Soon, 3 Very Different Versions Of Kia Carens Will Be On Sale In India

Kia India launched the Carens in 2022 as its first affordable MPV. The vehicle has been a decent seller for the brand and is now due for a major update (the first of its kind). The latest reports say that there will soon be 3 different versions of the Kia Carens on sale in India. These include the facelifted Carens, a slightly stripped-down version of the outgoing model, and an all-electric iteration.

#1 The Current Carens Is Here To Stay!

Previously, it was expected that the new model would replace the outgoing Carens upon launch. It now seems like this is not going to be the case anymore. The newest reports say that the Facelift will sell alongside the outgoing Carens, upon launch. This is a strategy that we have seen multiple manufacturers adopt with their popular models. We saw Honda do the same with the new City and Amaze and Toyota with the Innova. Kia could also take the same route and clear the leftover inventory profitably.

#2 New Kia Carens Facelift: What Are To Be Expected?

The new Kia Carens facelift will have a new front fascia. It will come with redesigned headlights, updated LED DRLs, and a tweaked front bumper. The fascia could take design inspiration from the Syros. The silhouette is likely to remain untouched if spy shots are to be believed. A new set of wheels are to be expected on the new car. The rear design will also see notable revamps. There will be all-new LED taillights and a fresh-looking bumper.

The cabin will get notable restyling and will come with improved equipment levels. Changes are expected in the design of the air-con vents and the centre console. The cabin colours and materials used could also improve on the facelift. The feature list will see the addition of the like of a panoramic sunroof and ADAS.

Even lower Kia models come with ADAS these days, and leaves no reason for the Carens to not get the same. Things like two 10.25-inch displays, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera and ventilated seats are also to be expected. 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear parking sensors etc will for the safety suite.

Powertrain options are likely to remain unchanged. The new MPV will be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines as before. These are, in fact, the same powertrains found in the Seltos as well, Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered.

The 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 hp and 144 Nm, and has a laid-back nature. The 1.5L diesel makes 116 hp and 250 Nm. This engine is much loved for its frugal nature. The 1.5L turbocharged petrol could be called the best engine for the Carens, as it produces 160 hp and 253 Nm. This would be particularly useful when the vehicle is loaded to the maximum. It makes sense to expect these engines to continue as they are all popular and reliable.

#3 Carens EV Coming!

Kia India is also known to be working on an electric vehicle based on the Carens. Test mules of the upcoming Carens EV have been spotted on test multiple times. It could use the same underpinnings and powertrains as the recently revealed Hyundai Creta EV, while offering the convenience of having a third row.

In this case, the Carens EV will also be powered by the same 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs as the Creta Electric, sourced from LG. On the Creta Electric, these are claimed to deliver 390 and 473 km per charge in range. These could remain identical in the Carens EV as well.