KIA Carens

• The Kia Carens presents a sleek and urban-cool design that is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Built on the K1 platform, the Carens features a low-set hood and prominently placed LED headlights dominating the front fascia. While the side profile may not boast any standout features, the alloy wheel design is attractive, and the rear design aligns well with the overall aesthetic of the Carens.
• Chrome door handles, along with rear wipers, LED headlights, automatic headlamps, LED DRLs, and passive entry, are among the features offered. The car exhibits uniform panel gaps, contributing to its handsome styling. However, competitors may offer a more robust road presence and a SUV-like stance. Overall, Kia has succeeded in giving the Carens a modern and appealing design.

• Similar to other Kia and Hyundai vehicles, the new Kia Carens boasts a premium, well-crafted, and feature-rich cabin. There's ample space inside, and the seats offer comfort and support. While the dashboard layout may resemble the more expensive Carnival, the Carens provides an impressive in-cabin experience for buyers. The fit and finish levels are among the best in the segment.
• The car offers a plethora of features, including the BOSE Premium Sound System with 8 speakers, a wireless charging pad with cooling function, a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, an air purifier, cruise control, front-seat ventilation, steering-mounted controls, a digital instrument console, 12v charging sockets, and 5 USB Type-C charging ports. Additionally, it comes equipped with cooling cup holders, automatic climate control, push-button start, electric folding ORVMs, auto-dimming IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, and second-row seat one-touch easy electric tumble, along with dedicated rear AC vents.

• The Kia Carens features a McPherson Strut with coil spring setup at the front, while a coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) with coil spring setup is employed at the rear. The car is equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, providing a commendable braking performance. The suspension strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling, although enthusiasts may find the dynamics lacking. Notably, there is noticeable body roll, and the steering lacks feedback. However, the light steering wheel does offer decent weight as speeds increase.
• While the high-speed stability is satisfactory, the car may struggle to maintain composure over sharp undulations at triple-digit speeds with a full load. Nevertheless, overall, the Carens is generally trouble-free, boasting respectable capabilities.

The Kia Carens is currently one of the most VFM offerings in the segment and offer a spacious, comfortable, feature-rich, and well-built cabin. Unlike many other rivals, the Carens not only offers multiple powertrain options but also offers a long list of safety features as a standard part of the package to the buyers. In all, this newly launched MPV is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and feature-loaded car. However, if you are looking for something that is more capable, strong, and powerful, the other rivals in the segment like the XUV700, Alcazar, and the Tata Safari might be a better bet. That said, the long waiting period will be a deterrent for a lot of buyers and the long-term update too is a question for now. 

• The Kia Carens is available with three engine options: a 1.5-liter NA Petrol Engine, a 1.5-liter Turbo Petrol, and a 1.5-liter turbo diesel. Starting with the diesel variant, it delivers a peak power output of 115 PS and torque of 250 Nm. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated petrol engine generates a peak power output of 115 PS and a maximum torque of 144 Nm, and is exclusively mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
• The most potent engine in the lineup is the 1.5-liter Smartstream G1.4-L T-GDI turbo petrol engine, which produces a maximum power and torque output of 160 bhp. It is available with a 6-speed iMT gearbox, with an optional 7-speed DCT gearbox also offered.
• All three engines deliver impressive performance, and their refinement levels are noteworthy. These powertrain options have been tried and tested in vehicles like the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta, showcasing a proven long-term track record. With its capable performance, the Carens provides a satisfying driving experience, demonstrating ample power to handle various driving scenarios effortlessly.