The Kia Grand Carnival facelift has quietly snuck its way onto Malaysian soil and the Kia Malaysia website, revealing a barrage of equipment as well as a starting price of RM155,888 (before insurance). That’s only marginally higher than the 2017 model, which cost from RM154k (with GST) at launch.
The updated MPV, which made its homeland debut earlier in March, is available in eight-seat configuration here in Malaysia. As before, two variants – KX and SX – will be offered.
Both variants share the same 2.2 litre CRDI turbodiesel engine, producing 200 PS and 441 Nm of torque. A new eight-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the older six-speed unit, is employed to send power to the front wheels.
Design-wise, the Grand Carnival KX gets the same Tiger Nose grille (the SX gets a mesh-type radiator grille) that is joined by a newly-designed halogen projector headlamps with LED DRLs and a reprofiled front bumper. Where the KX gets halogen fog lamps, the SX will get “ice cube” style LED fog lamps.
Round the side, it sits on 18-inch silver alloys from before, and the SX will get a machined two-tone finish of the same wheels instead of chromed 19-inch units from the outgoing model. At the back, there are new graphics of the LED tail light clusters, as well as a new bumper design with integrated reflectors and fog lamps.
On the inside, standard features include manual fabric seats with two-way powered lumbar adjustment, electrochromic rear view mirror, sunshade blinds for the second and third row seats, USB and auxiliary inputs, powered sliding doors as well as leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The SX gets a more premium wood and leather steering wheel.
For the KX, there’s a seven-inch display audio system with Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionalities, tri-zone auto climate control, electronic parking brake (no more foot brake lever), Smart Tailgate and heated steering wheel. Also added here are USB fast-charging port and a large storage compartment behind the centre console.
A new Active Eco mode (standard for both models) has been integrated into the revised centre tunnel which, when depressed, will automatically adjust engine, transmission and air-conditioning system to achieve optimal fuel efficiency. Based on the website, the updated Carnival also appears to come with heated and ventilated front seats, but the feature will likely be available exclusively on the SX.
Also exclusive to the SX is a more advanced eight-inch infotainment display, eight-way powered front seats with memory function, Qi wireless charging tray for compatible smartphones, and leather upholstery.
For safety, there’s a reverse camera (standard on the SX and KX), Blind Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Hill-start Assist Control, ESC, and anti-pinch feature for all four power windows. There also three Isofix points – two on the outer middle row, and one more on the driver’s side of the last row. How’s this for a family car, folks?
GALLERY: Kia Grand Carnival KX facelift
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(Like) Kia Grand Carnival.
(Unlike) Nissan Serena S-Hybrid
Excellent CKD kuality. Proton shud copy Naza KIA strategi.
As with all Kia’s buy this car 1 year later in mudah. From RM156k, it will be RM60k to RM70k.
Be a wise consumer. Buy 2nd hand. the RM80k you save, you can use it to grow your money.
You will still have 4 more years warranty, so, nothing to worry about
It’s been out for more than a year. Do u see any second hand on mudah?
Don’t be stupid John. No user of Kia Grand Carnival sell their mpv after one year of ownership. This is indeed a good mpv.
I bought the grand carnival a year ago..couldn’t find any second hand for RM80K. What are you talking about?
This my fren is a lot safer than alphard and a lot faster than the 3.5 alphard. While doing that it only consume 14km/liter
alphard 3.5 has 70 bhp more than this carnival, definitely wont be faster
Overseas review show carnival retain high trade in value ..now can buy Kia…
Prove it, John. Dont talk nonsense. There’s no rm80k kia grand carnival on sale after a year. You’re the one should be a wise user, think before lying to all of us.
Wonder how many car seat can fit in? Or how many ISOFIX available?
There are three sets of Isofix anchors (two outer middle row, one driver’s side last row)
Hafriz, the gearbox unit is it cvt or dct?
It a conventional eight-speed torque convertor automatic.
A lot of ppl get vellfire and alphard for it’s luxurious captain seat and some is for it’s V6. This would not stand a chance against those iconic taoke luxury van but probably can rival starex. Also, please include 360 camera in such a huge minivan.
same people carrier, the Toyota Rush include 360 camera+SafeT Plus package.
This is for family & more practical for those having children & grand parent staying under one roof…that turbo diesel is soo powerful & frugal
The v6 will eat smoke from this thing. Not to mention better fuel economy
7 seater X70
This car got RV ah?
Nice. One of the better-looking MPVs. Lots of storage spaces, decent equipment level. Fuel consumption and reliability on the long run remains to be seen though.
No Smart Tail Gate for KX lah.