The much-awaited Kia Carens has finally shed its veil. The Seltos-based MPV is a game-changer in the Indian 7-seater segment. The car is absolutely loaded with the latest technology and distinguished features. Without much ado, let’s take a closer look at this car.
Design
Carens is a brand-new model with the newest of Kia’s design philosophy. It is called the ‘Opposites United’ and this offers an amalgamated look of an SUV and an MPV. These design cues are new even for Korean manufacturers. The look is bold and edgy.
The front is divided into two parts. The lower portion houses a big mesh grille which is surrounded by chrome inserts. The fog lamps are placed next to the grille and have a triple light set up. The LED headlights also get a triple beam setup, and the DRLs are split from the main lights. A slat of black connects the two DRLs and gets an embossed design.
Looking from the side, we see a straight roofline, and bold character lines running across the fenders. The plastic-clad wheel arches and side plates add to the bold appeal. Being an MPV the rear stretches farther back, but the wider stance, sharp taillights, and the chunky diffuser with chrome lines neatly cover the estate look of the Carens.
Interior
The interiors offer a beautiful look, with a wrap-around dashboard and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The seats are finished in Indigo and Beige, while the dash is covered in high gloss black. Not just the front seats but the cup holders are also ventilated.
We no more see a single piece of glass, and now get a separate 10.25-inch infotainment system and a fully digital display. The car is equipped with an air purifier and the 2nd row also gets seatback tables. The car is available in 6 and 7-seater models. In both cases, we get one-touch electric tumble seats for easy access to the 3rd row, and the rear doors also get spot lamps. Both second and third rows get AC vents.
The spacious cabin gets 64-colour ambient lighting, a skylight sunroof, and a Bose sound system with 8 speakers.
Performance
Carens is offered three powertrain options:
- 1497cc four-cylinder petrol engine, that put out 115HP and 144Nm of torque. This unit is coupled with either a 6-Speed MT or CVT.
- 1493cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, that puts out 115HP and 250Nm. This unit is coupled with a 6-Speed MT or a 6-Speed AT.
- The most powerful offering is a 1353cc four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, that puts out 140HP and 242Nm of torque. This unit will come alongside a 6-Speed iMT (Clutchless) or a 7-Speed DCT.
Features and Technologies
The car gets a host of features. Starting with the safety department, the car comes equipped with a Hi-Secure Safety Package. The Carens get; 6-Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS), Cruise Control, Highline TPMS, and All-Wheel Disc Brakes. The car gets 3 Driving modes; Eco, Normal, and Sport.
It gets Paddle shifters, smartphone wireless charging, automatic headlights, Rain sensing wipers, and Front-Parking Sensors. In terms of practicality, we get under-seat storage with a sliding tray, retractable cup-holders, large side door bins, two-tier storage inside the front armrest, folding armrest for the 2nd row.
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Carens also gets the connected car feature, with the Kia Connect App. One of the major updates with Kia Connect is the enhancement of OTA (Over the Air) maps and System Updates. The new AVNT of the vehicle now supports ten native languages.