2021 Kia Carens launch date, expected price, interior, exterior and more

Carens gets a six- and seven- seater layout with more focus on third row space; two engine options and a long list of features.

The new Kia Carens made its global debut in India today. Slated for a market launch early next year, the Carens is the Korean carmaker’s fourth product here. And while Kia does not call it an MPV, the Carens is essentially a three-row vehicle with SUV-like styling. Kia has also opened bookings for its latest modle – the Carens. 

• Gets three engine options
• Available in both six- and seven-seater configurations
• Gets a long list of features

Kia Carens: gets class-leading wheelbase 

The Kia Carens measures 4540mm in length, 1800mm in width, 1700mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2780mm (the longest in the segment).  In comparison, the Alcazar, which is also based on a stretched version of Creta/Seltos platform, measures 4,500mm in length, 1,790mm in width, 1,675mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,760mm.

Kia Carens dimensions are not ARAI certified.

With the Carens, Kia aims to target family-oriented customers that want a feature-laden vehicle, spacious three-row cabin and also SUV-like looks.  In terms of design, the Carens may have the proportions of an MPV, but it looks quite SUV-ish, thanks to chunky front and rear bumpers and beefy cladding along the sides. Up front, the face is characterised by a flat bonnet and an upright nose that’s distinctly divided into two parts. The upper portion features a slim grille and a split headlamp set-up that’s grouped together within a contrasting black trim. The Carens gets Y-shaped LED daytime running lamp signatures with the main headlamp cluster positioned below. The subtle upper portion is contrasted by an aggressively designed front bumper with Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ motif for the air dam.

In profile, the Carens shows some resemblance with the Seltos, although the rear door is longer than the latter. There’s also a strong character line that starts from the headlamps, blends into the doors and then again emerges at the rear to meet the tail lamps. The Carens also gets body cladding over the wheel arches and along the length of the doors.

At the rear, the Carens gets a pair of wraparound LED tail lamps that are connected via a slim LED strip. The rear windshield is slightly raked and also features an integrated spoiler. The upright tailgate is well contoured and just like the front, an aggressively styled bumper with faux silver inserts rounds off the look.

Kia Carens: loaded with features and safety tech 

In typical Kia fashion, the interior of the Carens is feature packed and comes with a well laid out, ergonomic design. The dashboard is quite deep, extending well towards the front windshield, thanks to a slight cab-forward design typically seen in MPVs. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen takes centre stage on the dash in higher variants (lower variants get an 8.0-inch screen), below which the AC vents have been integrated seamlessly along the width of the interior. It also gets a new touch-based panel with toggle switches for operating the climate controls.

The Kia Carens also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, an 8-speaker Bose sound system and a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for audio controls, voice commands and calling, similar to the one seen on the Seltos and the Sonet. As far as seating options are concerned, the Carens will be available in both six- and seven-seater configuration, with captain seats for the second row in case of the former. It also gets electrically powered, one touch tumble down feature for the second row (first in segmetn feature) for easy access to the third row of seats. There are also various practical touches around the cabin such as the large door pockets which can accomodate up to three water bottles.   

In terms of features, the Kia Carens comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Kia’s UVO connect, 64 colour ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, seat-back tables with cup holders and an air purifier. On the safety front, the Carens gets 6 Airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, disc brakes at all four wheels, TPMS, and rear parking sensors will be available as standard across all variants.

Kia Carens: shares engine options with Seltos  

Under the hood, the Kia Carens is powered by a pair of petrols and a diesel engine option (the same powertrains as in the Seltos). The petrol engines include a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated unit produces 115hp and 144Nm  as well as a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit putting out 140hp and 242Nm. Meanwhile, the  diesel engine is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit that develps 115hp and 250Nm.

Gearbox options with the petrol engine include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT and a CVT automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the diesel engine is offered with either a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. Unsurprisingly, the engine-gearbox combinations and specs are identical to that of the Seltos.

Kia Carens: launch, expected price and rivals

The Kia Carens is expected to see its official market launch and price announcement before the end of the current financial year, which means it will be around February or March next year. When launched, the Carens will rival the Maruti Suzuki XL6, which is also due a facelift sometime next year. It will also see competition from the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and other similarly priced SUVs in this range.

What are your first thoughts on the all-new Kia Carens? Let us know in the comments below.

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