Kia Carens 7-Seater MPV Makes World Debut, Ready To Rival Other MPVs In India

After teasing it so many times, Kia has finally revealed its 6/7-seater MPV named Carens. According to the Indian arm of the brand, it will be going on for sale with three engine options. Interestingly, even the features onboard are modern enough to appeal to a lot of new customers. The carmaker has confirmed that it will be available by February 2022. Similarly, the price list of the same is expected to make its debut at the time of its launch.

Planning to buy an MPV for your family? Let’s check out if you should be waiting for the upcoming Carens or not.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Kia Carens 7-seater MPV has finally made its global debut in India.
• To be available with three engine options including a diesel unit.
• Will be competing with Maruti Suzuki XL6 in the Indian market.

Kia Carens

Exterior and Design

At the front, the all-new Carens does feel like a modern MPV with a sportier bumper, wide air intake, slightly moulded bonnet hood and stylish headlamps. Surprisingly, the brand has even successfully incorporated the fog lamps alongside the lower air intake which looks absolutely neat in the real world.

Coming to the side profile, the Korean carmaker has done a perfect job with the sporty alloy wheels and body cladding to improve the overall stance. Talking about the tail-end, Carens is equipped with slim LED taillamps and a subtle rear spoiler to show how Kia works at even the smallest detail.

Interior

Unlike other carmakers, Kia even experiments with the interior. This time, the layout feels absolutely new with a flat-bottom steering wheel beside which sits a fully digital instrument cluster. There’s even new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment (limited to top-end variants) that is definitely intuitive to use. Other features such as automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, air purifier and connected car tech is also a part of the list. For occupants safety, the carmaker will stick to six airbags, disc brakes, ABS and ESC depending upon the variant.

Engine

Just like the Seltos, even this new MPV will be available with three engine options. Starting with the diesel unit, it is expected to be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor known for producing 115HP and 250Nm. Also, a powerful 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with overall output rated at 140HP and 242Nm will be powering the all-new Kia Carens. Last but not least is the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit. According to the sources, the entry-level variants are expected to roll out with this motor.

Transmission duties for all three of them will be managed by a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, for added convenience, the diesel unit will be getting a 6-speed automatic gearbox while the turbocharged petrol motor is expected to come paired with a 7-speed DCT.

Alternatives

Kia has not confirmed its pricing yet. Therefore, right now, we do not have any clarity about which SUV will be its direct rival. Since the new Carens is an MPV, we expect it to compete against the likes of other 6/7-seater MPVs including Maruti Suzuki XL6, Ertiga, Hyundai Alcazar and Toyota Innova Crysta among others. Want to learn more about the new XL6? Check out all the details related to it down below.

Maruti Suzuki XL6

Maruti Suzuki wanted to create something more premium than the Ertiga and the new XL6 is the answer to their efforts. Of course, we know that it is strictly a six-seater MPV but in terms of price, we expect Carens to lie somewhere around it. Coming back to the rivalry, XL6 is powered by a sole 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that churns out a decent 105PS and 138Nm. In terms of features, Maruti Suzuki has loaded it with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, dual airbags, cruise control, etc among others.

Specifications