Hello car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Looking for a new family car in India? The decision involves so much – from your budget and safety to monthly maintenance, the latest features, and reliable company service. It is a big investment, and you want to get it right. Well, what if we told you there is a vehicle that ticks many of these boxes, especially if you are eyeing a practical and feature-rich 7-seater?

Today, we are diving deep into the Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel, a variant that offers a compelling blend of space, comfort, and efficiency, making it a strong contender in the bustling Indian MPV market. Let us find out if this is the perfect match for your family needs.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel variant is powered by a reliable and fuel-efficient diesel engine, perfect for long drives and city commutes alike.

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency: Impressive mileage for a 7-seater, making it economical to run.

Design Overview

The Carens strikes a unique balance between an SUV's road presence and an MPV's practicality, a design language Kia calls a 'recreational vehicle'.

• Exterior Design: The Carens boasts a modern and distinctive look. It features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, sleek LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a bold front fascia. The sharp character lines along the side add to its dynamic appeal, while the robust cladding gives it a rugged, SUV-like stance. It stands apart from traditional MPVs with its contemporary styling.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and the Carens immediately impresses with its spacious cabin and premium feel. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on variant) creates an airy atmosphere. The dashboard has a clean, minimalist layout with high-quality materials. Ergonomics are well thought out, ensuring all controls are within easy reach. The seating is comfortable, especially in the first two rows, providing ample support for long journeys.

Key Features

Even in the Premium Opt variant, the Kia Carens comes loaded with practical and desirable features:

• Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
• Connectivity: Basic connectivity features to keep you in touch and entertained on the go.
• Climate Control: An efficient manual air conditioning system with dedicated rear AC vents for second and third rows, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
• Convenience: Steering mounted audio controls, all four power windows, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlamps, second-row one-touch electric tumble seat for easy third-row access.
• Safety & Utility: USB charging ports for all three rows, driver seat height adjustment, and keyless entry.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Carens?

• The Kia Carens offers a healthy 195 mm of ground clearance, which is quite good for Indian roads, allowing it to tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Carens?

• With all three rows up, the Carens offers a decent 216 litres of boot space.
• This can expand significantly to 645 litres when the third row is folded down, making it highly versatile for luggage.

What is the Dimensions of Kia Carens?

• Length: 4540 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1708 mm
• Wheelbase: 2780 mm

Powertrain Options

Apart from the 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel engine, the Kia Carens also offers two petrol engine choices:

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: 115 PS, 144 Nm, paired with a 6-speed Manual transmission.
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: 160 PS, 253 Nm, available with iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).

Safety Features

Kia has made safety a top priority with the Carens, offering an impressive suite of standard safety features across all variants:

• 6 Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
• DBC (Downhill Brake Control)
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
• All-wheel Disc Brakes
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

The Kia Carens has been tested by both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, showing different results due to evolving testing protocols.

It is important to note that the Bharat NCAP rating reflects the car's performance under newer, more stringent testing parameters, which include side impact protection and ESC as standard, showcasing its robust safety credentials in the Indian market.

Rivals of Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel

The Kia Carens competes in a segment with several strong contenders:

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Maruti Suzuki XL6
• Toyota Rumion
• Hyundai Alcazar (a step up in price but often cross-shopped for 7-seater needs)
• Citroen C3 Aircross

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel to help you make an informed choice.

Pros

• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: A genuine 7-seater with good space even in the third row, suitable for families.
• Refined and Fuel-Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel is smooth, responsive, and offers excellent mileage for daily commutes and highway trips.
• High Standard Safety Features: Six airbags and a host of active safety features like ESC, VSM, HAC are standard across all variants, providing peace of mind.
• Premium Interior Feel: The cabin offers a more upscale experience compared to many rivals in its segment.
• Smooth Manual Gearbox: The 6-speed manual transmission is slick and a joy to operate.
• Good Ride Comfort: The long wheelbase contributes to a stable and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well.
• Value for Money: The Premium Opt Diesel variant offers a strong package of essential features and safety at a competitive price point.

Cons

• Global NCAP Rating: While it achieved 5 stars in Bharat NCAP, the 3-star Global NCAP rating might be a point of concern for some buyers, though differences in testing protocols are key.
• Lack of Some Premium Features: In the Premium Opt variant, you will miss out on features like automatic climate control, a sunroof, or wireless charging which are available in higher trims or some rivals.
• Diesel Engine Performance (Full Load): While efficient, the 1.5L diesel might feel a bit strained when the car is fully loaded with passengers and luggage, especially on inclines or during quick overtakes on highways.
• Limited Boot Space with All Seats Up: While acceptable, 216 litres is not huge for big family trips if all seven seats are occupied.

Conclusion

The Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel makes a very strong case for itself as a practical, safe, and feature-rich family MPV in the Indian market. It offers a winning combination of spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and segment-leading safety features, making it ideal for large families or those who frequently travel with friends.

While the Premium Opt variant may not have all the bells and whistles of its higher-end siblings, it brilliantly balances cost with essential features and robust safety. If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and economical 7-seater with a premium touch and great service backing, the Kia Carens Premium Opt Diesel is definitely worth considering. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand. It just might be the family companion you have been searching for!