Kia’s ability to develop innovative new cars that look beyond the obvious is given free rein in the Carens with a hint of SUV attitude, but exhibiting all the versatility and practicality of the most modern compact MPVs, it appeals to private and fleet users alike. One of the first things that struck me with the Kia Carens is the wonderful layout of the controls. Everything is ‘presented’ to you in an easy to reach, easy to see, easy to feel way. The centre console slopes gracefully down, as opposed to dropping vertically into the proverbial void. The ergonomics are excellent. Nothing seems to be in a position where it has to be ‘reached-for’.Two engines are on offer a 2.0-litre 142bhp petrol and a 138bhp turbodiesel. The diesel is powerful enough, and its superior fuel economy makes it a worthy buy. Both engines come with a manual gearbox (five-speed in the petrol and six in the diesel) and either can be specified with a four-speed automatic.
The Carens exhibits versatility and practicality, a foot-operated parking brake allows for more storage space around the driver and front passenger. There is a large compartment beneath the centre armrest; cup holders in the front and rear of the centre console; a sunglasses holder in the headlining; large door pockets with bottle holder storage; and a generous glove box. Standard items across the range include front and rear electric windows with an auto-down facility, electrically-adjustable door mirrors, an under floor storage box and under seat tray on the front passenger's side. The Carens is available as both a five- and seven-seater, for the added space in the seven seater the cushions of the centre-row seats tip forwards, enabling the backrests to fold down to create a flat floor, free of interruptions while the rear row folds into the base leaving a totally flat surface.
In conclusion, the new Kia Carens is an impressive seven-seater family car; it is packed with intelligent features, all of which make the driving and travelling experience a pleasure for both driver and passengers. It looks good, with elegant lines and gracefully rounded corners and is about as versatile in terms of the interior as you could ever hope for. It drives well, with a smooth and quiet air to the whole experience and did not let me down in any single respect. Kia Carens come with a five year bumper-to-bumper unlimited mileage warranty.
