The Carens features numerous innovative features that aren’t typically found in MPVs of its class, including 64-colour ambient lighting and an air purifier.
The Kia Carens is agile on asphalt roads and easily overtakes other cars quickly, but does feel tail heavy at highway speeds. However, its large tyres absorb potholes with ease while its minimal suspension setup provides outstanding ride quality.
Features
Kia’s goal with the Carens has been to focus on providing excellent ride quality, ergonomics in the cabin and third-row accessibility – while still managing to impress in terms of boot space. They aim to target families looking for an SUV-MPV hybrid that doesn’t break the bank.
Exterior styling takes inspiration from Kia Soul models, with panels flowing along the bonnet shut line to meet LED DRLs for a bold appearance. 16-inch wheels are standard on Carens while options for panoramic sunroof or 360-degree surround view camera roof are also available (optional).
Kia Carens interior looks luxurious and classy thanks to its dark gray and silver colors, faux wood panels and chrome accents creating a premium feel. Additionally, Kia has made their controls easy for families.
It offers three drive modes that adjust powertrain and transmission outputs based on driving conditions: Eco mode is best suited to fuel-saving, while Sport provides responsive acceleration.
Kia’s Carens boasts an impressive 216-litre boot when all seats are upright, while its third row can easily be folded away to open up more space. Kia also installed its “Robust 10 High-Security Package”, comprising of six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-assist control, downhill brake control and ISOFIX child anchor mounts – features which come together in providing maximum safety protection.
Design
Kia excels at equipping its people-movers with all of the essential features, and the Carens is no different. Even its basic model offers cruise control, remote central locking and air-conditioning – essential features in any seven-seater for family use. On top of this, there are additional comfort and convenience features like 64-colour ambient lighting options (first in segment feature) as well as electrically powered sliding door with auto open/close and electrically powered rear gate (a first).
In profile, the Carens shares some resemblance with its sibling Seltos; however, its doors are longer and there is more body cladding. At its front is an eye-catching set of lights with LED DRLs and full headlamps giving an SUV-ish aesthetic; additionally its grille sports Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” treatment.
At the back, there’s a pair of wrap-around tail lamps, complete with chrome garnish on the rear window line and character line emanating from headlamps for additional visual dynamism. In terms of safety, the Carens earned a seven-star rating from Global NCAP crashworthiness testing, where its seatbelts were found to be of good quality while it scored stable body contact during frontal offset testing as well as performing well for second row side and curtain airbag performance.
Performance
Kia’s new four-wheeler offers an impressive number of features that makes it a compelling prospect. Kia aims to take on vehicles such as the Maruti Ertiga, Volkswagen Taigun and Kia Seltos in the Rs 10-20 lakh three-row MPV/SUV market segment.
Kia understands what families value most in a car, which means providing strong performance and ample features like those found on its Carens model. With two impressive engines–a powerful 1.4L turbopetrol which packs plenty of punch, as well as a fuel efficient diesel unit for maximum economy–the Carens can accommodate families’ transportation needs without breaking the bank.
Kia claims its Carens petrol car has an improved fuel economy with its DCT transmission that delivers 21.3 kmpl in city driving conditions and 18.4 kpl on highway journeys.
On the road, the Carens is confident and stable despite its lengthy body. Steering is light at low speeds but heavier when increasing speed. Navigating traffic easily is made simple thanks to excellent all-round visibility and front parking sensors.
The Carens has generous legroom for all passengers, including those in the rearmost row who can get comfortable thanks to well-padded captain’s chairs. Rear windows provide plenty of fresh air for rear passengers as well. Ride quality on most surfaces is generally smooth; however, it may feel more jarring than its direct rivals when traversing poorly surfaced roads.
Safety
Kia Carens has become an immensely popular product among mass consumers thanks to its affordable pricing and advanced features, such as its hi-safety package which has been promoted through several advertorials by South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. Furthermore, this 7-seater MPV comes equipped with several active safety features which prioritize passenger wellbeing.
The car comes equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and ISOFIX child seat anchorages for enhanced child seat protection. Furthermore, parking sensors help monitor tire pressure, while driver fatigue detection systems, forward collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and autonomous emergency braking round out its safety net.
Global NCAP tested the Kia Carens and gave it three stars under its current crash test protocol – something quite surprising given that Kia’s cars are usually given five stars by this standard. However, next month GNCAP will implement an enhanced protocol which includes side impact tests and mandatory fitment of ESC in order to award five-star ratings.
The Carens was awarded top marks in adult occupant protection with outstanding head and neck protection; however, chest protection on its front dummy was marginal and knee protection poor; in addition, its footwell area proved unstable.
