Auto Expo 2020: Kia Launches Carnival; Showcases Sonet & Its Global Portfolio

Kia Motors has introduced two new products for the Indian market at the Auto Expo 2020. Alongside the Kia Carnival premium MPV, Kia also unveiled the new Sonet concept at the show.

The Kia Sonet, unveiled for the first time ever, previews a future global compact SUV from the brand. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.

The Carnival has been officially launched in India in three different specifications at a starting price of INR 24.95 Lacs for its Premium variant (ex-showroom), INR 28.95 for its Prestige variant (ex-showroom), and INR 33.95 lacs for its Limousine variant (ex-showroom). Kia received more than 1,400 bookings for the new car on the first day of orders, with a total of more than 3500 bookings received to-date.

Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO for Kia Motors India said “When Kia launched in India two years ago, we came here to win the hearts of Indian customers. Today, I can say that our approach – to do more than simply build and sell great cars here – is bearing fruit. We have sought to understand Indian customers’ aspirations, and match them with best-in-class products and services. Our latest vehicle, the Kia Carnival, is a clear example of this approach. Though it represents a leap up from the Seltos, into a premium, aspirational segment, it has been devised with the same passion.

The Kia Sonet: Compact SUV concept

The Kia Sonet concept, revealed for the first time today, previews the third product offering from Kia Motors in India.Targeted at a demographic that is always connected to the world in more ways than one, the Sonet is designed to exceed customers’ lifestyle and technology expectations.

The Sonet is equipped with several first-in-class features. These include head-turning looks, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, stepwell geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eyeline’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.

Inside, the cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect, a Bose premium audio system, and an intelligent manual transmission (iMT). 

It previews a future compact SUV, due to launch in India in the second half of 2020.

The Carnival

Launched today for the Indian market, the Carnival is powered by a 2.2-liter VGT BS6 diesel engine, paired with an eight-speed Sportsmatic transmission.

The front of the Carnival displays a wide, upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille and wrap-around LED projection headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for an imposing appearance. From the side, its swept-back silhouette is matched by a long bonnet design and an all-round glass area with a ‘floating’ roof. The look is completed with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Carnival sports Nappa leather seats, dual-panel electric sunroof, dual touchscreen rear seat entertainment, and, at the rear, a Smart Power Tailgate. It also provides advanced technologies to make driving safer, convenient, and enjoyable, with UVO Connect, Kia’s connected car and infotainment system. UVO Connect offers 37 smart features, and is offered free to Indian buyers for three years after initial purchase. Certain UVO features can also be accessed via users’ smartwatches aswell.

The new Carnival premium MPV is now available to order from Kia showrooms across India.

Seltos X-Line Concept

Kia also revealed the rugged new Kia Seltos X-Line Concept, a bolder reinterpretation of the Seltos SUV. The X-Line Concept features a more assertive, rugged front design with a radiator grille. Further modifications have been made to the front and rear bumpers to make it look more distinguished, as well as the addition of a prominent skid plate, roof rack, and all-terrain-inspired body panels.

Kia Motors cars at Auto Expo 2020

Kia showcased 14 products in total from its global portfolio of products. These include the brand’s range of crossovers and electric vehicles, including:

Kia Soul EV

One of Kia’s first globally-sold fully-electric vehicles, the Soul EV comes equipped with lots of features, and offers long-range, zero-emissions power in the urban crossover class. Powered by electric energy, the Soul EV gives buyers a choice between mid and long-range battery packs, each offering more power and improved driving range compared to other electric rivals.

Kia Niro EV

Energy and power for the Niro EV come from liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and powerful electric motor. The long-range battery, packaged under the floor of the vehicle to maximize cabin space for passengers, gives the Niro EV a range of 450 kilometers from a single charge.

Kia Stonic

A compact CUV, the Stonic blends SUV-inspired design with agile handling and a sporty ride for an exciting drive.

Kia XCeed

The XCeed, combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback. The XCeed’s suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the high-tech, comprehensively equipped cars in its class.