THREE TIMES LUCKY

In their third year, Kia India launch their third made-for-India model with three rows of seats. Presenting the Kia Carens

- Sarmad Kadiri

IT'S AMAZING HOW IN JUST THREE YEARS KIA have become one of the top car-makers of India. Now they are ready with their third India-specific model: the Carens. Despite being based on a stretched Seltos platform, with a 160-millimetre longer wheelbase, the Carens looks nothing like its sibling. The promise is to offer three spacious rows of seating, segment-leading features, and to bring picnic baskets back in trend. The new model is being marketed as a 'Recreational Vehicle', one that offers SUV-like appeal and an MPV's practicality. Easier said than done, but the Kia brand is full of surprises and we're intrigued.

The Carens looks very unique, especially from the front. The clamshell-inspired bonnet gives it an SUV touch, while the electric-car like front with a completely shut grille a distinct face. There's a glossy black strip with 3D texturing that reflects light interestingly and adds a premium car-like element. Kia have executed the split LED headlamp set-up really well. The arrow-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) also act as turn indicators and are highlighted with neat black accents, while the low-set headlamps are positioned on the bumper. What also looks striking is now the signature 'Tiger Nose’ is integrated into the bumper (instead of the grille) and doubles as an air dam.

It's a pretty large car and one only realises this when viewed from the side. In fact, it's even larger than the Hyundai Alcazar, being longer by 40 mm, 10 mm wider, and taller by 25 mm and the 20-mm longer wheelbase helps carve out that crucial bit of cabin space, especially for the third row. While comparing the dimensions, what blew us away is that the Carens' wheelbase is slightly longer than the mighty Innova Crysta's, though the Toyota is longer overall.