When Kia unveiled the facelifted Carnival a couple of months ago, they were already asked if the hybrid version is also coming to the Philippines. To that, they said soon. Well soon is now and they have officially made it available to Filipinos for PHP 3,488,000. A little over a hundred thousand more than the now mid-variant SX model. Is it a plain update or do we get more toys as well?
First things first – the powertrain. The Kia Carnival HEV dropped its diesel engine for the new 1.6-liter turbo gasoline hybrid system. It makes 245 PS and 360 Nm of torque, which is close to the numbers of the diesel engine. All that power is then sent to the front wheels via a new 6-speed automatic transmission. They also updated the rear brakes to disc, giving the Kia Carnival HEV better stopping ability.
Aesthetic appointments outside are mostly carry overs from the SX model. This includes the 4-cube LED headlights, sunroof, and the iconic decorative accent on the C-pillar. What’s new is the slightly bigger 19-inch wheels that have a matte black finish. Kia also said the Carnival HEV is equipped with active aero flaps that help improve its aerodynamics and ride comfort.
The cabin received some functional updates as well. There’s now a heads-up display to complement the digital instrument cluster, the rearview mirror was also made digital, there’s now a heated steering wheel, and they replaced the stick shifter for a knob-style electric shifter resulting in a much cleaner view of the front section.
They have also improved the overall experience of riding in the Carnival by improving the acoustic isolation of the cabin. They have also put a touch of Navy Blue and Mist Grey on the leather upholstery giving it a brighter vibe for all occupants. More so when you’re in the second row, seated in their plush Premium Relaxation Seats with legrest.
The Kia Carnival HEV comes with a full suite of standard features starting with 8 Airbags, Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, and Front, Rear, and Side sensors. Kia Drivewise Advanced Driver Assist System definitely made its way in the Carnival HEV and has bits like 360-degree Smart View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Keeping Assist among others.
Pre-selling is already ongoing for the new Kia Carnival HEV. It will be in all 40 Kia showrooms and dealerships nationwide starting December 1, 2024. It will come in Aurora Black Pearl, Ceramic Silver, and exclusive Ivory Silver. Warranty includes 5-year or 160,000km for the vehicle, 5-year warranty for the electric motor, and 8-year warranty for the battery. It also comes with Kia’s 24/7 roadside assistance with emergency towing, minor onsite repairs, and medical and personal assistance.
