An all-new Kia Carens has been revealed in India and it might just be imported to Malaysia.
The Kia Carens has officially been reborn after being discontinued in 2018. The all-new, fourth-generation Kia Carens was premiered in India, where it will be built alongside the Kia Seltos. Just as before, the Kia Carens is a compact MPV with 3-rows of seats. However, this time around it looks like the third row of seats is an integral part of the design and not an option. This may change if the Carens is introduced to other markets, but the press material insists that it was made for Indian families, so it’s likely a permanent feature.
Despite being made for and in India, the Kia Carens is being touted as “one of the safest vehicles in India” as it comes as standard with six airbags. Not only that, but stability control and all-wheel disc brakes are also standard on the Carens in India. No Advanced Driver Assist Systems are present though, not even as an option.
In India, the Carens will be equipped with a multitude of engine and transmissions including petrol and diesel motors and 7-speed dual-clutch automatics and 6-speed conventional automatics too. It will also come with Multi Drive Modes (Sport/Eco/Normal) and this is linked to the interior ambient lighting system.
Other highlights include a 10.25″ HD Touchscreen with navigation and next-gen Kia Connect, and an 8-speaker BOSE sound system. The Carens is equipped with a Smart Pure Air Purifier, ventilated front seats and a sunroof. Access to the third row is available via a one touch easy electric tumble system on the 2nd row of seats.
Here’s the press release with more on the Kia Carens’ design and features.
PRESS RELEASE
Design
The exterior of the Kia Carens embodies the company’s latest design philosophy – ‘Opposites United.’ The SUV-like exterior design shows the confidence and innovation of the Kia Carens. With edgy character lines and rich volume within its bold side profile, the design of the Carens results in a sporty yet sophisticated combination. The modern and high-tech design of the Carens is aimed at millennials, with eye-catching characteristics and unique aesthetics. The front shows a sporty and stable stance with high-tech details. The DRL in the headlamps is designed based on Kia’s new signature lighting concept – ‘The Star Map’. The horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper creates an impressive tiger face. SUV-like side profile, high frontend with a pushed back A-pillar, and a straight roofline with optimum ground clearance makes it a capable recreational vehicle.
While the car looks sleek and dynamic with its slim DLO graphic, it also offers generous headroom as a multi-seater vehicle. At the rear, the combination lamp on the robust sections makes the Carens look wide and strong. The Star Map LED gives it a high-tech feel, and the three-dimensional chrome garnish adds to its sporty looks. Three new colours have been introduced on the Kia Carens – the mysterious Imperial Blue inspired by Azurite minerals; a low saturation Moss Brown for a unique look; and Sparkling Silver with metal particles that gives the paint a sense of vitality.
The interior of the Kia Carens is based on the design pillar – ‘Joy for reason’ – which creates happiness through a combination of a warm and relaxing aesthetic. On the Kia Carens, these elements feel combined thanks to plenty of thoughtful styling details. In this respect, extensive research was undertaken by Kia on the lifestyle and requirements of Indian families.
The sophisticated interior features soothing colours, plenty of storage space with a layout designed to put all occupants at ease. The dashboard has a wide high-gloss black panel that accentuates the overall design, while the door trims look stylish and are uniquely designed for offering storage space. Inspired by airplane seats, all three-seat rows in the Carens combine comfort with aesthetics by matching materials, patterns and colours in an elegant manner. The centre switches are uniquely designed so that they highlight the smart experience the Carens offers. The second-row is also packed with functionality, featuring Retractable Seatback Tables with an integrated cup holder and space to put tech gadgets, guaranteeing a pleasant journey experience. The interior of the Kia Carens also focuses on delivering practicality by creating multiple storage spaces for various needs and small but valuable convenience features.
The various Exterior and Interior design aspect of the car also consists:
- Crown Jewel Headlamps with Star Map DRL
- Star Map LED Tail Lamps
- R-16 – 40.62 (16”) Dual Tone Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels
- Two tone side door garnish
- Chrome Rear Bumper Garnish with Diamond Knurling Pattern
- Rear Skid Plate – Black Premium Hi Gloss
- Integrated Rear Spoiler with Hi-Gloss Black side cover
- Rear centre fascia reflector – Connected type
- Single Wing Type Air Vents Design with Premium Run Around Silver Garnish
- Distinct Black High Gloss Dashboard
Safety Features
The Kia Carens is a true family car, offering a number of active safety features. The model comes with Hi-Secure Safety Package, a first in India. Included as standard across all trims of the Carens are six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS), Highline TPMS and All Wheel Disc Brakes. While the ESC protects the car from the loss of traction, HAC and DBC let drivers confidently drive on uphill and downhill roads. Additionally, the VSM ensures occupant safety by offering stability to the car when the driver must perform sudden braking and turns. Continuing this focus on safety, the company has also offered Front-Parking Sensors, Highline TPMS, and Rain-Sensing Wipers with the car, giving utmost confidence to the driver at all times and allowing them to fully focus on road conditions ahead.
Kia Connect
With Carens, the connected car platform gets a complete revamp with the next-generation Kia Connect app, which replaces the previous UVO system. Kia Connect now hosts updated and exciting features with added safety and convenience. One of the major updates with Kia Connect is the enhancement of OTA (Over the Air) Map and System Updates, which is now capable of updating software without visiting the Kia workshop. The Carens will come equipped with 60+ connected car features and what is more exciting is that the AVNT of the vehicle now supports ten native languages.
Space and Convenience
The Kia Carens redefines practicality and sets a new standard with its interior space and convenience features. The large cabin space offers generous third-row legroom that is led by the best-in-class length wheelbase of the car. The One Touch Easy Electric Tumble in the second-row ensures easy ingress and egress of the patrons in the car. The second row also features recline and slide functions for utmost comfort. In addition to the optimum space and recline functions, the third-row seats can also be flattened in the boot to ensure maximum cargo space.
The Kia Carens is designed to deliver on-board convenience to the family. The Cabin Surround 64 Colour Ambient Mood Lighting sets a perfect ambience at all the times. The ventilated front seats and three Drive Modes, namely Sports, Eco, and Normal, gives the driver the journey they want without any hassle. One of the best aspects of the Carens is the optimum space management of the interior, which enables the vehicle to offer plenty of storage space. The car incorporates cooling cup holders, Retractable Seat Back Table with Cup and Gadget Mount, Sliding Type Seat Under Tray, Easy Push Retractable cup holder and sliding tray, and a dedicated air freshener mounting system for maximum convenience. In fact, the Kia Carens has a long list of convenience features, which includes:
- 2nd row Seat Back Folding armrest with Cup Holders
- Paddle Shifters
- Roof Flushed 2nd & 3rd row diffused AC Vents
- Smartphone Wireless charger with cooling function
- Rear Door Spot Lamp with Kia Logo Projection
- Rear Door Sunshade Curtains
- 5 USB C type interfaces
- Boarding Assist Handle with Illumination
