As Korea is a left-hand drive (LHD) market, normally it would take a longer time for right-hand drive markets (RHD) to get their hands on the new model. But based on these spyshots, the RHD markets could be getting the fourth-gen Carnival much sooner.
These photos were taken from the Kia Grand Carnival Club Malaysia Facebook group. The user who uploaded them claimed they were taken in Thailand.
Based on these images, it looks like Thailand could be the first RHD market to receive the all-new Carnival where it could keep the Grand Carnival name.
Based on the images we see here, it looks like the all-new Thai-spec Grand Carnival will be sold in an 11-seat configuration just like the Chinese-spec Carnival.
The photo above gives a very obvious clue on the number of seats. Take a look at the last 2 seatbelts near the boot, they're very likely made for the last 2 rows of this D-segment MPV.
Also based on the photos, the all-new Thai-spec Grand Carnival could come with at least a 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine that is carried over from the outgoing third-gen.
However, there are some changes in the interior of the all-new Thai-spec Grand Carnival. First, it appears that there are 2 colours available for the interior trim, light brown or dark red.
Next is the omission of the fully digital instrument cluster as seen in the global unveiling as well as the one displayed at the Beijing Auto Show. Instead Thai buyers would be greeted with what looked like traditional analogue dials for the speedometer and tachometer.
At least the large infotainment touchscreen display is retained in the middle of the dash.
According to our friends at Autofun, the all-new Grand Carnival is expected to be launched digitally in Thailand on 26-November 2020. Unlike the outgoing third-gen which is assembled in Vietnam, early units of the Thai-spec fourth-gen would be imported from Korea.
Details are pretty scarce for now but we’ll keep you updated as the launch day looms closer.
Enough to fit a football squad!
Back home, the all-new Grand Carnival could be arriving here in 2021 if Kia Malaysia gets its bearings right. If you're still interested in the third-gen Grand Carnival that’s updated this year, it might give you a few surprises based on our pros and cons.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.