Introducing the 2023 Kia Carens, a three-row minivan that made its debut in India on March 15, 2023. This vehicle follows in the footsteps of the discontinued Kia Rondo from 2019. You can pick from five different trim levels: Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, and Luxury Plus. Under the hood, you have three engine options: a 1.5-liter petrol, a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-liter diesel. All engines come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, while the turbo-petrol engine also offers a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic) transmission.
Design
The 2023 Kia Carens boasts a modern and striking design. Its front end showcases a prominent tiger-nose grille, complemented by sharp LED headlights. On the sides, you'll notice a sleek and dynamic profile, with a robust shoulder line and noticeable wheel arches. The rear features a wraparound LED taillight cluster and a sporty roof spoiler.
Interior
Step inside, and you'll find a roomy and comfortable interior. The dashboard is well-crafted and hosts a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The instrument cluster combines analog and digital elements with a 4.2-inch TFT display. Front seats are supportive and spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom. The second-row seats are roomy and can be folded in a 60:40 split to expand cargo space. As for the third-row seats, they're best suited for children or occasional use.
Features
The 2023 Kia Carens comes loaded with features, including:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Semi-digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT display
- 6-speaker sound system
- Electric sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless phone charger
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Air purifier
- Six airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic stability control
- Hill assist control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Vehicle stability management
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Kia Carens offers three engine choices:
- 1.5-liter petrol engine generating 115PS of power and 144Nm of torque
- 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 160PS of power and 253Nm of torque
- 1.5-liter diesel engine delivering 115PS of power and 250Nm of torque
All engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while the turbo-petrol engine offers a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic) transmission.
The 1.5-liter petrol engine is suitable for city driving but may feel underpowered on highways. The 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine offers excellent performance across various driving conditions. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter diesel engine stands out for its fuel efficiency, making it ideal for long-distance journeys.
Ride and Handling
The 2023 Kia Carens provides a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It also exhibits good handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and transmission:
- 1.5-liter petrol engine with manual transmission: 16.5 km/l
- 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine with manual transmission: 15.5 km/l
- 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine with DCT transmission: 14.5 km/l
- 1.5-liter diesel engine with manual transmission: 21 km/l
- 1.5-liter diesel engine with automatic transmission: 19 km/l
Price
In India, the 2023 Kia Carens starts at ₹10.45 lakhs for the base Premium trim and goes up to ₹18.95 lakhs for the top-end Luxury Plus trim.
Verdict
The 2023 Kia Carens proves to be an excellent choice for families seeking a spacious and feature-rich minivan. It also caters to those prioritizing fuel efficiency, particularly with the diesel variants.
Here are some additional considerations when purchasing a 2023 Kia Carens:
- Variant Selection: Choose from five trim levels based on your feature preferences.
- Engine Choice: Pick the engine that suits your driving needs, whether it's city commuting or long-distance travel.
- Transmission Preference: Decide between the fuel-efficient manual transmission and the convenient DCT option.
- Color Selection: Customize your Carens with various color options to match your style.
Once you've made these decisions, you're ready to start shopping for your 2023 Kia Carens. Compare prices from different dealerships to secure the best deal."
