Kia Carens HTK Petrol: A Feature-Packed 7-Seater Car
The Kia Carens HTK Petrol variant stands out as a highly desirable option in the 7-seater car segment. Positioned as the second base model, it offers a surprising array of premium features and comfort. This article explores the key aspects of the Carens HTK Petrol, including its design, interior, performance, and pricing.
Car Overview and Pricing
The Kia Carens HTK Petrol is a non-turbo variant, though turbo and diesel engine options are also available. The base model of the Carens starts from an ex-showroom price of approximately ₹10,50,000. The HTK non-turbo petrol variant is priced at about ₹13,49,000 (ex-showroom). It comes after the HT and HT Optional variants and before the HTX model, which itself has multiple sub-variants. For convenience, the car comes with two identical keys featuring lock, unlock, and boot unlock buttons with Kia branding.
Striking Exterior Design
Front Profile
The front of the Carens HTK Petrol features prominent Kia branding. It includes glossy and grey inserts, daytime running lights (DRLs), and a complete projector headlamp setup. Indicators are placed below the headlamps. The lower grill is finished in blackout. This variant also boasts four front parking sensors for easier maneuvering. A towing hook option is available, and a silver-finished skid plate adds to its robust look. The ground clearance is around 195 mm. The car is also equipped with a dual wiper and washer system.
Side Profile
The Carens is ideal for those seeking a luxurious and comfortable 7-seater vehicle. Even as a second base model, it provides excellent features. The petrol variant comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, while diesel models may have 16-inch steel wheels. All four wheels are equipped with disc brakes. The car features black body cladding along the sides. The outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) are body-colored, electrically adjustable, and foldable, with integrated indicators. Both the A-pillar and B-pillar are finished in glossy black. The fuel filler cap is for petrol, with a fuel tank capacity of 45 liters. The roof is plain but includes silver-finished roof rails.
Rear Profile
At the rear, the HTK variant features partially lit LED taillights. The central strip between the taillights is glossy black but not illuminated in this model. It showcases Kia branding and “Carens Klavik” badging. Four reverse parking sensors and a camera are present near the number plate. Reflectors and a towing hook option are also provided. A skid plate, similar to the front, is found on the rear bumper. The reverse light is clearly visible. This variant does not include a rear wiper or defogger. It has a high-mount stop lamp, an integrated spoiler, and a shark fin antenna. The spare tire is a normal steel wheel, conveniently placed underneath.
Spacious and Feature-Rich Interior
Driver and Front Passenger Area
The interior of the Carens HTK Petrol features a dual-tone theme. The door trims include power window controls, a door opener, speakers, and bottle holders, all made from hard plastic. Sun blinds are provided for passenger comfort. The fabric seats offer height adjustment and recline options for the driver. Essential controls like the fuel lid opener, bonnet release lever, headlamp leveler, and traction control switch are easily accessible.
The dashboard has a premium design. The digital instrument cluster displays speed, RPM, range, trip information, average mileage, audio details, and outside temperature. It also includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and various drive assist features. The steering wheel has a new, modern design with the Kia logo slightly shifted to the right. It comes with controls for infotainment, calls, and the MID. The steering column is tilt-adjustable. This variant also features automatic headlamps and wiper controls.
The center console hosts an 8-9 inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, and Aux connectivity. Media and radio buttons, along with volume controls, are present. A reverse parking camera display provides clear visibility. Below the AC vents, which are finished in black, there’s an automatic climate control system. It offers auto mode, manual fan speed adjustment, and flow control. A 12V charging outlet, Type A, and Type C USB ports are available. The front parking sensors can be turned on or off via a dedicated switch. The car is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, two glass holders, and a handbrake. An armrest with storage space is located between the front seats. The glove box offers space for documents. Other interior features include a manually adjustable IRVM, a sunglass holder, a microphone, and yellow roof lights. The co-driver’s sun visor has a vanity mirror, and the driver’s side has a ticket holder.
Second Row Comfort
The second row boasts roof-mounted AC vents with fan speed controls. Two Type-C USB ports and space for phones are provided. The fabric seats are a 60-40 split, allowing for folding, sliding, and reclining. Two adjustable headrests and an armrest are included (though the armrest does not have glass holders). The flat floor enhances comfort for three passengers. The Carens HTK comes standard with six airbags.
Third Row Access and Space
Access to the third row is made easy by the tumble-fold mechanism of the second-row seats. The third row also features two adjustable headrests and reclinable seats. Passengers benefit from glass holders, USB ports, roof-mounted AC vents, and yellow roof lights. Despite being the last row, it offers good legroom, average thigh support, and ample headroom. Two seat belts are provided in this area.
Practical Boot Space
The Carens HTK offers 216 liters of boot space. This can be significantly expanded to over 400 liters by folding the 50-50 split third-row seats, making it highly versatile for carrying luggage. The boot area includes USB ports, bottle holders, roof-mounted AC vents, a boot light, and hooks. The toolkit, including the jack and other tools, is conveniently placed underneath the boot floor.
Dimensions and Colors
The Kia Carens has a length of 4550 mm, a width of 1800 mm, and a height of 1708 mm. Its wheelbase measures 2780 mm. It is available in various colors, including Grey, Silver, White, Blue, and Red.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Kia Carens offers three engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5L turbo petrol, and a 1.5L diesel engine.
- 1.5L Non-Turbo Petrol Engine: This variant produces 113 bhp of power and 144 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed mileage of 18-19 kmpl, which varies with driving style.
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine: This more powerful option delivers 157 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, with a mileage of up to 18 kmpl.
- 1.5L Diesel Engine: The diesel engine provides 114 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque, boasting an impressive mileage of 20-21 kmpl.
Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the Kia Carens. The HTK variant is equipped with:
- ABS with EBD
- Six airbags
- Reverse parking sensors
- Reverse parking camera
- Speed alert system
- Seat belt warning
- Engine immobilizer
- Crash sensor
- Automatic headlamps
- Traction control
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
- Hill Descent Control
The Kia Carens HTK petrol variant combines premium features, comfortable seating for seven, and robust safety specifications, making it a strong contender in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment for families seeking a feature-rich and reliable car.