We test Kia's latest MPV contender, equipped with a petrol engine and in entry-level trim
What is it?
Goodbye old Kia Carens and Kia Sedona, hello new Kia Carens. Sold in the UK as a seven-seater only, this is the Korean firm’s Ford Grand C-Maxrival, and as such has taken on the sole role as the firm’s only large SUV.
We’re testing it here in its lowest-priced form, as the Kia Carens ‘1’ GDi equipped with the firm’s six-speed manual gearbox. As such, while it may miss out on some of the niceties, it potentially makes a case for itself based on its low buying price, hard wearing interior and decent economy figures for the driver who doesn’t travel too far.
City-based drivers and parents who need a large vehicle for the school run and family taxi duties should therefore take note.
What is it like?
This Carens is a thoroughly likeable vehicle, so long as you aren’t searching for any dynamic verve. It is decent to look at and decent to be in, serving up the classic MPV tricks of having lots of flexible space and storage cubbies, as well as an attractive and pleasant interior even in this lowest-spec cabin, hard plastics and all. The rear row seats are exceptionally easy to raise and stow.
The engine has just enough power and torque to haul the Kia along without too much complaint on even the steepest of hills, delivering 133bhp at 6300rpm and 122lb ft at 4850rpm. That equates to an official 0-60mph time of 10.9sec, which is perfectly respectable for the class. It is reasonably refined, too, even at motorway speeds. Perhaps the only let down was the slightly notchy gearshift on our test car, although it's a minor niggle.
The ride and handling are decent, too, although there is no sparkle to speak of, with the steering in particular delivering next to no feedback. If you buy your cars like you buy a fridge-freezer or washing machine (and many do) that’s no big problem, as the Carens has no vices to startle you, but if you prefer a bit more involvement you may be left slightly disappointed.
Even then, though, you can take solace in the now-traditional Kia virtues of a seven-year warranty and a decent level of standard kit. Even in this basic ‘1’ trim the Carens gets niceties such as projection headlights with cornering lamps, LED daytime running lamps, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, air-conditioning, power windows front and rear, cruise control, central locking and Bluetooth.
Should I buy one?
There is no question that the sweet spot of the Kia Carens range is the mid-spec ‘2’ trim option, where the amount of extra kit lifts the cabin feel and makes the Carens feel that bit plusher for a more than acceptable extra outlay.
It’s true, too, that the extra flexibility of the diesel engines on offer means they make a compelling case for themselves. But before a buyer goes down the obvious route, they should do the maths carefully: this petrol engine is sufficient for the car, and adequate for its fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
As such, the aforementioned low mileage and predominantly town-based drivers may wish to give it careful consideration, particularly with regards the economics of running costs.
Kia Carens 1.6 GDi 1
Price £17,895; 0-60mph 10.9sec; Top speed 115mph;Economy 44.1mpg; CO2 149g/km; Kerb weight 1606kg (dry);Engine 1591cc, four cylinder petrol; Power 133bhp at 6300rpm;Torque 122lb ft at 4850rpm; Gearbox 6-spd manual
source: autocar.co.uk
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