The design of the Kia Carens is more like that of an SUV than a people carrier
Kia India has, today, released the official design sketches of the Carens MPV which will make its debut on 16th December.
Sporting the Korean brand’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the recreational vehicle (as its maker calls it) will only be the fourth model from the firm to be launched in India.
Kia claims the Carens, has been designed keeping in mind the unmet needs of modern Indian families. The car’s design is based on the ‘Bold for Nature’ theme, one of the pillars of the brand’s latest design philosophy.
Up front, the MPV has striking DRLs, LED headlights, and an aggressive bumper with a wide lower air intake. The front end has the trademark ‘Tiger Face’ design of Kia.
Along the sides, the Kia Carens design team has pretty much applied the profile of the Seltos onto the MPV. The 2 prominent creases that run from the front and rear fenders to the doors, the roofline and windows are very similar indeed.
Similarities between the Carens and the Seltos continue to the rear profile as well. But, the upcoming 3-row vehicle has new striking tail lights with a full-width light bar, a long tailgate and an aggressive rear bumper.
It is clear that the Carens has been designed like an SUV that will come with stylish alloy wheels and roof rails, which should be functional.
Kia has also released the interior design sketch of the Carens. The vehicle, the brand says, will come with an elegant and premium cabin fit for modern Indian families.
There is a wrap-around dash, chrome garnish applied seemingly everywhere, a multifunctional steering wheel and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that can be seen from the sketch.
In addition, the Carens will also come with a digital instrument cluster, smart connectivity features, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable driver seat, among several other features.
The Carens is expected to feature the same 1.4-litre turbo-petrol (140 PS and 242 Nm), 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol (115 PS and 144 Nm) and 1.5-litre diesel (115 PS and 250 Nm) engine options as the Seltos.
But, it is quite possible that it will be offered with the same motors as the Hyundai Alcazar, including the 159 PS, 2.0-litre NA petrol motor, to justify the premium it will command over the Seltos. But, for sure, Kia will offer both manual and automatic gearbox choices to customers.
