[TT-S]

Originally Posted by Jangra

Would have been good if the first Automatic version was under 15lacs

The 1.4 DCT Prestige+ is just under 15 Lac ex showroom? Did you mean 15 Lac OTR?

Originally Posted by sidharthg

My only confusion it Diesel or Petrol (both auto)!
(Diesel for its running cost and TC gearbox) (Petrol for lower maintenance cost but DCT is still a gamble)

Originally Posted by kmadhok

But the prices are the same. So wouldnt everyone just opt for diesel AT?

With the diesel comes DPF troubles. This could be a worry for people who run mostly in the city, or doesn't have much running at all.

Originally Posted by Vibhanshu0923

The only miss in my opinion is the poor spread of automatics in the lower variants. No diesel AT except for the top end variant and no AT for the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol

Originally Posted by mayank0782

Where is the 1.5 CVT ?
What if someone doesn't need the turbo/additional features and just wants a simple 7 seater automatic.

1.5 CVT if available would have to be priced below Seltos and Creta 1.5 CVT variants leading to heavy cannibalization probably. They have consciously avoided giving CVT in the base 1.5 NA engine variants. The upcoming XL6/Ertiga facelift is rumored to come with a 6 speed TC with the 1.5 Petrol engine. That should be the cheapest option. Higher up, the Innova petrol is available with a TC gearbox I believe in the GX variant? Alcazar also has simple petrol auto, but not sure if 7 seater is available with this combo. All others like XUV, upcoming Safari petrol, Hector+ all have turbo petrol engines I guess.

Originally Posted by TorqMaster

The cheapest Carens automatic Petrol or diesel seems to be about 4L (minimum) more expensive .

How will this be of any competition to Ertiga and XL6 to price conscious middle class buyers??

I think KIA will be hoping to persuade potential customers to spend the extra cash and upgrade to a better, more capable power-train with the 1.4 DCT.

[TheHelix0202]

Not to go OT, but before jumping the gun and singing praises for the Kia, one would wonder if it would be prudent to wait for the NCAP test score to arrive before making a conclusive purchase decision. Initial QC issues (if any) would be sorted out too. This is regardless of what chassis underpins the Carens.

What wouldn’t be a pretty scene is the repeat of the 3 Star Seltos thread on our forum. Quite sure that the pricing is Kia’s way of diverting attention from the crucial safety aspect. As informed members of this forum, we’re not just any average Joe on the YouTube comments or Instagram replies sections. Just food for thought, this. I’m open to hear opinions.

[RoadTiger]

Re-posting my drive experience from another thread :

I did an initial 30 min test drive of the Carens Diesel AT yesterday (before pricing was announced). The Team-bhp review is spot on - special thanks for a detailed, very accurate view of the Carens.

What I liked about the drive :
- Blown away by the NVH package and ride quality on offer. I was driving a diesel - and my wife had a moment of disbelief to know it wasnt a petrol. Very refined engine, barely audible at speed of 50 to 80 kmph. The road, wind and traffic noise was very well controlled. NVH is one of the strongest points

- The comfortable ride quality which was the best I've experienced in a long time. I went over some rough patches & bumps and the Carens handled them so well without letting the passengers experience much of the imperfections.

- This did not compromise on high-speed handling - I did a few gentle curves at about 90-100 kph and the composure was near car-like. Perhaps serious ghats at speeds might lead to significant body roll - but for normal conditions (99.9% of time), the ride and handling package felt really well balanced. Felt like the handling was far superior to what I experienced in Hector Plus, while the ride quality was similar - perhaps felt marginally better in the Carens (16 inch 65 profile rubber in Carens vs 18 inch 60 profile in Hector Plus helping too)

- The engine gearbox combo is nice with good driveability. The AT was smooth and not hunting for gears, but a little laggy as with any AT. Plan to drive a manual too - to see if the drive experience is significantly better and the engine feels 'punchier'. Did 100-105 at about 2000 rpm and the engine didnt feel strained at all, with 3 adults on-board. Felt a moderate reserve of power remaining at that speed - so I am guessing that, with a near-full load on-board, the engine should be fine till 110 kph or so and perhaps a little 'hard pushed' post that

- The steering was fine, easy to drive, did weigh up ok at higher speeds - Not an enthusiast's steering but felt mainstream enough to drive without any serious complaints from it

What I felt could be better was the response time of the touchscreen unit and the sound quality from the Bose system was average (not special). The music system is where the Hector Plus is perhaps the best of the lot

[esp33]

I am looking for a 5 seater SUV under 10 lakhs ex.showroom. I have already booked an Astor style variant, which i felt was really value for money. But the long waiting period of Astor-style is huge problem. The is no information on the estimated delivery date.

