Kia Carens

• The Kia Carens comes equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Smartsteam engine that produces 113bhp of power and 144Nm of torque.

• It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and can go from zero to 100kmph in just 10.42 seconds (claimed).

• This FWD seven-seat MPV gets idle-start stop feature, and a 45-litre fuel tank.

Kia Carens Key Specifications:

Positives:

• It is available with a sunroof that can be operated via voice commands and features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• It has comfortable first- and second-row seating, a spacious and airy cabin, and a fairly usable third row of seats.

• There is an automatic climate control with second- and third-row air vents and a Smart Pure air purifier to ensure comfort and hygiene across all rows.

• The rear sunshade curtains and ventilated front seats enhance passenger comfort during long drives in warm weather.

• It gets a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers for a superior audio experience, a second-row foldable table, and wireless charging with a cooling function.

• The Kia Connect app supports remote operations, vehicle diagnostics, and location tracking for added convenience.

Positives:

• The Kia Carens has received a three-star safety rating from the Global NCAP authorities.

• It gets six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management for crash safety and optimum control in challenging situations.

• There are disc brakes on all wheels, ABS with EBD, hill assist control, and downhill brake control to ensure reliable control and stopping power.

• It gets a dashcam with dual cameras, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

• It gets tyre pressure monitoring, a high-mounted stop lamp with an emergency stop signal, and three-point seatbelts with reminders (all seats).

Negatives:

• Its safety package would have been more appealing if it had a higher safety rating, ADAS functions, and a 360-degree camera.

Positives:

• It has a sophisticated front-end design due to Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille with LED headlamps and DRLs.

• The chrome door handles, 16-inch dual-tone crystal-cut alloys, and connected taillamps create a modern and striking visual presence.

• The ambient mood lighting with 64 colour options creates a luxurious, customisable cabin environment.

• It has two-tone interiors with high-quality materials and comfortable captain seats in the second row, which also elevate cabin aesthetics.

• The two-tone interior colours are black and Splendid Sage Green, Triton Navy and beige, black and beige, and black and beige with indigo accents.

• Exterior paint shades include Xclusive Matte Graphite, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Sparkling Silver, Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, Clear White, Gravity Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl.

Negatives:

• The glossy black trim in the cabin is prone to fingerprint marks and may require frequent cleaning.