Kia India has launched the updated Kia Carens 2023 in line with the BS 6 Phase II norms. The deadline is April 2023, which makes this time a crucial one for the changes. Earlier, Hyundai's sub-brand also reworked the engine of the Kia Seltos to meet these stringent emission norms. Plus, the Carens now did away with the Diesel Manual to shift to iMT transmission. This has been done as standard across models from Kia.
Now, let's look at the changes that the Kia Carens underwent now in 2023.
Kia Carens Powertrain Changes
What changed with the updates is the introduction of a 160 PS 1.5L turbo-petrol unit in place of a 1.4L unit. This is the same unit that powers the Hyundai Alcazar and the Verna 2023 Plus the diesel manual variant is now discontinued and is now replaced with iMT. The DCT is offered the same as before.
Price Chart
| Carens Turbo | 1.4 Litre MT | 1.5 Litre iMT (NEW) | Difference |
| Premium | Rs 11.55 lakh | Rs 12 lakh | Rs 45,000 |
| Prestige | Rs 12.75 lakh | Rs 13.25 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Prestige Plus | Rs 14.25 lakh | Rs 14.75 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Luxury | Rs 15.70 lakh | Rs 16.20 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Luxury Plus 6 Seater | Rs 17 lakh | Rs 17.50 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Luxury Plus | Rs 17.05 lakh | Rs 17.55 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Carens Turbo | 1.4 Litre DCT | 1.5 Litre DCT (NEW) | Difference |
| Prestige Plus | Rs 15.25 lakh | Rs 15.75 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Luxury Plus 6 Seater | Rs 17.90 lakh | Rs 18.40 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
| Luxury Plus | Rs 17.95 lakh | Rs 18.45 lakh | Rs 50,000 |
The price bump that accompanies is a chunky Rs, 50,000 across the variants. After this revision, the base variant now starts at Rs. 12 lakh. (ex-showroom)
The New Feature Updates
Cosmetically, nothing's changed. You won't be able to make out any differences on the outside. However, the inside is where the updates make their presence feel.
The MPV now offers even more as standard. Its 12.5-inch digitized instrument cluster, which was earlier offered from the second-to-base Prestige variant, is now standard. Additionally, the Kia connected car technology suite gets integrated Alexa connectivity. Next, the mid-spec Prestige Plus trim is now available with a leather-wrapped gear knob, which has flown down from the higher-end Luxury variant.
It already gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, electric one-touch folding second-row seats, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, six airbags, and a rear parking camera.
VERDICT- The Carens locks horn directly with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Mazzaro. With the updated feature list and a more powerful 160 PS engine, it is sure to help Kia to position its MPV offering at a much better position than before.
Also, Read- Mahindra Thar 4X4 In A New Striking White Color Coming Soon
