KIA

Carens 2023: minivan turned SUV

The KIA Carens is a model that has been present in the Korean brand's line almost since its inception, a compact MPV that today, like the rest of the models in its segment, has gradually fallen into irrelevance. That's why KIA has subjected the Carens to an in-depth transformation process to bring it closer to SUV styling. And the result is this that this week was revealed in India, one of the key markets for KIA with this new Carens 2023.

The Korean brand had already anticipated a notable styling change a few days ago for this fourth generation KIA Carens, which adopts the new 'Opposites United' design language to acquire a much more aggressive design with stylized headlights, a front end with personality, a floating-style ceiling and a bold-lined waist. All this added to the SUV features it will acquire through greater headroom above the ground that is visually reinforced with dark tone wheel arches, and side skirts also with dark and metallic frames for an adventurous touch, although also suitable for a urban style.

This new Carens shares its platform with the KIA Seltos, a crossover also released some time ago in India, although it's a little longer. It measures 1,800 mm in width, 4,540 mm in length and 1,700 mm in height. Another aspect in which it stands out is its wheelbase, which stretches up to 2,780 mm.

This stretch gives the result an interior with a third row of seats to hold up to seven seats - although there are also versions with six seats - this especially thanks to keeping such a vertical rear. In fact, it will give you a lot of flexibility when setting it up, folding the seats thanks to the One Touch Easy Electric Tumble system so your rear occupants can easily get in and out.

Although what stands out most about the interior of the new Carens is its futuristic ambience, especially if we look at the design of its driver's seat, with a huge panoramic vertical panel where there will be a large 10.25-inch touchscreen for the KIA Connect infotainment system compatible with wireless updates and, of course, a digital control panel, among other details that seek to create an environment with a remarkable feeling of perceived high quality. 

In fact, among its options will be a premium Bose sound system with 8 speakers, 64-color ambient lighting, SkyLight sliding ceiling and an anti-bacteria and virus air purification system. There will also be cup holders with a cooling system, ventilation screens in all rows of seats, five USB-C ports, sun blinds for the rear doors and many other very practical additions.

In terms of safety, the new Carens will also be very well equipped, highlighting the Hi-Secure safety package which includes six airbags, basic safety systems such as ECS, ABS and assistance on ramps, in addition to powerful disc brakes.

On a mechanical level, for now KIA has not given many details about the engines that will power its new MPV-SUV, although there are three different options: a 1.5 liter aspirated petrol block, another 1.4 liter turbocharged and a diesel 1.5 liters. This mechanical offering will be accompanied by a 6-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a torque converter, all of which are only available with front-wheel drive.

The new KIA Carens will be manufactured in India and will be launched in this and other markets from the first quarter of 2022 at prices still unknown. 

Autonews