This CKD 11-seater Kia MPV is now on sale with a special introductory price of RM 198,500.
While Kia has already been locally-assembling its Carnival over here for well over a year now, it is however only the 7- and 8-seater variants that were rolling off the production line at the Inokom plant in Kedah. Happily however, for those who want to squeeze a few more people their South Korean MPV, the time has finally arrived for the 11-seater variant to get this same CKD treatment too.
Now available for booking, this newly CKD 11-seat variant arrives on the market with a selling price of RM 213,888, which is a figure that is interestingly higher than the RM 199,840.80 price tag Kia currently lists for the fully-imported version. Though it is nevertheless worth noting that from 1st November till 31st December 2023, all bookings for this variant will enjoy an introductory selling price of RM198,500.00 inclusive of accessories.
For those who are not too familiar with the trim level system of the Kia Carnival too, this version with the most seats is also to be the most entry-level variant of this South Korean MPV. Happily however, no kit was omitted when this 11-seater underwent its transition to local assembly.
So to that end therefore, this locally-assembled 11-seat Carnival still nets the same stylish exterior aesthetic that in part helped it secure the 2022 DSF VOTY in the MPV category. The highlights on the outside of this people mover includes dual LED headlights up front flanking Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, in addition to powered sliding doors on each side and 18-inch wheels on each corner.
As for what turns said wheels meanwhile, this locally-assembled 11-seat Carnival retains the same 2.2-litre Smartstream turbodiesel four-pot that was previously found in its CBU counterpart. This oil-burning mill sends 199 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque to its front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with E-Shift, which in turn is apparently good enough to haul this 2-tonne van to 100 km/h from a standstill in 10.7 seconds and onto a top speed of 200 km/h.
In terms of the interior on the other hand, this capacious cabin — which Kia describes to be based on what it calls the ‘Spatial Talents’ interior design concept — nets plenty of toys that is headlined by a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, dual-zone auto front air-con, single-zone auto rear air-con, 8-way adjustable electrically operated front seats, 360º surround view monitor, a Smart Power Liftgate and smart key with one-button open/close functionality for rear sliding door and liftgate. The list then continues with leatherette upholstery, a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD instrument cluster, a 6-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, multi-Bluetooth connectivity and seven USB ports.
Just to keep all occupants safe on the road too, the 11-seater CKD Carnival still comes with a plethora of standard safety and advanced safety features which includes 7 SRS Airbags (Front & Passenger, Driver Knee, Side and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers as well as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). This MPV also comes equipped with Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
And just to ease the ownership experience, the CKD Carnival comes with a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty with a coverage period of 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 of up to five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
Funnily enough however, those who want a red Carnival should be quick to pick up one of the CBU models. That is as this CKD version is only to be available in more monotone paint selection, with the four colours on offer being Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, Meteor Gray and Jet Black.
It also is worth noting that this newly CKD version is still to be the pre-facelift iteration of the Carnival, and not the refreshed version that will be launched internationally next month. In any case, those who want to check out this new locally-assembled 11-seat MPV can head to the Bermaz Auto Showcase event which will take place from 1st – 5th November 2023 at Centre Court, Pavilion Bukit Jalil from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
