Despite retaining an MPV look, the Carens has been dubbed a recreational vehicle by Kia.
The announcement made just over a week ago, Kia has officially revealed the all-new fourth generation Carens in India ahead of the commencing of sales next year.
It’s unveiling ending two years of speculative reports and rumours, the Carens, while still an MPV in the same mould as the first three generations offered in Europe and South Africa, has been reclassified as a recreational vehicle that combines the “sophistication of a family mover and the sportiness of an SUV” according to Kia.
Positioned below the Carnival, the Carens rides on the same platform as the Seltos and measures 4 540 mm in overall length with its wheelbase rated at 2 780 mm, height at 1 700 mm and width at 1 800 mm. Ground clearance is pegged at 195 mm.
Styled to resemble the Soul, Sportage and Sonet, with the final Opposite United styling language design being little toned down from the sketches provided previously, the Carens provides seating for seven as standard, but will also be offered with six seats as an option.
According to Kia, the third row, previously billed as “useable”, has been designed to provide convenience with access being aided by a one-touch tumbling mechanism for the second, which can additionally be moved forwards, backwards or reclined.
Roof-mounted air vents feature above the second and third rows with window nets being available for the rear doors, in addition to a cooling function for the wireless smartphone charger.
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In a further departure from current Kia models, no less than five type-C USB ports are scattered around the cabin with a further new feature being illuminated entry grab handles.
While likely to vary depending on trim level, tech and features inside the Carens include ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting with 64 colours, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with over-the-air updates, rain sense wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels.
Safety comes in the form of six standard airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, Hill Start Assist, Downhill Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control and ABS with EBD.
Providing motivation are the same powertrain options as the Indian market Seltos, namely the 85kW/144Nm 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol, the 85kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel also used in the Hyundai Creta, and the 103kW/242Nm 1.4 T-GDI.
Transmissions comprise a six-speed manual or the IVT in the case of the former petrol, the six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch on the diesel and on the forced assisted petrol, the latter dual-clutch ‘box or the clutchless six-speed Intelligent manual.
Set to rival the Suzuki Eritga and its Toyota Rumion twin, the Honda BR-V, Renault Triber, the segment leading Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Marazzo, the Carens, as mentioned, will go on sale next year with pricing to be confirmed later. For now, it remains a no-no for South Africa, but expect an announcement confirming availability sometime next year.
Additional information from autocarindia.com
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