Originally launched in 1999, the Kia Carens has been a minivan since its birth, but now the Korean brand has released the fourth generation of the model and has turned it into an SUV, which is not a big surprise, given the success of this type of vehicles.
The Kia Carens 2022 has been unveiled today in India, where it will go on sale during the first quarter of next year, although at the moment we do not know in which other markets it will be sold. Still, we doubt its possible arrival in Europe.
The model now has a more robust appearance, in line with the manufacturer’s SUV models, such as the Kia Sportage (headlights, lamps, etc …), although it maintains the practicality of a minivan or ‘minivan’, depending on the brand.
As far as measurements are concerned, we are talking about a model 4.5 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.7 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.78 meters. This makes it a bit bigger than its predecessor, and also somewhat taller, although the wheelbase has grown noticeably, increasing habitability.
The practically straight roofline also ensures good headroom for rear occupants. In this sense, it should be noted that Kia will offer configurations of six and seven seats, in the first case with two individual seats, ‘Captain’ style, in the second row of seats.
The cabin has also been completely revamped, with a more modern overall look, thanks to a fully digital instrument cluster or a 10.25-inch multimedia screen. However, there are still physical controls to control the air conditioning.
In terms of equipment, it includes an air purifier, LED ambient lighting with 64 colors to choose from, ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic glass roof or remote updates, as well as driving assistants such as the one in hill start, descent or brake assist.
In India, it will be available with the same engines as the Kia Seltos, with which it shares a platform. We are talking about a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline, with 117 hp and 144 Nm, a 1.4-liter turbocharged with 142 hp and 242 Nm, and 1.5-liter turbo diesel with 117 hp and 250 Nm.
The first is combined with a six-speed manual transmission, while the second has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the diesel is associated with a six-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter.
