Kia is expected to introduce three highly-anticipated cars in the coming year: the new-generation Sonet, the redesigned Carnival, and the brand-new EV9 electric vehicle. The Indian division of the South Korean firm launched the eagerly-awaited Seltos in a revamped avatar in July 2023. The Seltos sports a fresh exterior design and a multitude of new features as part of the 2023 update. On the price front, the compact SUV costs between Rs 10.89 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. Both are ex-showroom figures. Automotive manufacturers often upgrade their base models with new features and styling to attract potential customers. Kia is no different and plans to launch new versions of the Sonet and the Carnival in India. Let's take a closer look at some of the exciting products the automaker has in store for its audience.
Also Read: Kia Carnival Facelift Spotted Testing in Korea Ahead of Global Debut; Shows Major Design Update
Kia Carnival Facelift
It is expected that the next version of Carnival will arrive on our shores in the upcoming year. The automaker recently revealed the exterior of the Carnival for the international market. The global-spec Kia Carnival Facelift features an expanded tiger-nose grille, L-shaped headlamps, and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the MPV gets new L-shaped LED taillamps, an integrated LED light bar, and an updated bumper.
Talking about the India-spec model, the Carnival Facelift is probably going to feature substantial cosmetic improvements on the front and back. As for the features, the Kia MPV is expected to come equipped with dual sunroof configurations and ADAS technology, which will offer functions like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance assistance, and high beam assist, among others. It is anticipated that the upcoming Kia Carnival facelift will be driven by the same 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel motor that generates 200bhp and 400Nm.
Next-gen Kia Sonet
Kia will likely launch the redesigned Sonet in our market in early 2024. The model is undergoing rigorous road tests and has recently been seen in China. The China-specific version of the Sonet includes new dual-tone alloy wheels, a modified headlight arrangement with integrated DRLs, a slightly modified air dam, and a skid plate. It is important to note that the design and specifics of the Sonet facelift bound for India may differ from the international model that has been recently spotted.
Regarding the Sonet Facelift intended for India, details are scarce at this time. Market reports, however, suggest that the SUV will sport a drastically updated design that is inspired by the recently released Seltos. In addition, the Sonet Facelift may possess 7-8 ADAS functions as opposed to the Seltos' 17 autonomous capabilities. The SUV's current engine options—a 1.5-litre diesel, a 1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline, and a 1.2-litre NA petrol—are expected to stay unaltered.
New Kia EV9 Electric
Kia's flagship electric SUV, the EV9, is anticipated to hit Indian streets in 2024. The E-GMP, or electric global modular platform, serves as the foundation for the Kia EV9. In the automaker's Indian lineup, the e-SUV will be positioned above the Kia EV6.
In the global market, the EV9 is available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The regular RWD version claims to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, with a 76.1kWh battery producing 218bhp and 350Nm. On the other hand, the 99.8kWh battery-powered RWD Long Range model produces 350Nm and 204bhp while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds.
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Two motors, one for each axle, and a 99.8kWh battery pack are mechanical components of the AWD variant. This particular version claims to run from 0 to 100km/h in 6 seconds and delivers 600Nm and 380bhp of performance figures. An OTA software update, however, can reduce the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds. Although there has been no formal confirmation, the Long Range Model will likely launch in our market next year. The upcoming electric EV9 may cost around Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom) in India.
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