Kia rejigs Carens line up, launches diesel MT variant at Rs 12.67 lakh

For the 2024 model year, Kia has expanded the Carens trim line-up from 23 variants to 30 variants, with the addition of a new diesel-manual powertrain. The carmaker has also updated the existing variants with a range of new features, along with the introduction of a new paint scheme.

Kia Carens: new variants, features

The new variants on offer with the Carens include Premium (O), Prestige (O), and Prestige+ (O). Over the Premium variant, the Premiun (O) gets keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment screen, shark fin antenna, steering-wheel mounted controls, and burglar alarm. Meanwhile the Prestige (O) offers the choice of 6- or 7-seat layouts, leatherette-wrapped gear knob, a smart key with push-button start, rear LED lights, LED DRLs, and positioning lamp.

The Prestige+ (O) variant, which is only available with the automatic gearbox options, gets an electric sunroof, along with an LED map lamp and room lamp. Moreover, the Carens is now equipped wth a 180W smartphone charger as standard, as opposed to the 120W unit that was previously available. 

The range-topping X-Line trim is now equipped with a new dashcam, along with all windows up and down with voice commands. The X-Line can now also be had with a 7-seater configuration. Kia has also introduced a new colour option for the Carens - Pewter Olive, carried over from the Seltos. The new colour is offered with all variants except the X-Line trim.

Kia Carens: powertrains

The Kia Carens is available with three engine options, including a 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 116hp and 250Nm torque, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine rated at 115hp/144 Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 160hp and 253Nm torque.

The diesel engine can now be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual), or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The NA petrol engine is offered with a 6-speed manual only, while the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine continues to be offered with a 6-speed iMT as well as an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Kia Carens: price, rivals

Pricing for the Kia Carens has gone up, with a new base price of 10.52 lakh, going up to Rs 19.67 lakh. The MPV directly rivals the Maruti Suzuki XL6, but also faces competition from Hyundai Alcazar, Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Marazzo, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion.