Kia Carens 1.4L petrol : Updates post ECU patch and overall mileage

Mileage has gone up post software update. The car easily manages 14+ km/L in the city and around 22 km/L on the highways.

BHPian ptaneja recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Multiple Updates !!

ODO stands at 6000+ kms.

1. Performance post patch installation mentioned above -

• As I said in my initial post, the car is a lot more responsive, and a lot more agile overall - specifically on plains.
• I am able to move around in 2nd gear comfortably.
• On hills, even though it's still far from perfect, I was able to go up the same inclines on which 2nd gear was not possible earlier. Definitely an improvement.

Couple of points worth mentioning post update - the above feedback is my personal review specific to my car.

• There are still many people in my known group who are struggling with this car post update. Of course they'll be coordinating with Kia for further remedy,
• Hill Assist is still messed up. It waits till a predetermined time of 2/3 seconds and then only releases the brake. In the meantime if you try to pick up the car, it would stall. Workaround is to use Handbrake, which temporarily disables HA.

2. ACU Update !

As you must have read in various forums, and even news articles, Kia have released a patch for Airbag Module. I have personally not got this installed, and am waiting it out for some feedback. As per discussion with SC GM, the patch is only to improve communication between Airbag Sensor and ECU - it would fix random airbag lights which lit up for couple of seconds on a few cars randomly. ( I have not seen this so far - the firmware version screenshot is from someone else)

Link - Newspaper Link

3. Mileage - have for sure increased post update of software.

Within city driving have been in excess of 14+ per liter, which was not possible earlier. On highways, I was able to extract a mileage of 22.xx with tank-to-tank refill method. (Tire pressure at 35, speed in the range of 75 to 90, 70:30 ratio between plains/hills, and with 50% AC usage )

If MID is to be believed, here is one for you - it won't cross 99.9 !!

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.