Introducing the Kia Carens: A New Family Car
Get ready for the new Kia Carens, a fresh addition to the market. This article will explore the HTK Optional variant, covering its design, features, and engine options. The Kia Carens aims to offer comfort and a premium feel for families.
Stylish Front Design
The front of the Kia Carens HTK Optional model features a dark, black lower grille. You will find four front parking sensors and a tow hook option. The skid plate below is finished in a clean gray color. For visibility, it has projector halogen headlamps, along with dedicated parking lights and indicators. When you lock or unlock the car, these lights will give a welcoming display. This specific variant does not include DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). Dual wipers and washers are placed on the windshield for clear vision.
Side Profile and Wheels
Looking at the side, the Kia Carens HTK Optional rides on 16-inch alloy wheels. The car comes with a thick, remote key that has buttons for locking, unlocking, and opening the boot. You get two such flip keys. The front wheels have disc brakes, while the rear wheels use drum brakes. The tires have a profile of 215/60 R16, and they are from Ridgeline. A wide black cladding runs along the side. The outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are body-colored and have integrated turn indicators. The A-pillar has a glossy black finish. This variant also includes an electric sunroof and functional roof rails.
Rear View and Boot Space
The rear design of the Kia Carens offers a sturdy look. In the center, you’ll find the Kia brand logo. This HTK Optional model does not have a rear wiper or defogger. A high-mounted stop lamp, a shark fin antenna, roof rails, and an integrated spoiler are present. The backlights are positioned lower on the bumper, with reflectors and indicators. The car’s name, “Carens,” is clearly visible. The bumper has a dual-tone look with a gray skid plate. There are four reverse parking sensors and a reverse parking camera in the center. The exhaust pipe and a towing option are located beneath.
The boot space is a generous 464 liters, one of the best in its segment, offering plenty of room for luggage. This variant does not come with a parcel tray. The rear seats can be fully folded down (100%) but do not have a 60:40 split option. The spare tire is a 15-inch steel rim, which is one size smaller than the main 16-inch alloy wheels. Tools like a jack are also stored here.
Comfortable Second Row Seating
The second row of the Kia Carens provides a comfortable experience. The door handles are flush with the body. The door trims feature a dual-tone design in light and dark black colors. Sun blinds are included for rear passengers, and the door opener has a gray finish. Power window controls are available, along with a speaker and bottle holder. The seats are made of fabric and include child seat mounts. Inside, you’ll find large AC vents and two USB Type-C charging ports for passengers. With a wheelbase of 2550mm, there is ample legroom and headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride. The headrests in this variant are fixed. White LED roof lights and grab handles are also present.
Driver’s Cabin and Dashboard
The front doors have the same dual-tone trim as the rear. Controls for electric ORVM adjustment and folding are on the driver’s door, along with all four power window controls and door lock buttons. The dashboard looks premium. The steering wheel has a modern design, similar to other Kia models. The front seats are fabric and offer height adjustment and recline options. Near the driver’s footwell, you’ll find the fuel lid opener, manual transmission pedals, a dead pedal, a lever to open the bonnet, and controls to adjust headlamp height and traction control.
Advanced Technology and Infotainment
Inside the driver’s cabin, the Kia Carens HTK Optional boasts a fully digital instrument cluster. It displays the speedometer, RPM meter, and a multi-information display (MID) showing details like distance covered, mileage, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) information. Fuel and temperature gauges are also digital. The steering wheel features controls for the infotainment system and the MID.
The large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Aux connectivity. You can customize various settings through the screen. There’s a premium-looking volume knob in the center, along with physical buttons for media, setup, and other functions. A hazard light switch is located nearby. The black-finished AC vents are prominent. Manual AC controls allow you to adjust fan speed and temperature. For charging, there are Type-C and Type-A USB ports, and a 12V charging outlet. A hidden storage compartment is available in the front. You can also turn front parking sensors on or off and activate the reverse camera with a dedicated view button.
This model comes with a 6-speed manual transmission for the diesel variant. Two cup holders and a manual handbrake are situated in the center console. The armrest has a storage compartment inside. For safety, the car is equipped with six airbags. A manual adjustable IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) and a sunglass holder are on the roof, along with white LED roof lights. This variant features an electric sunroof. A normal glove box is provided without a cooling function.
Powerful Engine Options
The Kia Carens offers both diesel and petrol engine options:
- Diesel: A 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder CDI diesel engine. This engine produces about 114 to 116 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It is expected to deliver a mileage of around 20-21 kmpl.
- Petrol: A 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder turbo GDI petrol engine. This engine provides 120 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque. The expected mileage is about 18-19 kmpl.
The diesel engine comes with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The petrol engine offers a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) and a 6-speed manual option.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The Kia Carens is equipped with a range of safety features to ensure passenger protection:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- Six airbags
- Reverse parking sensors and camera
- Speed alert system
- Seat belt warning
- Engine immobilizer
- Crash sensor
- Traction control
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Overall Impression
The Kia Carens HTK Optional variant provides a comfortable and premium experience. Its thoughtful design, practical features, and robust safety make it a strong contender in its segment.
