Since its global unveiling in August 2020, the fourth-generation Kia Carnival has been a huge success in many countries around the world even as minivans face a downward trend amidst the popularity of SUVs.

3 years later, Kia officially unveiled the new 2024 Kia Carnival facelift mere days after undisguised photos of the refreshed Grand Utility Vehicle were leaked by Korean social media. For now, only the exterior has been unveiled with Kia still keeping mum on the interior.

The Korean carmaker described the updated look as a combination of refined sophistication and SUV-like strength with the concept of Modern Boldness based on Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy.

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In front, the new Carnival has a redesigned vertical headlight with signature star map lighting DRLs. The Gravity variant in South Korea would feature a dedicated front grille design and dark metallic colour trims.

Around the back, the license plate holder has been moved downwards while the exposed tailgate handle was removed to create a clean rear design.

Six exterior colours were also announced including Ivory Silver, Snow White Pearl, Astra Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Pantera Metal, and Ceramic Silver.

Kia announced that there will be three powertrains offered for the new Carnival with the inclusion of a 1.6-litre turbo hybrid for the Korean market. No output figures were revealed for the hybrid system but the petrol and diesel powerplants are likely to be carried over from the outgoing pre-facelift model.

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In its press release, Kia announced that pre-orders for the new-look Carnival will be opened in South Korea next month. In Malaysia, the pre-facelift Carnival is still on sale with a single 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit offered across 4 variants:

• 2.2D 11-Seater (CBU) – RM 199,840
• 2.2D 8-Seater (CKD) - RM 231,228
• 2.2D 8-Seater High (CKD) - RM 247,228
• 2.2D 7-seater High (CKD) - RM 261,228

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