Kia India Breaks Records with 1,822 Pre-Orders for 2024 Carnival Limousine

Kia India has achieved a new milestone with the 2024 Kia Carnival Limousine, receiving an impressive 1,822 pre-orders on its first day of booking. This marks a record for the segment and surpasses the 1,410 bookings of the previous model’s first day. Pre-bookings, which opened on September 16, 2024, required a deposit of Rs 2 lakh, and customers eagerly responded, setting a new benchmark for the company.

The new Carnival Limousine is a premium three-row MPV offering luxurious features like second-row captain seats with ventilation, dual panoramic sunroofs, and advanced technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays. It also includes Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for enhanced safety, making it a standout option in its category.

Powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 193 PS and 441 Nm of torque, the Carnival comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. As a completely built unit (CBU) import, the 2024 Carnival is expected to be priced around Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia is positioning the new Carnival as a premium alternative to competitors like the Toyota Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, and Maruti Invicto. The official launch of the Carnival Limousine is set for October 3, 2024, and with this strong start, Kia is confident in its ability to redefine the MPV segment in India.

Kia Carnival sales till now

The Kia Carnival has seen moderate but steady success in India since its initial launch in 2020. It is positioned as a premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) aimed at families looking for luxury, space, and advanced features, and it competes with models like the Toyota Innova in the Indian market.

When the Kia Carnival first launched in India, it recorded strong interest with over 1,410 bookings on the first day. Over the span of three years, it sold approximately 14,500 units, which is respectable for a premium vehicle in a segment typically dominated by more affordable MPVs like the Toyota Innova.

The Carnival is considered a niche product in India due to its higher price range (around Rs 25-35 lakh for earlier models). While it hasn’t reached mass-market popularity, it has carved out a loyal customer base among those seeking more luxurious and feature-rich MPVs.

Competition

There is no direct competition to the The Kia Carnival in India. But if we look at the premium MPV segment, where it goes up against a few key models that offer similar space, comfort, and features, these are its main competitors.

Toyota Innova Hycross

Price Range: Rs 19-30 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Innova Hycross offers hybrid engine options, spacious interiors, and a strong reputation for reliability. It features modern tech such as ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), a panoramic sunroof, and captain seats in higher trims. Though slightly less premium than the Carnival, the Innova Hycross appeals to a wide audience, from families to fleet operators.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Price Range: Rs 19-27 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Innova Crysta is known for its bulletproof reliability and spacious interiors. It comes with a diesel engine and offers seven- or eight-seater options, making it ideal for families and long trips. More affordable than the Carnival, the Crysta is the choice for buyers looking for a robust and trusted family MPV, without the luxury frills of the Carnival.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto

Price Range: Rs 24-28 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Maruti Invicto is a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross and offers a hybrid powertrain, spacious seating for up to seven people, and a range of premium features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen and automatic climate control. Positioned as Maruti Suzuki’s premium MPV offering, the Invicto shares much of its tech with the Innova Hycross but comes with Maruti’s extensive service network advantage.

Toyota Vellfire

Price Range: Rs 95 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Vellfire is a super-premium luxury MPV, offering features like an electric sliding door, reclining rear seats, and hybrid technology. Positioned at the ultra-premium end, the Vellfire is a luxury people mover aimed at top-level executives and high-net-worth individuals. It sits above the Carnival in terms of price and features, and is very popular with Bollywood stars. Amitabh Bachchan was recently spotted driving a Velfire.