The all-new Kia Carens MPV has made its world premiere at an event in India. It will go on sale in the Indian market as well as selected global markets from the first quarter of 2022. The three-row MPV will be locally manufactured at Kia's facility in Andhra Pradesh while offered with both petrol and diesel engines alongside a slew of transmission choices. Kia Carens will be positioned between the Seltos and Carnival in India while it is squarely aimed at the country's most popular vehicle in the MPV segment - Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
As for styling, Kia Carens is based on the company's latest design language – 'Opposites United.' It flaunts 'Crown Jewel' shaped LED headlamps with Kia’s new signature 'Star Map' DRLs. Riding on 16-inch dual tone crystal cut alloy wheels, the MPV boasts of horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper. The rear profile features Star Map LED tail lamp cluster and a chrome finished bumper with Diamond Knurling Pattern. There is also a skid plate in glossy black shade. The rear spoiler also comes with a Glossy Black side cover. Kia Carens is presented in three exterior colors namely Imperial Blue, Moss Brown and Sparkling Silver.
Kia Carens interior is based on ‘Joy for reason’ philosophy as it comes with the best-in-segment wheelbase. The dashboard is offered in a black high gloss theme while the company has focused on the comfort of second row features by offering a plethora of bells and whistles such as Retractable seatback tables with an integrated cup holder, One Touch Easy Electric Tumble, Sliding Type Seat Under Tray, recline and slide functions, the rear door spot lamp and the bottle and gadget holder. Some of the other features include Cabin Surround 64 colour Ambient Mood Lighting, Ventilated Front Seats, Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection, SkyLight Sunroof, Smartphone Wireless charger with cooling function, 5 USB C type interfaces and BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 speakers.
The centre console is dominated by a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with 60+ connected car features. The UVO system has been replaced by the next-generation Kia Connect app which comes with OTA (Over the Air) Map and System Updates in 10 native languages with automatic software updation, i.e. no need to visit Kia workshop. Kia Carens will be the only vehicle in its segment to come with 6-airbags as standard safety feature. In addition, it also gets Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS), and All Wheel Disc Brakes as standard across all the variants. The range topping grades are equipped with Front-Parking Sensors, Highline TPMS and Rain-Sensing Wipers.
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Mechanically, Kia Carens will be offered with three engine choices - 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbocharged diesel and a 1.4L turbocharged petrol. All the aforementioned engines are already at the helm of Kia Seltos and we expect them to come with similar power output and torque performance. The gearbox options will include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic unit. The MPV is presented with multi drive modes in the form of Sport, Eco and Normal. Kia Carens will come in both 6 and 7-seater configurations while it launches in February/March next year in the Indian market in an expected price range of Rs 10-15 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom).
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