Malaysians - particularly the older generation - have a knack of calling reasonably-luxurious cars as 'big' cars. If you belong to a rather traditional family, you'll be golden with something large like a Toyota Alphard.

Perhaps that's one of the reasons why some see it as something to strive for. But the Koreans called - they have the 2021 Kia Carnival to show you.

If you've been in the third-generation (YP) model and found that to be big (we know we did), then the fourth-generation (KA4) amplifies that effect.

The Carnival is 40 mm longer than before at 5,155 mm, 10 mm girthier at 1,995 mm, and sits on a wheelbase that's 30 mm longer, making 3,090 mm.

Looks have improved a lot too. It's got a better looking front end that nicely gently tapers into a smooth profile. It's still rather square yes, but not ostensibly so.

Part of the charm comes from its island roof design 'invisible' A- and B-pillars. The C-pillar, on the other hand, is specifically designed so it stands out.

Moving in, Kia designers have created a new “Spatial Talents” concept for the cabin. It's roomy, and there's a lot of wide motifs (like a panoramic dashboard) to give the interior an airy feeling.

There's seating for 8, and boot space is a heady 627 litres, even when the third-row seats are deployed. You've got the extended rear overhang and overall length to thank for that.

Seen in these photos are Thai-spec cars. Over there, the Carnival comes with a smattering of creature comforts such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support), piping sound through a Bose 12-speaker setup.

Safety wise, the higher-end variants get ADAS functions. The Thai-spec SXL variant comes with:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSM, RCTA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go (ACC)

Under the stubby hood likes a 2.2-litre Smartstream diesel mill that makes 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Our Thai and Singaporean neighbours have already got the Carnival. Back home, we expect it to only be launched in Malaysia in Q1 2022.

That's because Bermaz Auto has said that it takes anywhere between 12 to 18 months to setup a CKD project, and they only took over the brand's operations here in early April 2021.

Also read: Kia has been rescued by Bermaz – CKD Seltos and Carnival to be launched in Malaysia

Although a few new models are in the pipeline - including the Kia Seltos and another undisclosed model - this timeline means that the earliest CKD Kia car won’t be launched in Malaysia until 2022.

Also read: Malaysia to launch CKD Kia Carnival in Q1 2022, Seltos in Q4, target 2,000 unit sales

In Malaysia, the previous generation Kia Grand Carnival was last sold at between RM 155,148 and RM 183,766, with SST discount.