OK, so we’ve all heard of a minivan. But what about a mini minivan? Could this even be a thing? Apparently Kia thinks so, and the Korean manufacturer has some camouflaged compact SUV sized Kia Carnival models rolling around before the official debut. 

According to CarsGuide, a new model from Kia might change the SUV game. It’s the size of the Kia Seltos and shares the same platform. For now, it’s going to be made in India for “local and as-yet-unclear international markets,” set to release there in 2022. So a miniature Kia Carnival might be coming. 

What we know about the camouflaged KY that hasn’t been released

This is an MPV, or “multi-purpose vehicle.” Codenamed KY, the new Kia vehicle will slot under the Kia Carnival. It’s not aimed toward U.S. markets yet, but the brand has been known to release products in global markets before bringing them to the states. 

Because the new Kia MPV sits on the same platform as the Kia Seltos, it’s likely that we’ll see it powered by the same 1.5 liter turbo-diesel that we see in global versions of the compact SUV. Or, it may use the 2.0 liter gasoline engine––perhaps both––though we don’t ever expect to see a diesel version in the U.S.

The coolest feature of this emerging new product is possibly the fact that it seats seven people. Due to the fact that it’s significantly smaller than other models like Kia Telluride or Kia Carnival, this is an attractive feat. We expect affordable pricing and solid fuel economy for KY, both of which are important for success in southeast Asian markets.

Is this camoed Kia a new Mazda5? 

You aren’t alone if you wish the Mazda5 was still in production. This versatile little vehicle had sliding doors and was every inch a mini minivan. The Kia model spotted in camouflage could be  a new version of something like a new age Mazda5. 

If it’s successful in India, there’s a chance it could expand to other markets. That means in the coming years we may actually see it make its way across the pond. That said, it will have to make a compelling argument in terms of value. Plus, it will need to look good. 

We imagine the final product will turn out looking like a small Kia Carnival. This new Kia minivan (or MPV as Kia calls it) is an all-new model. The Kia Carnival’s predecessor is the Kia Sedona, but it’s a clear departure from Kia’s former minivan style. In fact, the Carnival has even been called an SUV with sliding doors. 

The new little Kia van may not have sliding doors––it’s difficult to say with all that camo. Still, there’s a chance it will gain significant traction when it arrives on the market. A compact MPV that accommodates seven people definitely has potential. 

Kia’s new mini minivan

While we know virtually nothing about this new Kia model, we can certainly speculate. The new baby Kia Carnival may not make it over to the North American market. Still, it’s something that will attract some attention regardless.

Whether it will turn out to be a minivan, MPV, or compact SUV is still anyone’s guess. But it’s small enough to be quirky and large enough to be useful. We will definitely follow the story on this one because we are curious to see just how, exactly, this new compact SUV sized Kia Carnival turns out and how accepting the southeast Asian market is of the new product.