Kia India has revealed the powertrain specifications of the upcoming Carnival Hybrid. The company shared these details on the sidelines of the new Sorento’s India launch.
The strong-hybrid version could be launched in the Indian market in the coming weeks, and interestingly, it will be powered by the same 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine as the Sorento. However, the Kia Carnival Hybrid is powered by a more powerful electric motor than the Sorento.
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Currently, the India-spec Kia Carnival is only available with a diesel powertrain. With the arrival of the hybrid version, premium MPV buyers will also have an electrified powertrain option.
Also Read: Kia Sorento Launched In India At Rs 27.99 Lakh: Price, Variants & Full Details
Kia Carnival Hybrid: Engine and Electric Motor Details
The upcoming Kia Carnival Hybrid will use a 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine. This engine produces 180hp and 265Nm, which are the same figures as the petrol engine in the hybrid powertrain of the India-spec Kia Sorento.
But the main difference in the Carnival Hybrid is its electric motor. The electric motor in the MPV will produce 73.4hp and 304Nm.
Compared to the Sorento Hybrid, the electric motor produces 65hp and 264Nm. This means the Carnival Hybrid’s motor will produce 8.4hp more power and 40Nm more torque.
This extra electric assistance can be helpful in improving the MPV’s initial acceleration and low-speed response, especially in city driving and loaded conditions. Kia has not yet officially revealed the combined output of the hybrid system, so it would not be accurate to assume total system power by adding the engine and motor outputs.
6-Speed Automatic and AWD May Be Available
Kia has not yet officially disclosed the complete transmission and drivetrain specifications of the Carnival Hybrid. However, according to current information, the strong-hybrid version is expected to be equipped with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Higher-spec variants are also likely to be offered with an AWD option. However, until Kia officially confirms the transmission and drivetrain combination, these details should not be taken as confirmed specifications.
If the Kia Carnival Hybrid is launched with AWD, its positioning in the premium MPV segment will become more interesting. This could improve highway touring capability along with better traction for family buyers.
Existing Kia Carnival Diesel Gets 2.2L Engine
The current diesel powertrain is expected to continue in the lineup along with the hybrid version. In India, the Kia Carnival is currently sold with a 2.2-liter diesel engine.
This engine produces 190 hp and 441 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. The current diesel Carnival sends power to the front wheels, meaning the drivetrain is FWD.
With the arrival of the hybrid variant, Carnival buyers will have the choice between diesel and electrified powertrains.
Also Read: All-New Kia Sorento Vs Rivals: Fortuner, Gloster & Kodiaq Compared
Carnival Hybrid Gets Sorento’s Petrol Engine
The 1.6-liter turbo-petrol hybrid setup isn’t entirely new for Kia, as the same basic petrol engine is also used in the recently launched Sorento Hybrid.
The petrol engine in the Sorento produces 180 hp and 265 Nm, while the Carnival features the same engine with a more powerful electric motor. Since the Carnival is a larger, three-row MPV, it will be interesting to see how its hybrid system performs in real-world driving after launch.
Kia has not yet revealed the hybrid Carnival’s fuel-efficiency figure, battery capacity, and exact combined system output. These details may be confirmed closer to launch.
Kia Carnival Hybrid Launch Timeline
The Kia Carnival Hybrid is expected to launch in India in the coming weeks. The company has revealed key powertrain specifications, but the exact launch date and complete variant-wise details have not yet been officially announced.
Upon launch, the Carnival Hybrid could be positioned as a more technology-focused option over the existing diesel Carnival.
Judging by Kia’s recent India launches, the company is expanding its portfolio in the premium segment. The arrival of the Carnival Hybrid after the Sorento is also part of this strategy, where buyers will be offered the option of electrified powertrains alongside conventional diesel engines.
What To Expect From The Kia Carnival Hybrid
The most interesting aspect of the Kia Carnival Hybrid is its 1.6-liter turbo-petrol engine + 73.4hp electric motor combination. The petrol engine produces 180hp and 265Nm, while the electric motor delivers 304Nm of torque.
In comparison, the Sorento’s electric motor is less powerful, meaning the Carnival Hybrid could be specifically tuned to suit the larger MPV’s character.
However, we’ll have to wait for Kia’s confirmation of combined system output, fuel-efficiency, battery specifications, transmission, and AWD for a final verdict.
Overall, the Kia Carnival Hybrid could be an important addition to the premium MPV segment. Introducing a hybrid option while retaining the diesel powertrain will be useful for buyers who want better electrification along with the comfort and practicality of a large luxury MPV.
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