Kia Carens Facelift And Carens EV: Launch Timelines Revealed
Kia India is gearing up for two major launches and we finally have information on what's coming when! The Carens MPV has been around for long and is about to get a major facelift and an electric vehicle (EV) iteration. The latest reports suggest that the facelift could launch in April this year and the EV could arrive in June. The 2025 Carens facelift will likely pack a lot of changes and updates- both in design and in-cabin experience. The EV could get a similar design as the petrol/diesel MPV and borrow its underpinnings from the Creta Electric.
Carens Facelift Will Have An SUV-Inspired Design
The upcoming Kia Carens facelift will adopt a more SUV-like exterior styling. Spy shots indicate a raised bonnet line that gives it a muscular stance. The headlight and daytime running light (DRL) designs are likely to resemble those of the Syros. At the rear, the new Carens will have vertically stacked tail lights connected by an LED light bar. New dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels are also expected.
Interior And Expected Features- Carens Facelift
While official images of the interior are yet to surface, we expect to find changes in the dashboard, switches, toggles, and buttons. Many of these will be shared with the Seltos. The facelift will also have more features and technolofy as well. Higher variants will come will Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a 360-degree camera, as has been confirmed by spy shots.
Powertrain Options for the Carens Facelift
The facelift will continue to offer the same three engine options as the outgoing model. At present, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115hp and comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol delivers 160hp and is available with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The 1.5-litre diesel engine, which generates 116hp, is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. These are likely to remain unchanged in the upcoming iteration as well.
Kia Carens EV: What To Expect
The EV is expected to retain much of the facelift's styling cues but with unique EV-spec elements that would set it apart. A closed-off grille and aerodynamically optimized wheels would be two examples to cite.
The biggest challenge for the EV would be accommodating the battery pack. We expect it to sit beneath the rear rows. The cabin layout will more or less resemble that of the facelift. There could be EV-specific trims and elements inside.
Kia Carens EV Will Likely Borrow Its Powertrain From The Creta Electric
The Carens EV will be powered by the same all-electric powertrain as the recently launched Hyundai Creta Electric. There will thus be two battery packs on offer- 42kWh and 51.4kWh. On the Creta EV, the smaller battery offers a range of 390 km per charge while the 51.4kWh unit has a range of 473km (both MIDC figures). The Carens EV, in contrast, will have slightly lower range figures, owing to its added weight and larger proportions.
Expected Prices Of Carens Facelift And EV
With the current Kia Carens priced between Rs 10.60 lakh and Rs 19.70 lakh, the facelifted version could see a slight price increase, and could sit in the 11-20 lakh range. The entry-level variants will continue to compete with models like the Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Rumion, while the higher-end variants will likely overlap with models like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and MG Hector.
The Carens EV is expected to have a starting price of around Rs 18 lakh. Higher-end variants could reach up to Rs 25 lakh, putting them in the same price bracket as the BYD eMax 7, which is currently priced between Rs 26.90 lakh and Rs 29.90 lakh.