Select Kia dealerships across the country have started accepting unofficial bookings of the upcoming Carens three-row utility vehicle for a token amount of up to Rs 25,000. It is likely to be launched in the first quarter of 2022. The Korean carmaker calls the Carens a ‘Recreational Vehicle’ that will be Kia’s fourth offering in India.
Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Alcazar, the Carens debuts Kia's ‘Opposite United’ design language in India. It will be offered in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. Kia claims that its third-row seat has been specially optimized for better comfort. Features onboard will include an all-LED lighting system, single-pane electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch dashboard integrated touchscreen infotainment system with UVO connected car tech, digital driver's display, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, 64-colour ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, auto climate control, roof-mounted rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, electric one-touch tumble second-row seats, in-built air purifier, and much more.
Standard safety features of the Carens include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, ESC (electronic stability control), VSM (vehicle stability management), a tire pressure monitoring system, hill hold/descent control, speed alert system, and seat belt reminder. Its top-spec trims will also get front parking sensors along with some other safety techs.
The Kia Carens is likely to be available in four trims: Premium, Prestige, Luxury, and Luxury Plus, across seven colour options – Blue, Brown, Black Pearl, Silver, Red, and White Pearl.
The brand has confirmed that the Carens will get a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options, implying it could feature 140PS 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engine as the Kia Seltos. It could also receive a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline motor and a 6-speed manual transmission for both 1.5-litre mills.
Expect Kia Carens to be priced from around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, putting it against the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Maruti Suzuki XL6, and some variants of Toyota Innova Crysta.
