The Kia Carens is among the best in its category for family-friendly driving. With a variety of powertrain options, a number of modern features, and an eye-catching style, it is offered across a broad price range. The passengers and their cabin experience are the Carens' primary priorities. It aims to be a useful MPV rather than an overtly upscale vehicle.
Design
With a length of 4,540mm and a wheelbase of 2,780mm, the Kia Carens is 170mm longer than the Seltos. LED fog lamps, headlamps, rear lights, and daytime running lights are all equipped with it. Kia also includes nine additional features as standard on all variants, in addition to six airbags. The new Matte Graphite paint job for the Carens is exclusive to the X Line variant.
The interior has a two-tone theme; depending on the variant, the colours are Triton Navy and beige or black and beige. Apart from that, the cabin has an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a digital driver's display, wireless charging, electronically foldable middle-row seats for easier access to the third row, and 64-colour ambient lighting.
Whats new
In India, Kia has introduced the Carens X Line, with a starting price of Rs. 18.95 lakh. There are two trim levels available: 1.5 diesel 6AT priced at Rs. 19.55 lakh and 1.5 petrol 7DCT priced at Rs. 18.95 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). The Carens X Line has a special Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) unit that gives access to a variety of entertainment and news apps and can be operated with a remote control on a smartphone app. It also has an exclusive Matte Graphite paint option.
Specifications
Engine and Gearbox
Three engine options are available for the Kia Carens: a 1.5-litre petrol (115 PS/144 Nm) with a 6-speed manual gearbox; a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol (160 PS/253 Nm) with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic); and a 1.5-liter diesel (115 PS/250 Nm) with a 6-speed automatic or an iMT gearbox.
Performance
Although the engine was not unfamiliar, as it had been experienced on the Creta and Seltos before, there was a noticeable relaxed response to throttle inputs. However, this might also be seen as the ideal time to settle into a calm and leisurely drive from the standpoint of an MPV.
Features
The Kia Carens has a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, electric one-touch folding second-row seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, it has a single-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options.
Safety
The Carens is equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, all-wheel disc brakes, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Kia Carens has been awarded a three-star safety rating by the Global NCAP.
Variants
There are six variants available for Kia Carens: Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, Luxury (O), and Luxury Plus. Imperial Blue, Moss Brown, Sparkling Silver, Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, Clear White, Gravity Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl are the eight monotone colours available.
Pros
- It looks unique in a positive way.
- Good presence and roomy exterior measurements.
- There are many useful features built right into the cabin.
- Available in configurations with six and seven seats.
- Options for diesel and turbo-petrol engines.
- Both engines have the option of an automatic gearbox.
Cons
- A few premium features are absent.
- It looks less like an SUV and more like an MPV.
- With the overall large side profile, the 16-inch wheels appear small.
Price
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