Kia Carens production begins at India factory in Andhra Pradesh

The Carens is expected to be launched in the coming days, and will be available with both petrol and diesel engines.

Kia has begun mass production of the Carens MPV at its factory in India. The much-awaited MPV will be able to seat six or seven, depending upon the configuration, and will be Kia’s fourth offering for the Indian market.

There will be three engine options. The first one is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which makes 113bhp and 144Nm. The second engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that can dish out 138bhp and 242Nm. The last engine, and the only diesel offering, is a 1.5-litre engine that makes 113bhp and 250Nm. All engines can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission. Alternatively, the turbo-petrol motor can be spaced with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, and the diesel engine can be opted with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Kia is offering the Carens in five variants and the safety package is standard across the range. You get 6 airbags, ESC, VSM, Hill Ascent Control, Downhill braking control, traction control, ABS, rear parking sensors, brake assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and disc brakes on all wheels.

You also get a well-kitted interior which included a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You also get an 8-speaker BOSE sound system. Other premium bits include drive modes, ambient lighting, auto AC, a sunroof, electric tumble assist for the second row and more such features. 

The Carens shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Alcazar, but both cars are different when it comes to the features, certain engine options and overall. The Carens come across as the more value-for-money offering of the two, while the Alcazar has more premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, making it the more loaded choice.

Once launched, the Kia Carens will rival the MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the Hyundai Alcazar. We expect it to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.

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