The Kia Carens, first introduced in 1999, was one of the early MPV models from the Korean carmaker, along with the Carnival launched into the market a year earlier. It was a compact size suitable for developing and emerging markets. In Malaysia, Naza even adapted it to sell under its own brand as the Citra in 2005.
Three generations have passed and it has just gone into a fourth generation, with India being the debut market (and where it will also be made). The new model has moved from being a MPV to something more recreational, a sort of crossover with undertones of an SUV.
Why India as a launch market? “India is diverse, and the people here have different preferences. I believe this is the most exciting insight we tried to unlock while developing the Carens. It’s safe, feature-rich, has artistry in its design, and is comfortable and classy; it packs everything a modern Indian family would want in their vehicle,” said Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director & CEO of Kia India.
Like other recent new models, the new Carens uses ‘Opposites United’, the carmaker’s latest design philosophy. It has gained edgy character lines with a bold side profile. Kia designers believe the modern and high-tech design will appeal to millennials.
Still present is another interpretation of the ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ which Peter Schreyer introduced to the brand in 2006 when he was its new design head. It has been a signature element of all models and is complemented by horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper.
Attention is drawn to the new signature lighting concept – The Star Map. This is made up of LED DRLs and Crown Jewel LED headlamps to give a futuristic appearance.
The car looks sleek and dynamic with its slim daylight opening graphic along the sides. At the rear, the combination lamp on the robust sections makes the Carens look wide and strong, and the lighting units also have the Star Map LEDs.
Using an extended Seltos platforn, the Carens is said to have the longest wheelbase in its class (2780 mm), while its body dimensions measure 4540 mm in length and 1800 mm in width. That makes it slightly larger than a Mitsubishi XPANDER but noticeably shorter than a Toyota Innova. The ground clearance is quite generous at 195 mm.
The MPV will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines – 1.4 litres with turbocharger and 1.5 litres, with outputs of 140 bhp/242 Nm and 115 bhp/144 Nm, respectively. There’s also a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel which produces 115 bhp/250 Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission is fitted to the base version, with a 7-speed, dual-clutch and 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions also available.
While India is a big car market, the products being sold in the high-volume segments have been criticised for inadequate safety levels. Crash tests have resulted in poor ratings, and the manufacturers are beginning to realise that they cannot have differences in safety in different markets.
With the new Carens, Kia has made an effort to provide safety features that are already commonplace in other markets, including Malaysia. Its Hi-Secure Safety Package is a first in India and installed as standard in all versions are 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System, Tyre Pressure Monitor and disc brakes on all 4 wheels. The better safety measures will certainly be important in protecting the occupants on 3 rows of seats.
Extensive research was undertaken by Kia on the lifestyle and requirements of Indian families and the findings have resulted in a generous list of equipment. There are ventilated front seats, a Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection (very important in these times), Skylight sunroof and a BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 speakers. Surround Ambient Mood Lighting is also provided with a choice of 64 colours.
The infotainment (including navigation uses a High-Definition touchscreen display which is linked to Next Generation Kia Connect. This replaces the previous UVO system and allows for enhancement of OTA (Over the Air) Map and System Updates. This means owners can now update software without visiting the Kia service centre.
The Carens will come equipped with 60+ connected car features and what is more exciting is that the AVNT of the vehicle now supports ten native languages.
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