The brand-new Kia Carens has been revealed it has morphed into something that looks rather good!

Remember the Kia Carens? It was a sensible multi-purpose vehicle but this segment is on the decline as customers are opting more for the SUV body style.

Kia South Africa will be launching its flagship Carnival MPV (as well as the new Kia Sorento) in SA early in 2022, so it’s clear that despite the shift, there’s still a market for a well-thought-out minivan. Don’t call it an MPV though, as Kia prefers the Grand Utility Vehicle classification.

Back to the Kia Carens, it’s now been fully revealed in India and this new 4th-generation model looks like it has similar styling to that of the all-new Sportage and resembles a crossover. You could even say there’s an element of the old Kia Soul to its overall shape and incorporatesKia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language

The Carens’ cabin is decisively modern and upmarket in look and feel.

The interior features a new-look digital dashboard stretching across the cabin, which includes the driver’s display and 10.25-inch infotainment system in one slick piece of hardware. The system is powered by the latest generation Kia Connect which allows for system updates Over-The-Air.A BOSE sound system with 8 speakers is also fitted and the cabin ambience is enhanced with a choice of 64 mood lighting colours.

As far as seating and practicality goes, the Carens can seat up to 7 passengers and the second row can be tumbled forward electronically and the seats can recline and slide forwards and backwards as needed while the third row can be folded into the boot floor to optimise load space.Cooling cupholders, retractable folding tables and under-seat storage traysare also fitted.A large SkyLight sunroom further adds to the airiness in the cabin while a Smart Pure Air Purifier keeps the cabin air clean.

On the safety front, the Carens is equipped with Kia’s Hi-Secure Safety Package which includes 6 airbags,Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

What engines are offered on the Kia Carens?

The Kia Carens is powered by the same engines used in the Kia Seltos, a model we’re rather fond of. That means a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine is offered with 96 kW and 151 Nm or a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine with 103 kW and 242 Nm. A 1.5-litre turbodiesel is also offered with 86 kW and 250 Nm. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch (for the 1.4-litre turbopetroland a 6-speed automatic.

The Indian car industry is booming and the SA market receives many models from the sub-continent. The Kia Sonet and Seltos are both from India, as are the Hyundai i20 and Creta. Nearly all products in Suzuki’s portfolio are also assembled in India. Even so, the Kia Carens is currently under consideration but its introduction has not yet been confirmed.

Do you want to see the new Carens in South Africa?

See what new cars are coming to South Africa in 2022 here!

Further Reading

Kia Sonet Launch Review – is this the best offering in its segment?

Six cool things you need to know about the all-new Kia Sportage