoda Slavia
• Mahindra Scorpio
• Mahindra Thar
• Hyundai Creta
• Mahindra XUV7OO

Should I stick with the Hycross or explore other options. Feel free to suggest any car I've missed out.

Thanks.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Innova Hycross, XUV700 or Carnival would be the best replacements. Want a value for money comfort-mobile? Go for the Hector CVT.

Here's what BHPian jai_asnani_98 had to say on the matter:

Since you are considering sedans, it implies that you don't need a 7/8 seater strictly like the Innova.

Creta, Thar, City and Slavia can in no way 'replace' the Innova. Leaves you with ScorpioN(seriously hope you're not talking about the Classic), XUV700 and Hycross.

Basis few reviews, Hycross does not seem appealing enough to those who own a Crysta. This thread nowhere mentions Crysta, so I assume you owned one of the models upto 2015. Thus, you should definitely consider Hycross.

Mahindra has upped their game and hit it outta the park with the XUV700. I personally, am not a fan of too many gizmos and creature comforts on cars. An indestructible machine like the Innova is just what I like. AX5 variant seems like a sweet choice and an even sweeter deal if you feel the same.

Do check out the Compass!

PS- Not clear from the thread whether you own a Crysta. If not, it has been relaunched and truly deserves all the attention. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Cheers

Here's what BHPian hrk997 had to say on the matter:

Kia Carnival! The only car that can replace an Innova is a bigger Innova. I haven't driven the car, but crazy road presence. The rear seats look absolutely comfy. It's a true step up from the Innova.

Also consider the mg Hector, but it has several shortcomings. XUV 700 is the best car you can get, provided you can even get one.

Octavia and Superb are your go to sedan alternatives.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

25L + 10% only gets you the non hybrid HyCross. The base VX trim of the hybrid costs over 30L on road. Unless you are looking for a car specifically to ferry 6 or 7 adults, there are better options to be had. Scorpio, Thar etc are also not going to cut it.

You should take a good hard look at the Honda City hybrid. It has the space, the comfort, the performance, the premium ambience, the reliability and the feel good factor + street cred, everything you are looking for. It is totally future proof for Delhi NCR, and meets your budget as well. This should be your top choice.

Another car you should consider is the Hyundai Alcazar, in the new 1.5 turbo petrol guise.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

It shares the 3rd generation "N3" platform with the latest Hyundai Tucson.

Big shoutout to Chetan_Rao for shooting these pictures & his coverage of the Auto Expo. Thanks for sharing, man!

Kia has finally unveiled the next-generation Carnival. It shares the 3rd generation "N3" platform with the latest Hyundai Tucson and is available in 3-row or 4-row seating configurations and can accommodate up to 11 passengers internationally. What configurations will be brought to India? Only time will tell. Read our report on the same.