The Kia Carens, first introduced in 1999, has evolved significantly, with the 2024 variant marking a new era for this popular MPV. Here’s a detailed review of the Kia Carens, focusing on the latest Indian model.
Design and Dimensions
The 2024 Kia Carens, designed by renowned automobile designer Karim Habib, boasts a crossover-inspired exterior that combines sophistication with a modern twist. It features a high gloss black Kia signature tiger nose grille, crown jewel LED headlamps with auto light control, star map LED DRLs, and ice cube LED fog lamps, enhancing both its aesthetic and functionality.
This model is available in a six or seven-seater configuration, making it versatile for families of various sizes. It measures approximately 4.5 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.7 meters in height, with a kerb weight of around 1500 kg and a ground clearance of 195 mm.
The Kia Carens comes equipped with 16-inch dual tone crystal cut alloy wheels, which feature a black gloss center cap for a sleek appearance. There are also options for 15 and 16-inch steel wheels for those who prefer a different look. The vehicle ensures safety and stability with disc brakes on both the front and rear. It rides on 205/65 R16 95H MRF Wanderer Ecotred Street tires that are designed for excellent road grip and performance.
In terms of aesthetics, the Carens is showcased in a matte graphite color, providing a sophisticated and modern look. For those looking for more color options, the Carens is also available in olive, blue, silver, red, black, and white, allowing buyers to choose the hue that best fits their style. For added comfort and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, every door window is fitted with UV cut solar glass, ensuring a more comfortable and safer driving experience for all occupants.
Performance and Engine Options
The Carens is built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform, shared with vehicles like the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. It offers several powertrain options:
- Petrol Engines: A 1.5-litre T-GDi producing 157 horsepower and a 1.5-litre DPFI engine with 113 horsepower.
- Diesel Engine: A 1.5-litre CRDi VGT producing 114 horsepower.
Transmission options include a 7-speed DCT, 6-speed iMT, and 6-speed manual, ensuring a smooth driving experience tailored to various driving preferences.
The Kia Carens is equipped with a sophisticated suspension system that includes a McPherson strut with a coil spring at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle with a coil spring at the rear, ensuring a smooth and stable ride across various terrains. Enhancing convenience, the Carens features a key remote with which you can easily start the engine, adding a layer of comfort and ease for the driver.
Additionally, the Carens offers three drive modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—allowing drivers to customize the vehicle’s performance according to their driving needs or environmental conditions. The vehicle’s structure is built with high-strength steel, providing enhanced safety and durability.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Carens is equipped with luxurious and practical features. It offers captain seats that are adjustable for comfort, and a 10.1-inch rear entertainment screen for passenger enjoyment. The vehicle is also fitted with an 8-speaker Bose premium sound system and a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The interior is adorned with a black and green combination leatherette upholstery with orange stitching, and it features an air purifier with virus and bacteria protection—ensuring a comfortable and safe environment.
The Kia Carens offers a practical 216-liter boot space, suitable for daily errands and long road trips alike. It also features 50/50 split folding third-row seats, which can recline or fold flat, providing versatile options for passenger comfort and additional cargo space. Enhancing the interior ambiance, the Carens is equipped with ambient lighting available in 64 colors, allowing passengers to set the mood to their preference during their journey.
The Kia Carens is designed with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, ensuring comfort and optimal positioning for drivers of all statures. For added comfort, especially in warmer climates, the vehicle includes ventilated seats at the front, providing cooling relief. It also features telescopic steering, allowing drivers to adjust the steering wheel’s position for better ergonomics and control. Additionally, the Carens comes equipped with cooling cup holders, a convenient feature that helps keep beverages chilled during the drive.
The Kia Carens enhances its modern appeal with a voice-controlled sunroof, allowing for easy operation and an open-air experience with just a spoken command. The vehicle’s driving experience is further refined with a leather-wrapped D-cut steering wheel that not only adds a touch of luxury but also provides a firm and comfortable grip. Drivers can enjoy the clarity and convenience of a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster, offering crisp visuals of the vehicle’s statistics and performance metrics.
Safety and Convenience
Safety is a priority in the Carens, which has achieved a 3-star rating from Global NCAP. It includes six airbags, ABS, an electronic stability program, and hill assist among other features. Additionally, the Carens comes with Kia Connect, offering a 3-year subscription that lets users access numerous car features remotely via smartphone.
Pricing and Warranty
The Carens is priced competitively, starting at ₹10.51 lakh for the base model and going up to ₹19.21 lakh for the top-end X-Line variant. Kia offers a 3-year unlimited kilometers warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years, along with 24×7 roadside assistance.
Conclusion
The Kia Carens stands out in the crowded MPV market with its robust features, flexible seating arrangements, and strong safety profile. Its design, inspired by Karim Habib’s expertise, adds a touch of luxury and class that sets it apart. Whether for city driving or longer journeys, the Carens promises a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a versatile vehicle.
