Latest Update: Kia Carens has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 8.99 lakh. Click here for details.
The upcoming Kia Seltos-based three-row MPV (codenamed Kia KY) is all set to be globally unveiled on 16th December 2021. But ahead of its official arrival, the interior of the car has surfaced on the web.
Expected to be known as Kia Carens, the interior of the MPV has a slight resemblance with the ongoing Kia SUVs. It features integrated housing for the infotainment and instrument cluster. However, the variant seems to be a mid-spec trim as it has a small touchscreen screen display (probably of 8-inches). The other striking features revealed from these spy images include a digital driver’s display, automatic climate control system, multi-function steering wheel, and cruise control.
Besides, it is also expected to feature UVO connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration support, in-built air purifier, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, a Bose sound system, keyless entry with push-button start, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, front & rear parking sensors, and a blind spot monitoring system.
We reckon Kia will offer it with two seating configurations: 6-seater with captain seats and a 7-seater with bench seats for second-row occupants.
Since the Kia KY is expected to be based on the same SP2 platform as the Alcazar, we believe it to get the same 159PS 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engines as its Hyundai counterpart. Both engines could get manual and automatic transmission options.
While Kia is yet to share its India launch timeline, it is likely to hit our showrooms in the first quarter of 2022. It could be priced from around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. When launched, it will go up against Hyundai Alcazar, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Mahindra Marazzo, and some of the variants of Toyota Innova Crysta.