KUALA LUMPUR: The locally-assembled (CKD) Kia Carnival is set to be launched in Malaysia soon.
It is the first Kia model assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah under the new partnership between Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) via Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Kia Malaysia believes that the joint venture will boost the price competitiveness and supply of the Kia Carnival due to the significant demand for vehicles in Malaysia and export markets.
The company will continue to pursue its plan to be the hub that serves the targeted export markets with various CKD models introductions.
Export plans are said to be firmly on track and will soon make the maiden shipment.
"The rollout of the Kia Carnival in CKD form was an important milestone in the marque's renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and Asean markets.
"It marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience," said Kia Asia Pacific president and chief executive officer Ted Lee.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd.managing director Datuk Wong Kin Foo said the consumer's response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January had been very encouraging.
"We are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD variant.
"We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle," he added.
The locally-assembled Kia Carnival is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine with a maximum power of 199 HP and 440 Nm of torque paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Made available in seven-seater and eight-seater configurations, it comes with a range of premium features which include: front and rear heated and ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion seats in the second row that can be fully reclined, 12-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, one-touch smart power sliding doors, and smart power tailgate.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) comes as standard feature. Other safety features include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).