Kia Carens Unveil Tomorrow: What To Expect

Kia India will take the wraps off the Carens, the fourth offering in its Indian lineup, on December 16. The Carens will be based on the Hyundai Alcazar’s platform and is termed as a ‘Recreational Vehicle (RV)’. We’ll get to know whether it’s an SUV or a MPV tomorrow, but if you can’t wait until then, we’ll explain the top five things you can expect from the upcoming people mover.  

Debuts Kia’s New Design Language In India

The Carens debuts Kia’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language in India. It gets a sleeker version of the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with funky DRLs. Body cladding is present all around the body, giving the people mover a rugged look. Teaser images also show a connected set of LED tail lamps. 

A Premium Interior 

Unlike the Alcazar that utilises the Creta’s dashboard layout, the Carens gets its own unique interior to keep it apart from the Seltos. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is placed in the dashboard rather than a floating unit. Different textures of plastics should play around to give the cabin an upmarket ambience. 

The Carens is likely to be offered as a 6-seater with captain seats and 7-seater with bench seats for middle row occupants. 

Loaded To The Gills

Like its peers, the Carens should come loaded to the gills with a digital driver’s display, UVO connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, a Bose sound system, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and a powered driver’s seat. 

Passenger safety should be taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, and electronic stability control. 

Could Get The Alcazar’s Heart 

The Carens should get the Alcazar’s 159PS 2-litre petrol and 115PS 1.5-litre diesel engine, both paired with a 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed torque converter automatic. The 115PS 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine could be on offer as a base-spec option. 

Expected Price And Rivals 

The Carens is likely to go on sale in early-2022, at an expected starting price of around Rs 15 lakh. The people-mover will lock horns with the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and the MG Hector Plus.