Kia Carnival hybrid pre-bookings open

Kia has opened pre-bookings for the upcoming Carnival hybrid a week after it revealed details on the MPV in India. Expected to launch soon, the Kia Carnival’s strong-hybrid powertrain borrows the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Sorento but uses a more powerful electric motor. The Carnival hybrid variant will be available in the same Limousine+ trim, which is currently offered only with a diesel variant.

Kia Carnival hybrid: All you need to know

Offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid powertrain with a 6-speed AT

The Kia Carnival hybrid powertrain, as mentioned earlier, borrows the Sorento’s 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 180hp and 265Nm but uses a more powerful electric motor that develops 73.4hp and 304Nm (8.4hp and 40Nm more). The powertrain is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission (AT).  

The 193hp 2.2-litre diesel engine, currently offered with an 8-speed AT on the MPV, will continue alongside the strong-hybrid powertrain.  

Exterior and interior designs unchanged, but a couple of new features added

Except for a new HEV badge on the tailgate, the Carnival hybrid’s exterior design is the same as that of the diesel version. It continues with a tiger-face grille, vertically stacked LED headlights with daytime running lamps (DRLs), powered sliding doors, 18-inch alloy wheels and connected LED tail-lights. The same goes for the cabin design. As for features, the virtual engine sound system and retractable, height-adjustable seat-back tables with wireless phone chargers are new.

The Carnival hybrid continues with dual 12.3-inch screens, 3-zone climate control and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Safety features include 8 airbags, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), disc brakes on both ends, and a 360-degree camera.

The Carnival Limousine+ hybrid is expected to be priced at a premium over the diesel variant, which costs Rs 59.65 lakh (ex-showroom).