Kia Carens up for unofficial pre-bookings at Rs. 25,000
What's the story
Kia Motors had unveiled the Carens four-wheeler yesterday and now select dealerships have reportedly started accepting bookings for the car against a token amount of Rs. 25,000. It is also said to reach dealer yards in January and will be available for test rides soon after. The vehicle comes in L, LX, EX, EX+, TX, and TX+ variants and 6/7-seating configurations.
Context
Why does it matter?
Kia Carens is the latest offering from the Korean automaker and its pricing information will be announced in the first quarter of 2022. With an expected price-tag of around Rs. 16 lakh, it will attract many buyers in India and will pose rival to 7-seater SUVs such as the Hyundai ALCAZAR and Mahindra XUV700, among others.
Exteriors
Kia Carens will be offered in seven color options
The Kia Carens features a muscular front bumper with the signature 'Tiger Nose' design obtained from the narrow chrome bar and sleek LED headlights. There is also a radiator grille, a shark fin antenna, and T-shaped wrap-around taillights. On the sides, it is flanked by black B-pillars, body-colored ORVMs, body cladding, and flared wheel arches. The car will be available in seven color variants.
Information
Three engine options are on offer
Kia Carens draws power from three engine options: a 1.4-liter turbo-petrol mill that produces 140hp/242Nm, a 1.5-liter petrol motor that generates 115hp/144Nm, and a 1.5-liter turbo-diesel unit that makes 115hp/250Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Interiors
The cabin gets air purifier and roof-mounted AC vents
The Kia Carens has a 6/7-seater cabin with ventilated front seats, electrically adjustable second-row seats, a sunroof, an air purifier, and 64-color ambient lighting. It also houses a digital driver's display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment panel with support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and UVO connected car technology. For safety, the four-wheeler provides six airbags, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management.
Information
Kia Carens: Pricing and availability
Kia will likely announce the pricing information of the Carens at the time of launch early next year. It is currently up for pre-bookings and could cost around Rs. 16 lakh (ex-showroom).