Is Kia Carens the Perfect 7-Seater MUV? - Read To Know More!

Posted on: Sep 21, 2022 | | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Is Kia Carens the Perfect 7-Seater MUV? - Read To Know More!

Published on September 15, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

The Kia Carens is a vehicle that Kia has been producing since 1999 and has gone through four generations. It has been marketed internationally under several nameplates, most notably the Kia Rondo. Since the second generation, the vehicle has been available in South Korea, Europe, and North America. The first three models had a compact MPV body design and were marketed internationally.

Since it was created as a "strategic model" for the Indian market, the fourth-generation model adopted a different approach in terms of design and the markets it was intended for. It also adopts an exterior style influenced by crossovers. While the name "Rondo" is derived from the musical phrase "Rondo," the names "Carens" and "Renaissance" are related.

Kia debuted the first generation model of the Carens, the RS series, in May 1999. A facelift was issued in 2002. The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for the updated model, which was launched in 2002. On December 16, 2021, the fourth-generation Carens was unveiled in India. The car was finally launched on February 15 2022. As opposed to earlier generations, it is primarily aimed at emerging markets like India and is based on a platform of Hyundai Creta/Seltos.

2022 Kia Carens

The styling of the fourth-generation model is heavily influenced by crossovers, as opposed to the estate-inspired appearance of the previous versions. It was designed with space for last-row seat users in mind and is positioned by Kia as a MUV with options of 6 or 7 seats.

The model is available in 3 engine variants- 1 diesel and 2 petrol. The gearbox is similar to the Seltos (India manufactured). The first petrol engine is the 1.4 liter engine. It is a kappa turbo engine producing a peak power of 140 PS. The transmission is either six-gear or seven-gear transmission. The second petrol engine is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces a peak power of 115 PS, and the engine is used with a CVT automatic transmission or a six-speed transmission. The diesel engine is an automatic 1.5-liter U-Line diesel engine with a peak power of 115 PS.

The fourth-generation Carens comes standard with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, hill-hold, tire pressure monitor and six airbags- two frontal, two on the side of the front seats and two head-protecting curtains covering the first two rows.

Kia Carens Crash Test

The Carens underwent a Global NCAP crashworthiness evaluation with the results unveiled at the end of June. The Carens was the final model to be evaluated using the Global NCAP guidelines for 2017–2022. A step up from its partner model, the Seltos, in the crash test from the front, the front occupant's safety was good, and the airbag was able to protect the passenger's neck and head.

Protection of the chest was graded as marginal due to dummy readings indicating that the chest compression was limited and the passenger compartment was unstable. Since the footwell ruptured, Kia was unable to show that the fascia's supporting components did not raise the risk of damage for passengers of different sizes or seated in different postures. The high pedal movement was a big factor in the poor score. The 18-month-old dummy was stable, but the three-month child faced head damage.

The Carens passed a regulation side impact test sponsored by Kia that followed ECE Regulation 95 methods. This result was not included in the evaluation since the Carens fell short of the required frontal impact score for a five-star rating.

Kia Carens Competitors

The Kia Carens was introduced at an extremely affordable price that covers a large portion of the 7-seater MUV sector. The Maruti Suzuki XL6, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Mahindra Marazzo directly compete against the base and mid-variant Kia Carens vehicles. The top-tier Carens models are specifically designed to compete with Tata Safari, Toyota Innova Crysta and Hyundai Alcazar.

The Kia Carens is the vehicle that debuts Kia's new design ethos to India. The new Kia lineup's tiger snout grille and aggressive styling are replaced by a more sleek, angular design aesthetic. The lower half of the bumper is where the tiger nose grille is located. Sharp headlamps and slender black bar highlight the car and give it a unique look.

The Kia Carens' rear features a more fluid appearance that was influenced by Kia Sportage which is available in developed markets. The new taillamp cluster is connected by a sleek red bar and has an angular shape. The backside of the Carens is given extra flair by the use of textured chrome on the bumper.

The new 7-seater Carens is packed with various features which have become synonymous with Kia vehicles. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display pairs with the 4.2-inch digital MID cluster. Ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, sunroof and 8-speaker Bose audio system in the interior cabin enhance customer satisfaction.

The room for passengers in the second and third rows is where most 7-seater cars typically make compromises. With the largest wheelbase in its class, the Kia Carens offers an extra room across all seven seats. Kia has succeeded in creating a vehicle that third-row passengers can use pleasantly and practically without making many sacrifices.

Conclusion

Indian consumers now place a high priority on safety, and the six airbags on the car even in the base segment is an added bonus. This gives reliability to the customers and ensures that even the base models have the highest safety standards. The installation of these airbags is appreciated and will be a crucial distinction from its competitors, even though this is being done in anticipation of the new safety rules that will take effect in 2023.

Other premium safety features that are included as standard include Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Assist Control, Brake Assist and Roll Assist Control. Roll Assist Control. Roll Assist Control. Downhill Brake Assist. The Kia Carens will be well-liked in the market given its price point and emphasis on safety.

If you have finalized this car, do not forget to purchase Kia car insurance from HDFC Ergo . HDFC Ergo covers theft, fire and explosion, accidents, calamities, personal accidents, third-party accidents, etc.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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