2026 Kia Carnival facelift launching in Malaysia quickly – MPV to remain diesel-only or achieve petrol hybrid choice?

After formally starting operations just some days in the past, Kia Gross sales Malaysia has now teased the primary mannequin that might be launched right here quickly. On its social media pages, the corporate posted a video depicting what may be very possible the facelifted Carnival.

The MPV is at present in its fourth era, which made its international debut again in June 2020 earlier than a facelift was revealed in October 2023. In Malaysia, the KA4-generation Carnival formally went on sale in January 2022arriving initially as an 11-seater that was absolutely imported (CBU) from South Korea.

Shifting the clock ahead, the Carnival grew to become a locally-assembled (CKD) mannequin that was obtainable in seven- or eight-seat configurations in July 2022. The 11-seater remained a CBU providing on the time, though it will definitely made the transition to CKD in November 2023. The Carnival would later get a operating replace in February 2024.

Getting again to the MPV coming our manner, the facelifted Carnival is well recognized by the model’s signature Star Map daytime operating gentle signature that’s seen within the teaser. That is accompanied by new vertical LED headlamps and a bigger grille, whereas the rear will get inverted L-shaped LED taillights and a decrease quantity plate recess.

Inside, the final design of the dashboard stays acquainted, though there are some notable modifications. These embrace a unified widescreen show panel that that also homes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, joined by both 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher-end variants.

Elsewhere, the audio and air-conditioning controls have been mixed right into a single switchable contact panel like within the EV6. This permits for a bigger storage cubby beneath and the addition of a full-width ambient lighting strip underneath the air vents.

Our Carnival is at present powered by a 2.2 litre Smartstream D2.2 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine making 202 PS (199 hp or 149 kW) and 440 Nm of torque, with drive going to the entrance wheels by way of an eight-speed automated transmission.

In markets which have already welcomed the facelifted mannequin reminiscent of Singapore, Thailand and Indonesiaconsumers have the choice of a hybrid powertrain. That is primarily based round a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine paired with an electrical motor for a complete system output of 245 PS (242 hp or 180 kW) and 367 Nm.

Given the diesel subsidy rationalisation programme in our nation that began in June 2024, which can have had a hand in dissuading potential Carnival consumersmay we even be getting a petroleum hybrid choice for the MPV? Kia Gross sales Malaysia must be offering additional particulars in due time, so keep tuned.

GALLERY: Kia Carnival Hybrid facelift at GIIAS 2024

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