After showing the trailer and official sketch, Kia released a new fourth-generation Carens in India, featuring the styling of a crossover SUV while retaining its family-friendly features and focusing on practicality.
The new Carens shares its platform with the Seltos, and while both models are the same width, both 1800 mm, the Carens are longer than the Seltos, reaching 4540 mm and reaching a height of 1700 mm, and the wheelbase has also been stretched to a class-leading 2,780 mm.
From an aesthetic point of view, Carens' bold styling is in line with Kia's latest design language. Aside from the fact that the 16-inch wheels are rather small for a tall body, the Carens looks like a proper SUV, with modern LED head/taillights, aluminum skid plates, and a plastic cladding around the body.
More specifically, thanks to the crown jewel headlights and the large soul-inspired central air intakes, the front of the car has a distinctive look, while the rear has the shadow of a Sportage.
Inside, the dashboard is quite modern for cars in this segment, with a design that extends towards the doors. The central 10.25-inch touchscreen includes kia Connect infotainment, which is compatible with over-the-air updates.
Optional equipment also includes an 8-speaker Bose premium sound system, ambient mood lighting in 64 colors, a SkyLight sunroof, multiple driving modes (sporty/eco/normal), and Kia's air purifier system to protect against viruses and bacteria.
In terms of practicality, there are three rows of seats with plenty of interior space. The second row has a one-touch simple electric flip for easy access, while features like retractable seatback tables, sliding seat bases, cooling cup holders, air-conditioning vents for each row, five USB-C ports, rear door sun blinds, and storage pockets for gadgets all facilitate family life.
All levels of Kia Carens come standard with a Hi-Secure safety package that includes six airbags, disc brakes and basic electronic systems such as ECS, ABS and ramp start control.
Under the hood, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine are mated to the six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed torque conversion automatically, respectively, to deliver power to the front axle.
Kia Carens will be listed in India and other specific markets starting in the first quarter of 2022.