Now the Prestige variant of Caren is priced similar to style variant of Astor. Features list are also comparable. I really don't need a 7 seater, but the pricing looks very attractive. Can someone guide me on if it would be a good decision to cancel the Astor and book Caren? Thanks!

[kmadhok]

Originally Posted by TT-S

1.5 CVT if available would have to be priced below Seltos and Creta 1.5 CVT variants leading to heavy cannibalization probably. They have consciously avoided giving CVT in the base 1.5 NA engine variants. The upcoming XL6/Ertiga facelift is rumored to come with a 6 speed TC with the 1.5 Petrol engine. That should be the cheapest option.

I wouldnt be surprised if Kia will react to the Ertiga launch and produce a CVT option later on as well (potentially a year down). Till then they try and lure the customers to a DCT.

I think car companies consciously hold variants and features to be able to continually offer something 'new' as upgrades/ face lifts etc.

[Pkumarblore]

Hello All,

No doubt the prices of the Carens is jaw dropping. KIA surely have a winner on their hands.

But I have a query here, and would like fellow readers to clarify me. IMHO, I don't think its a fair comparison with other 7 seater SUV/MUV's with larger engines. The XUV, Harrier+Safari, Innova & Jeep are with 2.0 litre and above, much more powerful engines, and more all-rounded with AWD/RWD. Their dimensions may be similar and comparable, but they feel one segment above the Carens/Alcazar/Ertiga/XL6, in my opinion. So if a potential XUV/Safari/Innova buyer decides to buy the Carens purely because its cheaper and more VFM, then isn't that a compromise of some kind. Please correct me if I am wrong. I haven't yet got a chance to compare the engine parameters. Thanks for reading.

[BoneCollector]

Originally Posted by BoneCollector

Had a chance to check out the Carens today.

I've been getting calls from the dealer if I'm willing to book. I've told them that I am not keen on booking it as of now.

I'll not be booking right now it due to a few reasons -

• Ugly welds at window level, they could be the point of breakage in an accident. Similar reports from some other people too. (Image attached).
• I had driven the diesel but not happy with its pickup. My Brezza performs better with 5 people and loads of luggage. It didn't trigger my heart.
• No 3 point seatbelt for middle seat passenger in 2nd row. My current car hasn't got it but I need it as left rear seat has a child seat fixed to it so anyone sitting in middle uses lap belt which is not great.

Ugly welds, photo courtesy Dr. Parvez.

This is a VFM preposition if you compare with others considering only the specs except the engines. Otherwise it is not. Kia should also get it GNCAP tested.

On road price in Bihar.

[ashis89]

Originally Posted by Vid6639

When reviewing the Carens I closely checked with the Alcazar and it shares all mechanicals like suspension points and engine mounting points with the Alcazar and therefore the Seltos and Creta.

I think the Carens is based on Sonet, and not the Seltos. If we look at the engine bay, Carens looks very similar to Sonet and different from the Seltos.


I took the image from our official review and highlighted few portions on the Sonet's bay. You can compare the same portions on the Carens' bay and Seltos' bay.

Sonet


Carens


Seltos


Seltos has a plastic cover behind the grill and hence, I posting the following pics of the Seltos which had come for repair when I had gone for service. The beam in the front is different from the one seen on Sonet/Carens.

Click on the image and zoom to get a clearer view of the beam which is missing the embossed circles.

[autoweirdo]

Test drove 1.5 Diesel Manual and then once again drove XUV700 to better understand what things i will be compromising on (have already booked XUV700 - no price protection).

