Kia Carens Review | 10 Things You Should Know About The Kia Carens

The Carens is the latest entry into the Indian car market from Kia. The MPV is offered with 6 and 7 seater configurations and is expected to launch soon. We’ve driven it, and here are a few things you should know about the Carens. 

• It’s more of an MPV than an SUV

The Kia Carens has MPV design cues. It is not designed to impress the SUV buyer, and instead, aims at family oriented individuals. The Carens is actually taller, wider and longer than the Hyundai Alcazar.

• Fresh Face

The front fascia cannot have you mistake it for being anything other than a Kia. Opinions on looks are subjective, but to me, the Carens looks elegant. It comes with a radical looking radiator grille – with piano black and chrome finished slats, while the air vents are positioned lower down.

• Space Capsule

Step inside the Carens, and you will begin to appreciate the quality of the materials used and the space offered. The wraparound high-tech dashboard with a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, utility spaces, ambient lighting and the ventilated front seats offer an experience that is similar to that of some costlier cars. Unlike some SUVs, the third row is spacious enough to carry two adults.

• Tech-laden

The Carens features ‘Kia Connect’ with 66 smart features. Ask for it and the Carens will have it in the features list – from wireless charging to a tyre pressure monitor. The same goes with safety as well. Loaded with 6 airbags and a host of other safety features, the Carens is impressive.

• Family Hauler 

The Carens’ ride is remarkably good. Load the car with your family and the plush ride is sure to keep them comfortable. The suspension is set up well, and that means the third row passengers  won’t have much to complain about. The emphasis is on the plush ride.

      6) Keepin’ it cool 

AC vents on the roof mean it doesn’t get a panoramic sunroof, but you get, what is called a “Sky Light” sunroof. 

      7) Tumble Forward

Accessing the third row is now easier with the one touch tumble seat. It folds automatically with the touch of a button, giving way for ingress.

      8) Lugging Luggage

Even with all three rows up, boot space is great. Official numbers are not out yet, but I think around 350-litres of boot space with all rows up, is what it should be. You also get the option of extending it to a larger area by folding the 3rd and 2nd row.

    9) Turbo Power

It comes with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol(138bhp), 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol (113bhp) and a 1.5-litre diesel (113bhp) engine. The most fun to drive, however, is the turbo mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. But my personal choice is the efficient diesel with a 6-speed AT. 

   10) Winner, Winner

With the features, quality and space it offers, the Carens can actually compete with the bigger MPV Cysta. If priced well, it will find love in the hearts of the Indian buyer.