Kia Carens - Merging SUV And MPV Traits In One Package

The Kia Carens shakes up the three-row formula, merging SUV and MPV traits in one package

- Tuhin Guha

Type 1,353cc, Inline-4 mild-hybrid turbo petrol 1,493cc, Inline-4 turbo diesel

Max torque 242Nm@1,500-3,200rpm 250Nm@1,500-2,750rpm

+ Interior space and practicality, ride comfort, turbo driveability

Max power 140PS@6,000rpm 115PS@4,000rpm

- Some top-line features missing, diesel low-end grunt

With every new Kia model that we’ve seen in India since the brand launched here in 2019, a fresh take on an existing segment has been a given. The Kia Carens seems to take this thought to a higher degree, positioned to offer attributes of both an MPV and an SUV in what has suddenly become quite a crowded space to play in.

The Carens is essentially the three-row derivative of the Seltos, meant to compete with three-row SUVs and to fill in as a choice for MPV buyers who so far haven’t had any options in this price range. A smart tactic, but how does it play out in the real world?

Styling and dimensions