Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of the Kia brand in Malaysia, has launched the locally assembled (CKD Kulim, Kedah) 11-seater variant of the 2023 Kia Carnival, priced from RM 215,228.80

However, from 1-November till 31-December 2023, all bookings for this variant will enjoy an introductory selling price of RM 198,500 inclusive of accessories.

With this, all Carnival variants are now CKD in Kulim. The range is as below:

• 11-seater: RM 215,228.80 (promo price RM 198,500)
• 8-seater: RM 233,528.80
• 8-seater High: RM 249,528.80
• 7-seater High: RM 263,528.80

Exterior

Much of it remains familiar to the CBU version, with some small changes here and there. What's retained are auto LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) accompanied by LED fog lamps.

The rear lights maintain the convetional bulb-type illumination, while the vehicle rolls around on 18-inch wheels.

Along the sides are power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors which have built-in turn indicators, and are also heated to dispel rain and fog better.

The colour line-up includes Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, Meteor Gray and Jet Black, making a total of 4 colours available.

Also read: Koreans prefer Kia over Hyundai, Kia Sorento and Kia Carnival leads 2022 sales tally

Interior

The interior of the locally assembled Kia Carnival 11-seater closely mirrors its CBU counterpart, maintaining several key features and improvements, save for the new Black and Grey colourway replacing the CBU cars' brown.

For the driver, the Kia Carnival features an instrument binnacle with a 4.2-inch LCD screen flanked by two analogue gauges. Ahead of it is a leather steering wheel that also has a pair of paddle shifters.

The seats in the Kia Carnival 11-seater offer a range of adjustments and configurations for both the driver and front passenger. The driver enjoys an 8-way power adjustment with a 2-way lumbar adjustment, while the front passenger also benefits from an 8-way power adjustment feature.

Small change to the power windows too: only the driver's side has automatic up and down powered windows now.

Climate control comes in the form of dual-zone automatic air-conditioning for those at the front, while the rear a single-zone system keeps things cool.

Connectivity is a priority, with the Kia Carnival offering 2 12-volt power outlets and 7 USB ports, complemented by a wireless charger. Entertainment and information are provided through a 12.3-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, piping sound through 6 speakers.

Also read: Review: Forget recond Vellfires, the 2022 CKD Kia Carnival offers the best value for money

As it says on the tin, the three-row MPV comes with practical arrangements for those sitting at the back. There's a versatile 40:20:40 split for the second- and third-row seats, complete with a center walkthrough. This allows for various seating and cargo arrangements.

Powertrain

As before, Kia's 2.2-litre turbodiesel continues its reign here. All variants of the Carnival are powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel (202 PS/440 Nm), paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel efficiency is a claimed 6.5 litres/100 km (15.3 km/litre, entirely believable from our review), and it takes Euro 5 B7 diesel.

Safety

The essential active safety components are all in, along with 7 airbags around the vehicle. As with advanced driver aids, the Carnival comes with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).

Aftersales and deliveries

Dinamikjaya Motors backs the 2023 Kia Carnival CKD with a 5-year, 100,000 km warranty coverage. It also comes with 5 years free scheduled maintainance package, with a coverage period of up to five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

The Kia Carnival 11-seater will be showcased at the Bermaz Auto Showcase event which will take place from 1– to 5-November 2023 at Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Also read: If you're shopping for an MPV, here's why you should consider the Kia Carnival