The Kia Carens has returned to South Africa. After a hiatus of about two decades (and four generations), the Korean people mover – now referred to as an MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) rather than an MPV – has grown in size to offer seating for seven and, interestingly, is now available here only with diesel power.
I still remember when the Kia Carens was first launched in South Africa back in 2000. At the time, the Korean newcomer to the MPV craze of the 1990s was jostling with the Renault Scénic, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Citroën Xsara Picasso, Toyota Corolla Verso and the like.
Fast forward two decades, and the Carens makes a comeback to Mzansi, this time as a seven-seat crossover with SUV-type styling, which Kia refers to as an MUV, to compete against the growing number of local contenders in the seemingly reinvigorated family mover category.
The Carens have grown somewhat during the intervening years, and now, in its fourth incarnation, it measures 4,525 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,610 mm in height, with a generous 2,750 mm wheelbase to accommodate a third row of seats.
Developed under the codename “XY” and based on a stretched Seltos platform, the locally introduced range, known as the Carens Clavis in India, features a much bolder and contemporary design than the Seltos.
With more angular, EV-like lines, the Carens also looks bigger and more spacious than its SUV sibling. Like many of Kia’s models, the Carens’ striking front design features thin LED daytime running lights positioned above the star-map-inspired LED headlights, which offer a distinctive signature look.
Inside, the layout of the dashboard with Dual Panoramic Display, merging a 12.3” infotainment screen and digital integrated cluster with 12” TFT screen, and a sleek D-cut steering wheel is smart, simple and uncluttered, giving it an airy, spacious feel.
There is ample legroom and headroom for second-row passengers, but less so for the third row. Even so, it is more spacious and comfortable than most of its competitors, and the luggage space at the rear is also larger than that found in other seven-seat people movers.
FOUR DERIVATIVES, DIESEL POWER
Four model derivatives (LS, LX, EX and SX) are available, all utilising Kia’s 1.5-litre diesel engine offering 85 kW at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm – an interesting choice, given that the Carens is available with two petrol engines (and an EV drivetrain) overseas.
The LS models come with a six-speed manual gearbox, 16” wheels and partial LED rear combination lamps. Inside, it receives a heigh adjustable driver’s seat, cloth and artificial leather upholstery, a centre armrest, manual aircon, an 8” infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus Bluetooth with voice recognition, a Supervision 4,2” TFT LCD cluster, a six-speaker sound system and rear parking distance warning system.
The LX steps things up with a six-speed auto transmission, 17” dual-tone alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors and roof rails. The interior gains a back-seat panel with a pocket, artificial-leather upholstery, cruise control, and a wireless smartphone charger. EX derivatives gain LED daytime running lights, a smart key system with push button start, a 12.3” infotainment display and front and rear park distance warning.
The top-of-the-range Carens SX ups the ante with electric driver seat adjustment and electronic lumbar support, smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, electric windows, front heated seats, a digital 12” TFT integrated LCD cluster display and a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers. The SX also adds a long list of innovative ADAS features.
We sampled the flagship SX on a short launch route in Gauteng, and on the road, the seven-seater unsurprisingly behaved like a slightly bigger and heavier Seltos. However, in our view, its ride quality and passenger comfort are class-leading, and the small diesel mill is a jewel in this application.
LAST WORD
Although launched amidst rising diesel prices, the renaissance of the Carens in South Africa in diesel form may just prove to be an inspired move by Kia. Given its oil-burning powerplant and somewhat larger size, the Carens is also competitively priced against rivals such as the Ertiga in its highest specification (R359,995). Toyota Rumion (R407,600) and Mitsubishi Xpander (R419,995).
With its modern looks, solid feel, spaciousness, good road manners, frugal consumption (around 5.8 litres/100 km) and generous power delivery compared to its competitors, the new Carens, priced from R399,995 to R599,995, presents a highly viable alternative in the emerging seven-seat family-mover market.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © KIA MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA
