Late last year, Kia Motors revealed the Carens, an Indian-built MPV that promises innovation and class-leading features. The new Carens melds the best of both worlds: MPV practicality and SUV styling.
Petrol and diesel engine choices will be made available, combined with two transmission options. This includes a six-speed automatic and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A number of features are fitted to the new Carens such as the next-generation Kia Connect app. From a practicality perspective, family friendly tricks like the retractable seatback table and bottle and gadget holder in the third row of seats are appealing features for a large family.
Aside from that, myriad luxury features are also standard. The three-row MPV boasts 64-colour mood lihgting, ventilated front seats, a BOSE Premium sound system with eight speakers and a 10,25-inch HD touchscreen with navigation. Safety is taken care of with six airbags and a raft of electronic driver aids. This includes stability control, hill-assist control and brake assist, among others.
The cabin of the Kia Carens features one-touch electric tumbling seats in the second row, which allows for easy entry and exit in the cabin. The second row of seats can also recline and slide fore and aft, for passenger comfort. When the third row of seats are not in use, they can be stored in the boot floor to offer up generous levels of packing space.
Cooling cupholders are a nifty touch, adding to the already generous spec levels. Furthermore, the second and third rows enjoy their own air-conditioning vents and there are five UDB C-type interfaces dotted throughout the cabin. Wireless smartphone charging and rear door sunblinds also form part of the package. To keep the driver entertained, paddle shifters allow for manual control over the gearbox.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Carens cost in South Africa?
The Kia Carens hasn't officially launched in South Africa yet, but expect pricing to start around R450,000 for the base petrol variant when it arrives, putting it squarely in premium MPV territory alongside the Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga.
Q: Is the Kia Carens available in South Africa?
Not yet, boet. The Carens made its debut in India but Kia South Africa hasn't confirmed local availability, though given our love for family haulers with SUV styling, it would make perfect sense for our market.
Q: How many seats does the Kia Carens have?
The Kia Carens is a proper three-row, seven-seater MPV with one-touch electric tumbling seats in the second row and foldable third-row seats that disappear into the boot floor when you need maximum packing space.
Q: What engines are available in the Kia Carens?
Kia offers both petrol and diesel engine options in the Carens, paired with either a six-speed automatic or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, though specific power figures haven't been revealed yet.
Q: Is the Kia Carens worth buying over other MPVs?
If it comes to SA with all these features intact, the Carens would be brilliant value with its 64-colour mood lighting, BOSE sound system, ventilated seats, and cooling cupholders, making it a serious contender against the Toyota Avanza and Suzuki Ertiga.
Should You Buy It?
The Kia Carens looks like it could be the best premium MPV under R500,000 in South Africa, if Kia actually brings it here. With features like 64-colour mood lighting, BOSE premium sound, ventilated front seats, and cooling cupholders, it's packing serious luxury kit that puts most competitors to shame. The clever seating arrangements, generous tech specs, and SUV-inspired styling make it a compelling family hauler that doesn't look like a taxi. However, since it's not officially confirmed for our market yet, you'll have to wait and see if Kia South Africa decides to pull the trigger. If they do bring it over with most of these features intact, it would be an absolute winner for large families who want something more upmarket than the usual suspects.
