Published on July 29th, 2022 | by Subhash Nair

Kia Carnival 7 And 8 Seater Variants Introduced: 1st CKD Kia Under Bermaz

Dinamikjaya (under Bermaz) has launched their 1st CKD car, the Kia Carnival 7 & 8 seater variants.

Earlier this week, Dinamikjaya Motors, the new distributors of the Kia brand in Malaysia, announced that new 7 & 8 seater CKD variants of the Kia Carnival were coming to Malaysia soon.

The all-new 4th generation Kia Carnival 11-seater was introduced back in January 2022 as a fully-imported MPV. Because it was an 11-seater, it was managed to squeeze in under RM200,000 as a commercial vehicle with a different tax structure.

The new 7 & 8 seater CKD models are taxed as passenger vehicles and are priced higher.

The variant list is now as follows:

Carnival 2.2D 11-seater (CBU for now, CKD planned) – RM196,340.80 (pre-SST price)
Carnival 2.2D 8-seater Mid spec – RM231,228
Carnival 2.2D 8-seater High spec – RM247,228
Carnival 2.2D 7-Seater High spec – RM261,228

All models continue to be powered by the 2.2L CRDi Turbodiesel 4-cylinder “Smartstream” engine mated to an 8-speed conventional automatic. This powertrain sends 199 horsepower and 440Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Also common on all Kia Carnival models sold in Malaysia:

Dual powered sliding doors
Powered tailgate
Ventilated front disc brakes
Solid rear disc brakes
Motor Driven Power Steering
18″ alloy wheels
Dual LED Auto headlights
LED Daytime running lights
LED front fog lights
Auto wipers
Smart Keyless Entry
Smart Power Tailgate with push-to-start button
Front and rear parking sensors
Electronic Parking Brake
Steering-mounted buttons, leather wrapped steering with tilt & telescoping adjustments
Paddle shifters
Drive Mode Selector
Triple zone air conditioning with rear AC controls
Wireless Qi Charger
2X 12V outlets
7X USB type-A ports
8-way power adjustable front seats (2-way lumbar for driver)
12.3″ infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
7 airbags
ABS, EBD, BA, ESC, TRC
Safe Exit Assist
Rear Occupant Alert
Auto Hold
Hill-Start Assist
and more

New, Common to ALL CKD variants

That being said, there is also an increase in kit on some of the higher tier models. On the lower tier 8-Seater Mid-spec model, there is at least an advantage in legroom and cargo space as well as a 12-speaker Bose sound system and LED taillight graphics on all CKD models.

It is worth noting that the new CKD 8-seater Mid Spec loses the Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist of the 11-seater CBU model.

Specific to 8-seater Variants

The 8-seater variant has an interesting middle row of seats. The centre seat can be folded down and treated like an armrest/table with two cupholders and phone holders. It can also be slid forward, which can be handy when a child seat is mounted and adults are seated in front. The centre seat can also be removed and reversed, allowing the child to face occupants in the 3rd row if necessary.

In fact, the two outer seats can also be removed and reattached backwards, allowing for an interesting ‘meeting room’ style setting. These are called Multifunction Free Mode Seats. With all rear seats removed or stowed away, cargo space goes up to 4110L.

New, Only For High Specification CKD Variants

On the Kia Carnival 8-seater High and Kia Carnival 7-seater High spec models, a substantial amount of equipment has been added to sweeten the deal. This is in addition to the new sound system and LED taillights on all CKD models.

The best place to start is in terms of safety. The High spec models now have High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (with Junction Turning), Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control.

In terms of ‘nice-to-haves’, the new High spec models come with dual powered sunroofs. The driver also gets treated to a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster that looks like it’s from a premium make as well as a 4-way lumbar support adjustment. Inside, the cabin is lit using LEDs instead of conventional bulbs. These variants also come with Heated and Ventilated front seats.

New, Only For Carnival 7-Seater High Specification Variant

The flagship variant of the new CKD Kia Carnival is undoubtably the 7-seater. This variant was made for those looking to pamper passengers in the middle row and there’s still a reasonably sized bench for 3 at the third row which can be stowed away for maximum cargo hauling.

The highlight of this variant: Kia’s new Relaxion seats. These captain-style seats come with individual armrests and can fully recline with extendable thigh support. While you still have to manually slide these seats towards the centre to fully-utilise them, they are powered for most common adjustments. These seats are also Heated and Ventilated.