Kia has unveiled a new modification of its Carnival MPV. Called the HiLimousine, it looks like it has a roof box, but that’s actually just a higher, tall-passenger-friendly roof that introduces the model to a slew of luxury options.
The raised top only replaces the roof section without altering the rest of the car body, so the doorframes stay at standard height. While the old minivan is 1,740 mm tall, the new one measures 2,045 mm top to bottom. The ceiling inside is 291 mm higher than before, and added bumper moldings increase the length by 45 mm to 5.2 meters total.
Customers can order the new Carnival in seven- and nine-seat variants, while the old one is also available in an 11-seater version. The trim is quite rich and includes a 21.5-inch TV set near the ceiling, a central lamp, individual lamps for every passenger seat, curtains on the windows, and cup holders in the center console with heating and cooling capabilities.
The HiLimousine currently only ships with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. Rated at 294 PS (290 hp / 216 kW) and 355 Nm (262 lb-ft) of torque, it links to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A more affordable 2.2-liter turbo diesel version is due out at a later date, rated at 202 PS (200 hp, 150 kW).
Pre-orders have already opened in South Korea starting from the equivalent of U.S. $54,000 – nearly twice the $28,000 sticker of the entry-level Carnival MPV. Later on, Kia intends to luxe up its Carnival four-seater as well; neither is likely to be released outside of the domestic market.