Following are key observations:
1)Very good space management with 3 row being very comfortable for adults (mine height is 5.8)
2) Second row good for 2 adults and child, 3 adults will be uncomfortable
3) Diesel pull is adequate didn't feel laggy with 4 adults in car
4) Interior fit and finish is better than XUV and plastic feel is also better
5) Brakes didn't had feel, as per SA the car is brand new and will improve with more miles (car was yet to be registered so display were switched off)
6) Its not a head turner but a very practical car

Now my dilemma is I will save approx 5lakhs if i go for Prestige Plus and delivery in 10-12 weeks, whereas safety, comfort and looks wise XUV is better. Might go for further test drive before finalizing the car (head says Carens, heart says XUV).

Anyone has insider info on safety aspect of Carens? As this one aspect is holding me of taking the plunge.

[Bibendum90949]

Originally Posted by autoweirdo

Anyone has insider info on safety aspect of Carens? As this one aspect is holding me of taking the plunge.

If this is a prime consideration, don't even wait. Go ahead with XUV 700 without any iota of doubt since the crash test results are already out there. With Carens, one would never know when they are going to test it. I don't see Kia volunteering either for the tests for obvious reasons. For records, the 2014 launched 4 th gen Honda City crash test results were just published yesterday after testing it in Dec' 2021 IIRC.

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by ashis89

I think the Carens is based on Sonet, and not the Seltos. If we look at the engine bay, Carens looks very similar to Sonet and different from the Seltos.

You are right but the Sonet is anyways based on the K2 platform which is same as Seltos and Creta and Alcazar.

Other than the Nios and Santro, everything is K2 including the new i20. There is simply no way the Carens can be a K1 platform car.

If you look at i20 you wont find any similarity to Sonet or Seltos.

The base platform will be K2 but will be modified just like what VW does with MQB which had every sort of car but base platform remained as MQB.

[Guru_Shikhar]

Originally Posted by Venkatesh

Kia Carens price compared to rivals and 7-seater SUVs

Attachment 2272838

Attachment 2272839

Link

So based on this pricing; basically Kia carens Will eat up share from Maruti Suzuki’s Etriga and Toyota Innova Crysta will be least affected.

Kia has got the nack of Indian market one must admit. It will be a tough job for others to make up with these pricing.

This reminds me; the pricing of Renault Lodgy also started around 9.++ L but did not work well for Renault India with limited sales for a good and proper 6/7 seater product.

It will be interesting to see how market pricing moves after this. Also Kia has not received phenomenal response for Carens like Sonet or Seltos if 19,000 bookings to be believed; but this product will definitely have good sales figures in near future.

Cheers

[turbowhistle]

Originally Posted by ashis89

That's a good analogy. I was expecting that Venue 1.2P and Sonet 1.2P to be non-sellers but I find good number of these variants on the road. To an average user a Sonet 1.2P, a Carens 1.5P or even an Ertiga 1.5P will be a good enough car to keep them happy. To you and me, all 3 cars could be very under-powered/uninspiring to drive (have driven the Venue and Ciaz, for reference).

I wouldn't call that 1.2P underpowered, it's slow and lethargic but if you learn to keep it in it's powerband it can be a competent highway cruiser. I owned i20 1.2P for 6 years and learned things the hard way but it was always enough on the highways ( did quite a few trips in it). I guess I will always have a softcorner for NA engines.

Hyundai knows a lot of people don't even enquire about the engine or power. They just know if it's petrol or diesel and that's about it!

We got a 1.0 Venue in 2020 and that engine is certainly a blast to drive if you can manage the turbo lag.

[pandey.jai]

The way these variants and the drive options are named is so confusing to an average person like me.
If I want to buy a 6-seater automatic petrol, then is my option only limited to the luxury plus variant?

[mahesh_sn]

Originally Posted by achintatri

Dear Friends, Based on some of the reviews and reports by existing Creta/Seltos 1.4 DCT owners, I am a little skeptical on booking the new 1.4 DCT Kia Carens and the only other automatic i.e. the 1.5 Diesel AT is going to be almost 20L+ on road here in Pune which is above my budget.

Can anyone please throw some light on the 1.4 DCT on how risky affair it would be to spend almost 17-18L (with 5 years warranty) and what kind of ownership I can expect for this petrol turbo model?

You may want to check this (Serious gearbox issue in my Kia Seltos DCT) thread for 1.4 DCT issues in Seltos