Kia Carens launched in India: Starting price and what you need to know
The Indian consumer market was eagerly waiting for the launch of Kia Carens MPV, which has come as a surprise for Indians. The brand whose cars look like an SUV but can comfortably seat 6-7 people has received positive response over time. The fourth car from Kia, Kia Carens, was launched today is expected to continue the momentum.
The Hyundai-owned auto company launched Seltos, Carnival and Sonet before launching the Carens MPV today. Known to be among the Top 5 most dependable car brands as per a study in 2022, Carens is already winning the market with its comprehensive features and a strong emphasis on safety.
Carens is an India-specific product which is being manufactured in the company’s facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. It is a three-row cross between an MPV and an SUV, and is shown to be a recreational vehicle with an intention to be exported from India.
BIGGEST QUESTION: PRICING - KITNE KA PADEGA?
Since the reservation opened about a month ago, the company has received about 19,000 bookings. The Kia Carens is currently available in 19 variants and is marked at an introductory price of Rs 8.99 lakh (ex showroom), with the top-of-the-line variant being priced at Rs 16.99 lakh (ex showroom).
The model is available in 5 trims, 3 engine and 3 transmission options:
5 trim levels meaning, the car is available in 5 options i.e: Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, and Luxury Plus. Premium to Luxury trims are available in 7-seater models whereas the Luxury Plus offers both 6 and 7-seater options.
3 engine options available include: 1.5 Petrol, 1.4 T-GDi Petrol, and 1.5 CRDi VGT Diesel.
3 transmissions meaning 6MT, 7DCT, or 6AT.
Carens maintenance cost apparently rounds up to 37 Paisa per kilometre and Carens continues to customise the vehicle servicing process for its customers.
KITNA DETI HAI?
As per Kia, the petrol engine helps it deliver up to 16.5 kmpl while the diesel motor has a mileage of around 21.3 kmpl per litre.
WHY IS IT BEING TOUTED AS INDIA'S SAFEST CAR?
Carens boasts of
1. Six airbags
2. Tyre pressure monitoring
3. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to prevent loss of control in curves and emergency steering maneuvers
4. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to maintain stability and control when suddenly braking or accelerating on uneven or slippery road surfaces
5. Rear Parking Sensors (basically sensors to help the driver understand the proximity when the vehicle gets too close to an object)
6. Break Assist in emergencies and Hill Start Assist Controls to support the drivers ascending steep, hilly roads
7. Downhill Brake Control and All-wheel disc brakes to block you from going past a certain speed while traveling downhill
and other features which gives it a lead against most other vehicles in the price category.
AUR KYA?
Carens boasts of features like:
- A 10.25 inch HD touchscreen navigation
- BOSE sound system
- Air purifier
- Ventilated front seats (which are designed to keep your body at a comfortable temperature, no matter what the outside temperature is)
- 2nd row seat one touch easy electric tumble (which allows for easy access to the final row space)
- A kickass Sunroof and
- 64-colour ambient lighting
COMPETITORS
Carens has many competitors in terms of features and prices.
In terms of features, its 3 row competitors include MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 while at the price points, it competes with Maruti Suzuki XL6 on one side of the price points, and Innova Crysta on the other side.
What do you think of this new car?