Kia India will start the bookings for the all-new Carens MPV from January 14, 2022 in the country. The company revealed this information via a teaser video on its various social media platforms. Being Kia's fourth product in India, it will be exclusively produced at the brand's factory in Andhra Pradesh for both domestic market and export purposes. Kia Carens is expected to launch in March 2022 in the Indian market with deliveries commencing shortly thereafter. It will directly rival Maruti XL6 in India.
Kia Carens will be offered in both 6-seater and 7-seater configurations. The wheelbase of the MPV will be 20 mm longer than Hyundai Alcazar. The front fascia flaunts a split LED headlamp setup with a glossy black grille. Heavily inspired from the Seltos, it boasts of wraparound LED tail-lamp cluster which seem connected through a thin LED strip. The rear bumper comes with chrome finish while the windshield is equipped with an integrated spoiler. As for the cabin, it gets premium features in the form of automatic climate control, all digital instrument cluster, 64 color ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, multi-drive modes, eight-speaker Bose sound system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Kia’s UVO connect.
Mechanically, Kia Carens will share engine options with the Seltos. It will get two petrol and one diesel engine that we have already seen with the Seltos SUV. There will be a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine with power output of 113 bhp and torque delivery of 144 Nm. It will be exclusive to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The MPV will also be powered by a 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine which will churn out 113 bhp and 250 Nm while available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Last but not the least, there will be a 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine which will generates maximum power of 138 bhp and peak torque of 242 Nm. It can be availed with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic unit.