We continue revealing more information and details about future models from Kia Motors America. The next big leak is about Sedona. The former mini-van will receive a new generation in the US-market and, as the Optima/K5, will change its name to Carnival.
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And there’s more. Despite the name change, the All-New Kia Carnival is no longer a minivan and according to Kia, this is a new class of vehicle with a SUV inspired design. Compared to the outgoing car, it features a shorter front overhang, with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer hood. Its increased wheelbase contributes to greater space throughout the cabin.
A single character line runs the length of the car, with bold wheel arches and sharp lines giving a more modern, sculpted appearance. A key design highlight its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern.
Its new ‘tiger-nose’ design spans the width of the vehicle, integrating LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille to give the new Carnival a confident, futuristic new look and a unique light signature. The sculpted bumpers and lower air intake at the front are matched with metallic trim and a black lower bumper – a treatment evident on the brand’s SUVs.
At the rear, the Carnival is robust in stature, and boasts a wide, distinctive new look accentuated by a full-width light bar. Another element of its SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skid plate, further affording a more robust appearance.
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Inside, Kia will also offer for the US-market under a single seamless piece of glass, two 12.3-inch screens, one for the digital driver instrument cluster and and the other for a touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. This dual-screen display creates a panoramic, widescreen user experience, with many infotainment functions controlled via touch-sensitive buttons around the screen. There is a similar haptic control panel further down the center console for climate control.
For the US-market Kia will offer a three-row seven-seat layout with a new feature called ‘premium relaxation’ that will offer one-touch recline and 180-degree rotation ‘lounge-room’ functionality. The new Carnival will adopt Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies to enhance efficiency and performance.
Kia did not confirm the powertrain for the new Carnival but we believe the most suitable and powerful engine we can expect them to choose is the 3.5-liter GDi (gasoline direct injection) V6, producing up to 294 ps and 355 Nm torque. The engine will be paired as standard with eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and swift progress to match the car’s unruffled dynamic character.
