Kia Carnival Discontinued in India, Expected to Return Next Year with Facelifted Fourth-Gen Model

Kia has decided to discontinue the Carnival MPV in India and has removed the model from its website. Dealers have also confirmed that fresh orders are no longer being accepted, and only a few unsold units are available at select outlets. The Carnival, which was Kia's flagship model in India, was locally assembled from CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.

Reasons for Discontinuation:

The third-generation Carnival was launched in India in February 2020 but was soon replaced by the fourth-generation model in international markets in June of the same year. The decision to continue selling the older-generation model in India was due to its launch timing coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The slow sales and the introduction of stricter BS6 Phase 2 emission norms in April 2023 likely contributed to the discontinuation.

Next-Generation Carnival:

Kia is expected to introduce the facelifted fourth-generation Carnival in India in 2024. The fourth-generation model, showcased as the KA4 MPV at the Auto Expo earlier this year, has been around globally for three years. Kia is already working on a mid-lifecycle update for the fourth-generation model, which is anticipated to debut early next year. This updated version will be brought to India, aligning the Indian market with the global product lifecycle.

Features of the Fourth-Gen Carnival:

The fourth-generation Carnival is larger and more luxurious compared to its predecessor. The facelift is expected to enhance its features further. Overseas, the model may receive a new petrol-hybrid powertrain, although it remains to be seen if this will be available in the Indian market. The updated version is likely to come with a higher price tag.

Kia's Future Launches in India:

Before the anticipated arrival of the next-generation Carnival in FY2025, Kia has other launches planned in India. The mid-lifecycle facelift of the Seltos will be unveiled on July 4, with the launch following later in the month. Additionally, Kia is working on a facelift for the Sonet compact SUV, expected to debut in early 2024.

Overall, while the discontinuation of the Kia Carnival in India leaves Toyota's Innova Crysta and Hycross to dominate the premium MPV segment, Kia's plans to introduce the facelifted fourth-generation model in the future indicate the brand's commitment to offering updated and competitive options to Indian customers.