Kia unveiled the fourth generation of the Kia Carens model (KY index) on December 16. If in previous years a compact van was produced under this name, now it is a crossover.
The conceptual transition is associated with the general fashion for SUVs: the demand for vans all over the world is constantly falling, while for crossovers, on the contrary, is growing. The main sales market will be India, where the presentation of the car took place (therefore, the car has a right-hand drive in the photographs).
The novelty can be described as a “seven-seater Seltos variant ”. The same platform was used here, but it was stretched. The total body length in comparison with the base Seltos has increased by 170 mm (up to 4540 mm), the wheelbase – by 150 mm (up to 2780 mm). Also, the new Carens turned out to be larger than the previous one (+15 mm in length and +30 mm in the wheelbase).
The car is made in the corporate style of Opposites United (“Opposites are united”). The overall design composition of Carens resembles Seltos, but all the body panels are different here, the lighting technology also “does not overlap”.
The cabin has a 2 + 3 + 2 layout. The position of the second row of seats is adjustable in the longitudinal direction. For passengers in the “gallery”, there are ventilation deflectors in the roof. The media system received a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, which is integrated into the front panel (Seltos has a bulging out of it). For an additional charge, backlighting with a choice of 64 colors and an integrated air freshener is available.
In terms of powertrains, Carens will not differ from Indian Seltos. Among the gasoline internal combustion engines, a 1.5-liter “aspirated” Smartstream (115 hp and 144 Nm) and a 1.4-liter Kappa turbo engine (140 hp and 242 Nm) are offered. Diesel 1.5 CRDi develops 115 hp. and 250 Nm. All versions in the “base” are equipped with 6-speed “mechanics”, for the diesel engine you can also choose a 6-speed “automatic”, for the 1.4 T-GDI – a “robot” for seven speeds. Front-wheel drive only.
Carens will begin sales in India in the first quarter of 2022. Prices have not been named, they will be published by the end of this year. Gradually, the model will be introduced to other markets, perhaps one day in the left-hand drive version it will reach the Russian market.
