Kia’s last few years in Malaysia were unremarkable, an era where customers had to settle for lukewarm leftovers instead of the headline-grabbing new models. But under new custodians Dinamikjaya Motors, there now are reasons to be optimistic, if the 2022 Kia Carnival (KA4) is a good indicator.

Our full review is linked at the end of this article, but in this entry we'll surmise what we like and what we wish could be better in the all-new, fully-imported (CBU Korea) Carnival.

Pro #1: Refined, powerful-yet-efficient powertrain

The Carnival’s 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel is one of the best engines we’ve had the pleasure of using, and a large part of that comes from experiencing just how refined it is. Yes you'll still hear the diesel clatter, but much of it doesn't seep into the cabin, if at all.

There’s 199 PS and 440 Nm to play with, and paired to the almost-CVT-like (all the smoothness, but none of the rubberbanding) 8-speed automatic gearbox, here’s a powertrain that propels the Carnival with an perkiness that belies its weight.

Also read: All-new 2022 Kia Carnival goes on sale; Priced at RM 196,340, fully imported from Korea

At least in our Glenmarie-Ipoh round trip, it’s proven to be quite the efficient hauler too, returning 9.1 litres/100 km. It’s a notable figure – remember the car itself is 2 tonnes, 4 people and their luggage were onboard, plus there were high speeds and plenty of idling for photos and videos.

Pro #2: Fine balance of handling and ride comfort

The Kia Carnival offers a cosseting ride made better by plush, well-supporting seats.

Comprehensively reworked suspension – which includes measures like longer lower arms and improved spring and absorber angles – means the Carnival is sure-footed, lacking the over-wallowy feeling most MPVs have.

Also read: Hyundai chooses Indonesia but Kia prefers to do CKD in Malaysia over Thailand, here’s wh

Adding to that is the confidence the Carnival lends in bends. We don't mean it takes a page out of the Stinger's playbook, but rather more like how the Carnival doesn't entirely drive like a mini bus.

Pro #3: Impressively refined

There’s only so much pizzazz that designers can cram into the traditional MPV shape, but that’s where Kia’s designers hit it out of the park. Parked side-by-side, it instantly dates the previous-gen, YP-series Carnival.

It’s also a look that’s dripping in functional details, such as the patterned C-pillar that reduces vortex generation, a mostly-flat underbody, aerodynamic side mirrors, and an air curtain, all of which helps in reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.

Also read: To make beautiful cars, Hyundai spends time designing things you can't even see

The same can be said of its interior, with a geometric pattern breaking up the black/saddle brown interior, lots of expensive-looking materials, and neat design touches.

Refinement is what the Carnival does very well, and it's palpable too: subjective experience (we didn't have our instruments with us during the drive) tells us the Carnival's sound insulation is good, with only a semblance of wind noise at regular highway speeds.

Con #1: It’s a little too big for Malaysian roads

Korea and North America were the principal markets for the Carnival, and frankly it shows – just not always in a good way. 

It’s even bigger in every way then the preceding YP-generation Grand Carnival, and that already was no cinch to park.

Also read: Kia Malaysia targets 30k units of CKD cars by 2026, exports to make up 60 percent

Sure, the splendid 360-degree camera helps things somewhat, but the new Carnival still takes up a lot of space beyond its own parking box, and its width makes traversing tighter alleys and roads a bit more complicated then it has to be.

Con #2: 11-seats only is a bit overkill

Yes it can be argued that the Carnival is a viable alternative to the classy Alphard/Vellfire, but coming in sole 11-seater guise hurts its chances somewhat.

Not many people need that much space too often – not to mention boot space is compromised with the extra seats – so it ends up being a spanner in the wrench for families where 7- or 8- seats would’ve been perfectly adequate.

Also read: 4 new Kia models to Malaysia, EV included - CKD Kia Carnival, Sportage, Sorento, Niro

However there are pricing reasons behind this: bringing in the lesser-seating variants will increase prices due to our tax structures.

Con #3: No ADAS, no fancy features

Carnivals abroad come with a full suite of active safety features (ADAS), while the Malaysian-spec car makes do with a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (BSM, RCTA).

Adaptive Cruise Control for one is a glaring omission; it suits the car’s character perfectly and would be enticing here, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) would be useful for a car this size too.

Also read: ADAS for dummies, Kia explains why you need it and what it does

Moving inside you have things like an analogue instrument cluster and leatherette seats, also cheaper options compared to the fully-digital gauges and leather seats (with heating and ventilation functions) in foreign-market Carnivals.

Conclusion

For what it’s worth, the Carnival offers a great value proposition already. Then again, there’s things that would be nice to have and make the Carnival even harder to ignore.

When all’s said and done the Carnival still has loads to offer, especially in terms of space, performance, and relative fuel economy. At RM 196k it’s plenty of car, and certainly one to put in your shortlist if you are in the market for a people-mover.

For an in-depth review – covering interior space and features in greater detail – click the blue words below.

Also read: Review: Forget recond Alphards, the 2022 Kia Carnival is Malaysia's best sub-RM 200k large MPV