The Kia Carens Is returning soon and it looks more like an SUV this time.
Many Malaysians will remember the Naza Citra, which was sold in the country from around 2005. This vehicle was actually based on the Kia Carens (a.k.a Rondo). The Carens soldiered on in other markets for another 2 generations until production halted in 2018. However, now there is word from Kia themselves that the nameplate is being revived for the Indian market.
The all-new, fourth generation Kia Carens will be based on the Kia Seltos. The Carens will take up the role of the compact MPV once again, but it looks as if the company will be marketing it to more modern tastes. It also looks like they’ve dumped the traditional MPV looks for a more SUV-like silhouette.
According to Kia, the fourth generation will be the first time India gets exposed to the new “Opposites United” design motif set up by Karim Habib, the company’s Senior VP and Head of the Kia Design Centre.
“The Kia Carens perfectly embodies our latest design philosophy, ‘Opposites United’, and it successfully combines sportiness with a sophisticated personality and style with unique aesthetics,” said Habib. “The Kia Carens is a true reflection on what today’s customers want from their three-row vehicles.”
The new Kia Carens will debut in India in the middle of December 2021, so stay tuned to their YouTube channel to see it live.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Kia Corporation has teased sketches of Kia Carens, the company’s highly-anticipated model due for its world premiere on 16 December, 2021. With luxurious interiors, smart connectivity features, bold exteriors and generous space for all occupants including even the third row ones, the Kia Carens is all poised to create a new class of recreational vehicles in India. The Kia Carens has been designed keeping in mind the evolved, unmet needs of modern Indian families who want to enjoy commuting together.
The Kia Carens debuts the company’s new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ in India. The daring and bold design language takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity. This design philosophy is based on five strong pillars. Bold for nature, Joy for reason, Power to progress, Technology for life, and Tension for serenity. Carens’ design is based on the ‘Bold for Nature’ theme and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity while connecting to the brand’s new design direction.
The Kia Carens hosts the company’s unique and powerful design language, personifying youthfulness in its character. The exterior boasts high-tech styling details, including Kia’s unique Tiger Face design at the front, strikingly highlighted intake grille, LED headlamps, and daytime running lights (DRLs), which all together give a strong and impressive look. The SUV-like side profile takes a muscular stance and further underlines the strong yet refined style of the vehicle.
The interior is designed to meet mobility lifestyle needs and daily usage preference in India. The high-tech wraparound dash design depicts a future-oriented image while giving an impression of wide and luxurious cabin. The chrome garnish applied to the doors enhances the overall premium feel. The 10.25-inch Audio Video Navigation Telematics (AVNT) is located at the center of the dash, offering a modern ambience.
