Kia Considering Range-Topping Hi-Limousine Variant Of Carnival For India

At the 2020 Auto Expo, Kia showcased the Premium, Prestige, Limousine, and Hi-limousine variants of the Carnival. The manufacturer concluded the even by launching the Carnival at a starting price tag of Rs. 24.95 lakh for the Premium variant and topping out at Rs. 33.95 lakh for the Limousine variant. However, the Hi-Limousine variant showcased at the expo floor was not launched this time. Kia showcased this variant to understand and study the perspective of Indian buyers to decide if Kia should launch it here in India.

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Internationally, Kia sells the Hi-Limousine variant of the Carnival as a separate car altogether, but if launched in India, it will sit above the Limousine variant. The Hi-Limousine variant will also be loaded with even more features than the already feature-packed Limousine variant. Talking of the few, it gets 21.5-inch roof-mounted display for the second-row occupants with integrated controls, heated and cooled cupholders on both first and second row, LED puddle lamps, mood lighting and curtains for rear-seat occupants, illuminated 'Hi-Limousine' scuff plates, three-zone climate control, 8-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system with 2 bar-type speakers, and more.

The Hi-Limousine variant is also taller by 285 mm than the other variants of the car, thanks to the roof-mounted storage box offering an extra boot volume of 540 litres. It measures at 2,040 mm in height, while the length and width, however, remain identical to the other variants at 5,115 mm and 1,985 mm, respectively.

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The Hi-Limousine variant will be powered by the same 2.2L turbo-diesel engine that is seen on the India-spec Carnival. This engine belts out 200 PS of peak power and 440 Nm of max. torque and comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The Carnival in Indian market faces competition from the range-topping variants of the Innova Crysta, however, it is expected to have a serious rival in the form of MG G10, which was showcased at the recently concluded Auto Expo. That said, the Hi-Limousine variant of the Carnival will not have any tough competition as such in the Indian market, but it is yet to be seen, how interested is Kia about launching this luxury-MPV in India.