A little more than eight months after announcing itself as the new distributors for Kia, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn. Bhd. has introduced the all-new 2022 Kia Carnival in Malaysia. The 11-seater MPV is the first all-new Kia model introduced by the new distributor which took over from Naza.

Prices for the local-spec Carnival has not been announced yet but the 11-seater is available for public viewing at Carlist Drive Auto Fair 2021 at the Setia City Convention Centre this weekend from 3-5-December 2021.

For now, the all-new Carnival is fully-imported (CBU) from Korea though local-assembly (CKD) is on the cards alongside the Seltos.

Also read: CKD plans for Kia Carnival in Malaysia pushed to May 2022 due to lockdowns

Kia has dropped the ‘Grand’ moniker from the previous generation but that doesn’t mean the all-new Carnival is short of the G-word. It is still a grand-looking MPV both inside and out.

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We’ll start with the exterior and it is a progressive step-up from the previous-gen. Though the glory days of MPVs are far behind, the Carnival bears a grandiose look that mixes elements of an SUV with the familiarity of a minivan.

Also read: MPVs aren't selling here, but how is the Proton Exora still growing in sales 11 years on?

Unlike the Hyundai Staria or the Toyota Alphard, the Carnival doesn’t look like a van with its prominent front hood. After all, Kia even calls it a Grand Utility Vehicle (GUV) in an attempt to create a new body style.

But we’ll stick to calling it an MPV which is what the Carnival is and has always been since it was introduced in 1998.

From the looks of things, the all-new Carnival is massive but it looks so modern. Admittedly, it doesn’t stand out as much as the Staria but the looks are definitely futuristic enough for a proper MPV.

Also read: This over Alphard/Vellfire? Priced from RM 359k, Hyundai Staria launched in Malaysia

In terms of dimensions, the all-new Carnival is overall longer and wider than its predecessor which is a given. Though it is built on the same platform as the Staria, the giant helmet on wheels is a little longer than the Carnival though there are no plans to bring in an 11-seater variant.

Also read: Not a Mercedes Vito competitor, HSDM says no plans for 11-seater Hyundai Staria

Powering the Carnival is a 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel engine which produces 202 PS and 440 Nm. This is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the front wheels.

Unlike in Thailand, the Malaysian-spec Carnival is only available with a single variant, just like in Indonesia.

Also read: After Thailand, 2021 Kia Grand Carnival now heads to Indonesia, Malaysia waits

Yet, the equipment and features on the sole variant of the Carnival is quite generous. This includes 18-inch wheels, bi-LED headlights, and LED DRLS.

Inside, the generous equipment continues with leatherette seats, a leather steering wheel, dual-zone air-conditioning, a wireless charger, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

That connectivity feature is paired to a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Though some overseas units come with a digital instrument cluster, our local Carnival is only offered with an analogue instrument cluster.

Yet that isn’t the only feature that appeared to be a downgrade for the Malaysian-spec Carnival. While it features customary safety features like 7 airbags, ESC, and hill assist control (HAC), the only active safety features available are the blind-spot warning and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA).

Also read: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS, more harm than good?

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range Thai-spec Carnival comes with the additional 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

Still, despite missing some features that are available overseas, the all-new Carnival looks like a family-friendly hauler to bring along more during those road trips. Pricing has yet to be announced and this is merely a preview of what is to come.

Also read: Pros and Cons: 2020 Kia Grand Carnival – are 11 seats too many?

As Dinamikjaya’s first new Kia model ever since it took over distributorship, do you think the all-new Carnival will help to restore some sort of semblance to Kia’s plight in Malaysia?

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