It's coming! Kia Carnival pop-top camper van conversion company eyes Australian launch

US modification company Unicamp has put Australia on the 'to-do' list for its first product, a Kia Carnival pop-top camper.

The modified people mover was the subject of a story by this publication last week, but since it was published Unicamp responded to CarsGuide to confirm that Australia is more than just on the radar.

"We are working on bringing this product to Australia," a spokesperson told CarsGuide.

"I can't give an exact date but in about six months we could have something. We are just right now at the process where the product itself is ready, but we are just confirming all testing complies with Australian safety regulations."

This Carnival is "the world's first Kia Carnival electric & manual rooftop tent" according to Unicamp, a brand started by Caleche Customs in Nevada.

While Caleche usually works on Mercedes Sprinter vans to create either luxury shuttles or off-road adventure campers, the Kia pop-top marks a slight departure.

The Carnival's tent top is able to be opened and closed electrically in five seconds, and is big enough for two adults to sleep in.

While complying with ADRs can be tricky, the Carnival already being an approved vehicle and the modifications mostly being similar to those which are already widely undertaken on older Toyota vans make it a promising prospect.

In the US, someone can order a conversion for US$16,000 (AU$24,200) as an introductory price before the company settles at $18,000 (AU$27,200).

Unicamp also offers installation of a kitchen and bed module, costing US$4000 (AU$6000). All up, at a direct currency coversion, it were to be carried out here in Australia, a Carnival with the full suite would set a buyer back at least AU$80,000 including the cost of an entry level Carnival S before on-roads.

Unicamp is yet to confirm any Australian details for its products.