It wasn’t too ago that Kia Philippines unveiled the elegant fourth generation Kia Carnival, a very popular SUV-inspired model which Kia calls a “Grand Utility Vehicle” or GUV. This premium large capacity premium executive GUV’s cavernous cabin with van-like qualities serve as the perfect daily ride for the modern executive family man. With its premium interior finishes, sleek and modern exterior, the Carnival is the perfect executive ride that doubles as a family leisure and weekend drive.
Here are four reasons why the Kia Carnival is top pick for executives who are looking for a plush and spacious daily ride.
Business class-like appointments
The new generation Carnival was the first nameplate to sport the new brand identity and Kia’s philosophy—”movement than inspires.” With a seven-seater capacity and a pair of captain’s seats in the middle row, offering business class-like comforts that serves well for the successful, goal-driven, and multifaceted executives by integrating luxury into a practical multi-purpose GUV.
To hear it from Simon Kang, the coordinating director of product planning at Kia Asia Pacific: “As the guiding principle in designing the Kia Carnival as a top-of-the-line vehicle for executives and family leisure, the all-new Carnival offers ample headroom, spacious and welcoming seats. All constructed with elegant materials to indulge you. Most importantly, it accommodates every individual occupant comfortably.”
Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen monitor, it has Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity for hands-free accessibility with voice control. There is also a wireless mobile phone charger available for the SX variant. The driver and front passenger comes with power seats (power driver seat only for the EX variant) and comes with a memory function for the driver seat. The more premium SX variants have second row business class style seats that offer cooling and heating functions, and for both variants, the Carnival is fitted with sunshade blinds and have 3-zone automatic climate control functions.
Elegant exterior
The “Island Roof” design as what Kia calls it, is highlighted with a beautiful C-pillar design that creates a sculpted appearance. The topline SX variant’s Dual LED Headlamps and 19-inch alloy wheels differentiates it with the base EX variant which has 18-inch alloy wheels. The new Carnival is also bigger than the previous generation model. Overall length is longer by 40mm while the wheelbase is extended by 30mm, giving it more cabin space and legroom plus better ride. The SX variant’s gorgeous set of Dual LED Headlamps also provided great visibility while cruising at night.
Performance and safety features
The Carnival is powered by Kia’s new SmartStream 2.2 VGT CRDi engine and is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, giving it power but balanced with fuel efficiency. The Carnival SX also has the Kia Drive Wise, which has a number of innovative intelligent safety features Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, which adds an extra layer of protection against frontal collisions, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which makes reverse maneuvers easier and its Lane Keep and Following Assist automatically adjusts the steering with the help of lane marker sensors.
The topline SX variant also features a Collision-Avoidance System while these additional standard safety features are found in all variants: LED Daytime Running Lights, Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror, Front and Rear parking Sensors, Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Blind Spot Warning, Cruise Control, and it comes with seven airbags.
Price package
The pricing of the Kia Carnival hits the sweet spot with having the most competitive price in this category. With its premium looks and features, this makes it an easy choice as the preferred executive runabout both for business or leisure. The Kia Carnival is available in three colors – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl and Astra Blue, the EX AT variant is priced at P2.640 million for the Astra Blue and P2.650 million for the pearl colors while the SX is priced at P3.088 million for the Astra Blue and P3.098 million for its pearl colors.
