Specs confirmed: Alphard-challenging 2022 Kia Carnival, starts from RM 196k

The all-new 2022 Kia Carnival is Dinamikjaya Motors’ first model launched ever since it took over Kia’s Malaysian distributorship from Naza back in April. Priced from RM 196,340, the 11-seater MPV is fully-imported (CBU) from Korea with local (CKD) production to start in 2022.

For now, the Malaysian-spec Carnival is only available with a single variant that is powered by a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel engine (199 PS/440 Nm). That engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission that is shifted via a circular E-shift knob just like some Jaguar and Land Rover models.

At least you would get better reliability than the British and for much less. Yet, when we first sat in the Carnival that was previewed two weeks ago, it didn’t feel cheap. The materials used and the finishing are on par with Japanese cars.

Also read: 2022 Kia Carnival previewed in Malaysia, a worthy challenger against the Alphard?

Inside, occupants are greeted with black and saddle brown leatherette seats, adding a touch of class for the massive MPV. Regardless of how Kia wants to revamp the dwindling people carrier segment, we won’t call it the “Grand Utility Vehicle”.

Also read: Call the new Kia Carens anything but a minivan

Some features that are available on the Carnival include dual-zone automatic air-cond for the front row and single-zone automatic air-cond for the rear. The rear air-cond blowers are placed on the roof so everyone gets cool air being blown directly from above.

The biggest party piece of the Carnival is its 11-seat configuration with a 2-3-3-3 arrangement. However, with all 11 seats up, you have limited luggage space and the fourth row isn’t exactly a comfortable place to be for adults and is best suited for little children.

Also read: Kia Carnival's price confirmed for Malaysia – 11-seater, RM 196,340, CBU from Korea

Convenience features are nothing short of plentiful for the all-new Carnival with 7 USB ports placed around the MPV. That’s enough ports to keep the kids occupied with their smartphones and tablets during those holiday or balik kampung trips.

Also read: The legendary vans that Malaysians balik kampung in – Vanette, Liteace, Spectron

All is not lost for front occupants with wireless charging and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen being available. The latter supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity.

Unlike the units that are available in our neighbour up north, the Malaysian-spec Carnival lacks the full ADAS safety suite. Despite that, it isn’t entirely devoid of safety features with 6 airbags, blind-spot collision warning (BCW), rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist (RCCA), and a 360-degree camera available as standard.

The highest grade of the Thai-spec Carnival, meanwhile, adds on Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Exit Assist.

Also read: First right-hand-drive 2020 Kia Grand Carnival launched in Thailand

Compared to costlier rivals including the Toyota Alphard, Hyundai Staria, and even the 10-seater Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer, the Carnival seems like a good choice. It costs less than RM 200k and for Malaysians who want more space for their ringgit, it sounds like a winner.