Kia has made a strong comeback in the Indian market with the launch of its latest 7-seater, the Kia Carens, now refreshed with premium design touches and an impressive 5-star safety rating. The new model is built to attract families looking for both space and comfort without compromising on safety and modern features.
Let’s dive deep into what the new Kia Carens offers. From its updated design to performance upgrades, it seems like Kia has done its homework. Whether you are planning to buy a family car or want something stylish with good features, this article will help you understand if the new Carens fits your needs.
Design & Style
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Kia Carens is its premium and bold look. Kia has added new design elements that make it stand out on the road. The front now features a sharper grille with chrome highlights, stylish LED DRLs, and a more aggressive bumper.
The side profile looks sleek with new dual-tone alloy wheels and black cladding, which gives it a sporty edge. The rear has also been slightly refreshed with new tail lights and a connecting light strip which adds to its modern appeal.
On the inside, the cabin feels quite upmarket. It comes with dual-tone interiors, ambient lighting, and quality materials all around. The dashboard layout is clean, and the use of gloss black and brushed silver accents makes it look premium.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the Carens comes with multiple engine options. You can choose between a 1.5L petrol engine, a 1.5L turbo petrol, or a 1.5L diesel engine. Each engine is tuned for both power and efficiency, so you get good performance whether you’re in the city or on the highway.
The 1.5L turbo petrol engine produces about 160 PS of power and is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, making it a strong performer in its segment. The diesel engine is ideal for long-distance drives and offers a relaxed driving experience.
Ride & Handling
One of the best things about the new Carens is how comfortable it is on Indian roads. The suspension is tuned well to absorb bumps and potholes with ease. Even when fully loaded, the car feels stable and planted.
The steering is light at low speeds which makes city driving easy, and it gets heavier at high speeds, giving you confidence on the highway. Whether you’re driving alone or with your family, the Carens offers a smooth and balanced ride.
Overview Table: Kia Carens 7-Seater at a Glance
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 Seater (6-seater option available) |
| Engine Options | 1.5L NA Petrol, 1.5L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Transmission | Manual, iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed Automatic |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 16–21 km/l depending on variant |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Global NCAP |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose speakers, connected car tech |
| Key Features | Ventilated seats, Air purifier, 6 airbags, sunroof |
| Price Range | ₹10.50 lakh – ₹18.50 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Features & Tech
Kia has packed the Carens with features that buyers now expect from a premium 7-seater. It gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher variants offer a Bose premium sound system, wireless charging, and connected car technology.
Other highlights include ventilated front seats, a sunroof, ambient lighting, air purifier, rear AC vents for all three rows, and USB-C ports for all passengers.
On the safety front, the Carens is impressive. It now comes with 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and rear parking sensors with camera. The recent 5-star Global NCAP safety rating puts it ahead of many rivals.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Kia has managed to balance performance and mileage well with the Carens. The 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol offers around 16.2 km/l, while the diesel variant gives a mileage of 20.5–21 km/l depending on the transmission.
Even the turbo petrol engine, which is more powerful, delivers around 17.9 km/l, which is quite decent for a car in this size and category. These figures make it a practical choice for both city usage and long highway runs.
Price & Variants
The new Kia Carens is available in multiple trims, giving buyers plenty of options. Here’s the expected price range:
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Base Petrol (Manual): ₹10.50 lakh
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Turbo Petrol DCT: ₹13.99 lakh – ₹17.50 lakh
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Diesel Automatic: ₹13.60 lakh – ₹18.50 lakh
The car is offered in different seating configurations – 6-seater (with captain seats in the middle row) and 7-seater (with a bench seat). You can choose based on your comfort and family needs.