Front not only resembles that of the new Sportage, but also the current generation Soul.
The unveiling of the all-new Kia Carens has taken a further step forward with the release of not only a trio of teaser images, but also the date of reveal.
As known by now, the Carens revives a name last used in Europe four years ago, albeit with focus and production moving towards India instead of the Old Continent and North America where it sported the Rondo nameplate.
Based on the sketches, the Carens makes the transition from MPV to crossover-style SUV with the silhouette, when viewed from the side, being similar to that of the outgoing Honda BR-V.
Overall styling is per Kia’s Opposite United styling language, meaning it takes after the Sportage as well as the current generation Soul when viewed from the front.
The rear facia draws heavily from the Sportage as well, in the shape of the tailgate and design of the LED lights that cut into the rear wings.
Depicted without door handles, the production Carens is expected to feature flush pulls as well as smaller, likely steel wheels on entry-level models, instead of the oversized alloys depicted in the sketches.
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Unlike the exterior, the interior image is not as easy to decipher, but closer inspection reveals the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the same steering wheel as the Sportage.
The mentioned display is however expected to feature on higher-end models only, with other features likely to include a digital instrument cluster, and a full range of safety and driver assistance systems.
As it will compete against the Suzuki Ertiga and its Toyota Rumion twin, the new BR-V, Renault Triber, lower-spec versions of the segment leading Toyota Innova Crysta and homegrown Mahindra Marazzo, the Carens will offer seven seats, with Kia billing the third row as “useable”, instead of them being largely reserved for children or small adults.
Set to be based on the same platform as the Seltos, the Carens’ powertrain line-up, though officially unknown at present, is rumoured to be the similar to the former, meaning a choice of three petrol units; the normally aspirated 1.5 and 1.6, the 1.4 T-GDI, and on the diesel side, the 1.5-litre oil-burner.
As with previous generations, the Carens will be front-wheel-drive only, and depending on the engine, three transmissions will be offered; a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a seven-speed dual-clutch.
Though more snippets are anticipated to be divulged over the next few weeks, Kia has confirmed that all will officially be made known on 16 December, and not next year, as reported almost a year ago.
