Soon, You'll Be Able To Buy 3 Versions Of The Kia Carens In India: We Explain
Kia launched the Carens in India in February 2022. It was pitched as an RUV (Recreational Utility Vehicle)- the Kia speak for a comfortable, feature-packed family MPV. The vehicle soon gained traction. While it might not have been a runaway hit like the Seltos, the Carens sure had its own set of loyal takers. We have learnt that Kia is looking to diversify the Carens range soon. In the not-so-distant future, you will be able to buy three different versions of the Carens. Let's take you through the details...
2025 Kia Carens
Image source: SRK Designs
The Korean manufacturer will launch a 2025 version of the Carens in the coming months. If reports are to be believed, it could be launched in the second week of May. The vehicle has already been spotted testing multiple times.
It will have major design deviations from the current model. Expect sharper and more refined aesthetics. It will sell alongside the current Carens, and sit above it, as a more premium offering. The current version will serve more value-conscious buyers while the 2025 Carens will be for those who are on the hunt for more sophistication and luxury.
Kia is expected to give the upcoming vehicle a new name. It could, in fact, be an iteration of the 'Carens' moniker, possibly with a suffix. The Carens and Carens 2025 ( or whatever it would be called on launch) will enable Kia to pull off a game plan similar to what Toyota does with the Innova Crysta and Hycross. The Carens range will then expand to more buyer demographies and price brackets.
We expect to see many new features on the 2025 model, like Level 2 ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and Trinity screens. When these are being offered on the smaller Syros, we find no reason for the new Carens to skimp on these.
The dynamics could improve on the new model. It could, however, ditch the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine and feature just the 1.5 turbocharged petrol and 1.5 diesel. Both manual and automatic (dual-clutch (DCT) and torque converter (AT)) transmissions are expected. The new Carens will likely compete with the Innova Crysta with its kit levels and cabin experience. Due to the improvements made, the new Carens will have a price premium over the outgoing model.
Carens EV
Kia India is also working on an electric vehicle (EV) based on the Carens. It has been spotted on test several times. It will have EV-spec restyling such as a closed-off grille, redesigned bumpers and new wheels with low resistance tyres. We expect it to launch sometime in the coming months. It will be underpinned by an electrified version of the current platform, with the battery sitting under the floor.
Though there has been no clear word on the battery specifications, we expect the electric Carens to feature the same powertrain as the Creta electric. This means that it could come with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs. The cabin is expected to get features like a large touchscreen, automatic climate control, ventilated seats for the front and rear, powered seat functions, and Level 2 ADAS.
Existing Carens
The third product in the lineup will be the Carens that we all are familiar with. The current version will continue to sell alongside the 2025 model and the EV. It will retain the same set of powertrains (1.5 naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 turbocharged diesel and 1.5 turbocharged petrol) and most of the equipment inside. Kia could also consider giving it more features.