[DImPo]

I was keen to book the KIA Carens and to identify the variant that would fit my budget, I estimated the possible prices of various variants. My estimate is based on the inputs from couple of KIA dealers(expected range of ex-showroom price), price difference of different variants of Seltos, prices of Alcazar and feature differences. My guesstimate is as below:




Though I had made up my mind for the 1.5 NA Petrol engine, only the base two variants are available in this engine option that too with 195/65/R15 tyres as compared with 205/65/R16 variants (Height of 1708mm and Ground Clearance of 195mm is based on R16 wheels). This engine option also lacks Alloy wheels, Rear wiper, Electric Folding ORVM, Push button, Cruise control and DRL. Hence, almost decided to book the 1.4 Turbo MT Prestige Plus Variant. And then I scrolled through the Seltos Official Review pages for owners observations and I am reminded of these issues
a) Hard Brake Pedal (at times)
b) instances of Turbo & EGR replacement
c) Cracks in windshield
d) Chipping of paint
e) Poor Light throw both in Halogen and LED set up.

And I decided not to go ahead with the booking (atleast for the time being). Though it is hard to resist the Safety features offered as standard.

[throttleflick]

Originally Posted by Ceyen

That is one ugly looking car. They set the bar so high with the Seltos and the appearance of this car is such a letdown.

I agree with this. The seltos looks so clean and despite that, it manages to make heads turn. Can’t say the same for the Carens. I find it comparable to a Honda BRV, especially at the back.

With what Kia has done with Seltos and the Carnival, I think i’d have liked the Carens follow a similar design language. A downsized Carnival with car like rear doors would look so good.

[Venkatesh]

The Kia Carens received 7,738 bookings within 24 hours of bookings opening.

Kia India says this is the highest Day 1 bookings it has received for any of its models in India.



Link

[TheStRyder]

Originally Posted by Venkatesh

The Kia Carens received 7,738 bookings within 24 hours of bookings opening.

Kia India says this is the highest Day 1 bookings

These 1st day booking numbers will remain high for any new launch for some time to come. There are high wait times for almost all existing cars. People are making multiple bookings and then going ahead with the one which gets delivered earliest.

[G V Krishna]

As many other members have mentioned, in a sea of Ertigas/XL6 & overly priced Innovas, there is always a room for a sleek looking, 'popular brand' MPV.

As seen, the public will lap up the Carens as it ticks all the check boxes except Safety. And we know that not all are concerned of the safety ratings. I'll not rant on the safety part more as this car has not been subjected to GNCAP yet.

I wonder why TATA, Toyota haven't tapped into this segment yet. ohhh yeah, I forgot Toyota is in re-badging business now & we'll soon see XL6 with a Toyota badge.

Let us hope Carens gets a good rating in crash tests.

[Kickdown]

Originally Posted by Venkatesh

The Kia Carens received 7,738 bookings within 24 hours of bookings opening.

Alcazar, XUV700, Safari and now Carens all trying to get a share of the MPV pie which was being eaten by the overpriced Innova Crysta alone (and may be the Ertiga siblings to some extent).

What does Toyota do to counter it? Launch a limited edition Innova Crysta with some additional feature gimmicks.

[PreludeSH]

Originally Posted by throttleflick

I agree with this. The seltos looks so clean and despite that, it manages to make heads turn. Can’t say the same for the Carens. I find it comparable to a Honda BRV, especially at the back.

With what Kia has done with Seltos and the Carnival, I think i’d have liked the Carens follow a similar design language. A downsized Carnival with car like rear doors would look so good.

Very true. Kia has mini vans from which it could have been inspired in designing this. The front should have looked like a minivan, shouldn't have just carried the Seltos look. They have just stretched the vehicle and looks odd with neither here not there.

[MarutiGuy1977]

Originally Posted by G V Krishna

I wonder why TATA, Toyota haven't tapped into this segment yet. ohhh yeah, I forgot Toyota is in re-badging business now & we'll soon see XL6 with a Toyota badge.

Maybe time for a Marazzo revival?

[Thunder18]

Spotted the Kia carens in Hyderabad. Looks like a mobilio from the back.

[ant_vas]

Guess the display / test drive vehicles are in transit to showrooms. Hope we get more such scoops especially about the interiors and the 3rd row space

[sunikkat]

The car looks outdated already. Cant imagine how this will look after 5 years.
But then I believe its to do with the segment. None of these MUVs are lookers.

[sid3091]

Those wheels look way too small for the car.

[Venkatesh]

Kia Carens spotted on Mumbai-Pune expressway, test drive cars?

https://youtu.be/_rOd6WlVt7Y

[hydraulicsteer]

Rear bummper sitting flush with the boot door is such terrible design offering for Indian road conditions. Same goes with the Jazz-WRV twins. Future Carens owners get ready for boot denting painting repair bills even on slight rear hits.

[CEF_Beasts]

Kia Carens Media drives begin















Link