Since Dinamikjaya Motors took over the distribution of Kia brand in Malaysia, the 1st car that was launch under this new distributorship is the new Kia Carnival. This new Carnival replaces the outgoing car, which share the same 11-seater layout. This new MPV is priced at RM 196,340.80, and it is quite competitive considering that there is not much competitor in this segment.
For the exterior, the new Carnival has been totally redesigned to look sharper and more handsome than the previous car. The front has a 3D patterned grille, and the headlights has been integrated into the front grille. The taillights runs the full length of the rear, making it look distinctive and easy to spot in the sea of modern day vehicles. When driving on the road, if you see this behemoth barrelling down the road behind you, you better get ready to move out the way as the Carnival looks so menacing in the rear view mirror. 
On the inside, the Carnival interior is very spacious, while bright coloured seats and large windows made the interior look airy. Seating in the driver seat, the seating position is spot on with plenty of seat adjustment, and all the buttons are within reach. In front of the driver, there is an analogue instrument cluster, and a 12.3” infotainment screen that fit the panel nicely. For the analogue instrument cluster, there’s nothing wrong with it, but I think the panel was designed to fit a digital instrument cluster. 
At the rear, I spend most of the time in the second row seats, which is quite comfortable. As for the third row seats, it looks big enough for 3 passengers to seat comfortable. The 4th row seats have been folded away, so I will only able to test the seats when I have the media unit. With the 4th row seat stored away, the luggage compartment is huge where 8 person can seat in the MPV comfortable while still have a cargo space for luggage. 
Powering the Carnival is a 2.2L turbo diesel engine that produces around 199hp at 3,800rpm, and 440Nm of torque from 1,750 – 2,750rpm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine felt strong, can feel the torque from the engine pulling the car along in any gear. Gear shift is smooth, and 8-speed have very well-spaced ratio to make sure the engine is always within the torque band. 
For this short drive, I can feel the Carnival has a soft suspension. It isolates the bumps from the roads have been filter out before reaching the cabin. Even though the suspension is soft, the MacPherson strut upfront and multilink suspension at the rear keep the Carnival planted on the roads. Apart from the 235/60 R18 tyres, the stiff chassis plus low centre of gravity made the Carnival so capable when taking corners. 
For those who are looking for a large people mover, the Carnival is a very capable vehicle. Plenty of space not only for passengers, but also luggage. For now, a new Carnival will come with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty with a coverage period up to five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first. It also comes with 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance, with a coverage period up to five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
