Kia Carens: Thanks to its design language and feature-packed cars, Kia has found immediate takers for its products in India.
One of those elusive standouts is the Kia Carens, a three-row family vehicle that straddles the line that separates SUVs from MPVs.
The Carens is positioned as practical, stylish and affordable – targeting Indian families who don’t want to compromise on space or comfort without losing a sense of modern tech or design appeal.
The Carens is offered in a wide range of different specifications and engine-gearbox combinations, ensuring it can cater to all sorts of different users – whether you are a city commuter, an adventure holidaymaker or a parent with school runs and shopping trips to juggle.
Design and Road Presence
Unlike typical utility-led MPVs, the Kia Carens features an SUV-style stance and is more crossover influenced.
The sleek LED DRLs, high bonnet and muscular front grille make it sporty, while the long wheelbase and sculpted sides make it look proportionate and premium.
Elevated seating,roof rails and aluminium wheel make it a mix between MPV practicality and SUV style.
At the rear the car gets slim led tail-lamps connected by a chrome lining and a integrated spoiler to add sporty element.
Interior Space and Features
Climb into the Carens and you’re met by a clean, spacious cabin that’s packed with handy bits and bobs and space saving nooks and crannies.
It comes in a 6-seater (captain seats) and 7-seater (bench seat) configurations for larger families.
The materials are good quality and things feel solidly screwed together – whilst the dash is contemporary with:
10.25-inch touchscreen (on higher trims)
Digital instrument cluster
Ventilated front seats
One-touch electric tumble (second row)
Air purifier
Second and third row roof mounted AC vents
Both leg- and headroom are in abundance, particularly in the second row. The third row is usable even for adults on short trips, which is not true of every rival.
Engine Choices and Performance
The Carens is available as standard with one of three engines from Kia:
1.5L NA Petrol (115 PS) – Smooth and refined, mated to a 6-speed manual.
1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 PS) – Peppy if a bit frantic, offered with a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT.
1.5L Diesel (116 PS) – Great for Highway trips and FE, available in manual or 6speed AT.
The Carens has a comfortable and quiet ride, whether you’re driving around town or taking off on a weekend road trip. The diesel automatic, in particular, is a great choice for long-distance family road trips.
Safety
Safety is a priority for Kia in the Carens. Even the entry-level trim offers six airbags as standard feature, which is an exception in this segment. Other safety features include :
Stability Control (ESC) System
Hill-start assist
ABS with EBD
Rear parking camera
TPMS has a specific threshold value for tyre roundness; to ensure proper vibration behaviour the radial run-out must not exceed the following: TECHNICAL NOTE Item Diagonal run-out (a) Radial run-out (b) Steel wheel 3.5mm and above 1.2mm and above 2.
Its design is also based on the most recent crash safety regulations, giving a sense of security to families.
Pros of Kia Carens
Several seating arrangements (6 and 7 seaters)
Mighty Feature even is mid level variants
Standard six airbags across the range
Turbo diesel and diesel options Petrol and turbo petrol options
” “Roomy and well thought out interiors”
Highways and the city provide good ride comfort
Cons of Kia Carens
No diesel in top luxury trims (with captain seats)
Third-row room for taller adults is tight
Lacks a panoramic sunroof
Exterior may not suit everyone
Alloy wheels and touchscreen is not available on the base trims
Kia Carens: Verdict
The Kia Carens as a great all-round family car, combining the usefully flexible comfort and practicality of an MPV with the feel good quality of a crossover.
Whether as a daily driver, a long-distance runner or a hauler of family members, it meets just about every demand.
It’s all about the safety, space and features, which should make it a popular choice in a category that can be about practicality rather than fun.
For a cool-looking, roomy and value for money family car, the Carens should be on anyone’s list.