What's the news?
Kia looks set to take the fight to the class leading Ford C-MAX and Toyota Verso with the third generation Carens MPV. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show the new car is likely to be sold only in seven-seat configuration in Ireland.
Exterior
Overall the new Carens is smaller than its predecessor, yet thanks to a longer wheelbase it boasts more interior space. A more 'cab-forward' design, with the A-pillars directly over the front wheels, ensures greater space for occupants. The overall height of 1,610 mm is one of the lowest in class and identical to that of the Kia Soul. Styling wise the Carens sports the 'Tiger Mouth' family face with headlights that sweep back to meet the A-pillar.
Interior
The new Carens will be available with either five or seven seats in some markets though we expect the latter to be the sole offering in Ireland; if you want a practical five-seat Kia get the cee'd Sportswagon instead. With five individual seats and a 50/50 split for the third row bench the Carens appears to be versatile. We tried it out for size in Paris and the middle row has a lot of adjustment, while all rear seating folds flat easily. Depending on the model air conditioning or automatic climate control should be standard, heated seats for both front and second row may be available as an option and top spec cars could get ventilated front seats with powered cushion extensions and lumbar support. Buyers can also choose a heated steering wheel and a 4.2-inch TFT LCD screen. Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed.
A wide-angle mirror mounted in the overhead console allows parents to keep an eye on children in the rear rows as they stuff crisps and lollipops into the multitude of storage compartments dotted around the cabin.
Mechanicals
The Carens will be offered with a four-engine line-up consisting of two diesels and two petrol units though Kia Ireland has yet to announce its engine plans. The 1.7-litre diesel may be made available in two outputs - 115- or 135hp with emissions as low as 118g/km thanks in part to standard stop-start. The 1.6-litre petrol engine is borrowed from the cee'd hatchback and delivers 135hp while the 2.0-litre unit offers 174hp and 211Nm of torque.
Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range; though higher powered petrol and diesel models are available with a six-speed automatic. Designed and manufactured by Kia this automatic transmission has a manual 'sport' mode with optional paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Anything else?
Some of the technical highlights of the Carens include a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) - which uses a video camera to monitor the car's position in relation to lane markings and triggers a warning in case of unintended lane changes at speeds above 60km/h - and a Parallel Park Assist System (PPAS) that measures parking gaps and steers the car into them using ultrasonic sensors and an on-board computer.