Kia Carens is Kia’s upcoming three-row SUV that will make its global debut in India on December 16. This new car from the Korean carmaker will share its platform and powertrains with Kia Seltos, take on Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari, and is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2022. Let’s see what Kia is planning to serve through Kia Carens.
What is Kia Carens?
The spy photos of its test mule reveal that it looks similar to the Kia Seltos, especially the front three-quarters. However, the rear door and glass house look much larger, which will be key to this car’s passenger experience. In order to accommodate three rows, the silhouette will have an upright rear end and a longer wheelbase as compared to the Kia Seltos. It could be gathered from the spy shots that Kia Caren will sport Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille with a pair of sleek LED headlamps much like the Kia Sonet and 16-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of length, the Kia Seltos is 4,315 mm long and the Kia Carens is expected to be more than 4,500 mm long. Sources suggest Carens will have the same wheelbase as Hyundai Alcazar with a better usable third row. Kia Carens will carry a host of the latest features and class-leading safety. Kia also claims, Kia Carens will be a bold SUV and yet a large family vehicle.
- Kia Carens will be the first car in India to offer access to the third row via an electronic button
- The lower and mid-level variants of the Kia Carens will have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the top variants will sport larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- The Kia Carens is expected to sport the Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting colour options, leather seat upholstery, and automatic climate control. The mid-spec variants will come with the fabric seats
- A single pane panoramic sunroof might come with top variants
Kia Carens Powertrains
Under the hood, the Kia Carens is anticipated to be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine and 1.5L diesel engine, these engines are already powering the Kia Seltos. Power, torque figures, and the transmission that are a 6-Speed manual, 6-Speed torque converter, 6-Speed iMT, CVT, 7-Speed DCT, will also be similar to that of Kia Seltos.
Kia Carens Launch
Kia Carens is expected to make its global debut on December 16th and full launch in India can be expected in the first half of 2022. This 7-seater SUV is anticipated to be priced between 15-20 lakhs (ex-showroom), with the SUV will be manufactured here in India and exported abroad as well. Kia Carens will compete against Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari, two very popular cars that made 7-seater SUVs more accessible.
