Versatile 7-Seat Kia Carens In A Class Of Its Own

June 19, 2013

Versatile 7-Seat Kia Carens In A Class Of Its Own

The all-new 7-seater Kia Carens, now on sale in New Zealand, may well be in a class of its own.

Introduced as a stylish wagon companion to the new Cerato range, the 2013 Carens offers more than any traditional station wagon in this segment, because it can accommodate a family of seven in comfort and then convert into a roomy carry-all when there is stuff to shift.

And what’s more, the new Kia Carens is the best-priced 7-seater vehicle available in New Zealand, selling at $37,990 for the seriously well-equipped single model EX.

“We believe the new Kia Carens is, quite literally, a car without peers in New Zealand, since it occupies a unique position in the marketplace,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“It’s for people who want a real car that can seat seven people, not an SUV, because it is easier to get in and out, plus it’s not bulky when trying to manoeuvre in tight city streets and car parks. No other brand new car or station wagon in this part of the market can offer such a combination at the price.”

New Carens boasts the latest design DNA developed for Kia by Chief Designer Peter Schreyer, who says his aim was to give it a “sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic”.

It is a complete, ground-up re-design that shares nothing with the previous Carens, being built on a brand new floorpan that has a much longer wheelbase – not just longer than the older model, but, at 2750mm, it is also 50mm greater than the just-released Cerato sedan and the Sorento R full-size SUV, which translates into more usable legroom.

And yet, its overall length, width and height are slightly less than before, making new Carens easier to use in around-town driving and better for parking.

The long wheelbase combines with cab-forward design and a lower floor to produce an extraordinarily roomy passenger cabin with three rows of seats. The second and third rows consist of individually moveable seats for maximum adjustment. And they all fold forward to provide a flat floor capable of swallowing 1650 litres of cargo, or if five people are carried, 492 litres – making it roomier than most station wagons in this segment, such as Corolla and Focus. The front passenger seatback also folds forward to accommodate long items, such as a step ladders. One-touch sliding outer middle-row seats make third row entry and exit very easy.

There are airline-style trays incorporating drinks holders in the front seatbacks and the centre seat backrest in the middle row has a tray and additional cup holders when folded forward –the glovebox doubles as a drinks chiller, too. Clever storage spaces include two hidden compartments in the middle-row floor that will take a handbag or tablet computer and there also an underfloor storage area in the back to hide the rear cargo cover.

“There are 14 handy storage areas around the Carens cabin, in addition to the multiple ways you can configure the seating – it’s amazingly flexible and versatile,” adds Mr McDonald.

And like the recently released Cerato sedan, the materials used around the cabin exude quality, with soft-touch surfaces. It’s more comfortable than the previous Carens, thanks to re-shaped seat cushions with an increased angle for greater comfort and thigh support.

New Carens is powered by a high-compression, direct-injected 2-litre GDI CVVT engine that delivers 122kW @ 6500rpm of peak power and 213Nm of torque @ 4700rpm and is matched to a 6-speed sequential sports shift automatic. There is a greater emphasis on torque with this engine compared to the similar unit that powers the Cerato and there’s a handy ECO function to help the driver reduce fuel use. Additionally, kerb weight is reduced by 55kg through greater use of high tensile steel and other measures, further improving the power-to-weight ratio.

The suspension has been upgraded to deliver improved ride/handling and the all-new electronic Flex-steer system enables the driver to dial up a choice of comfort/normal/sport modes to match their individual driving style and physical requirements.

Safety is a high priority for Kia, with the new Carens targeting a 5-star ANCAP rating thanks to its stronger bodyshell, standard ESP programme, front-side airbags and active horizontally adjustable front headrests. Distinctive LED daytime running lights that increase visibility and safety are standard.

A very high specification has been selected for the single Carens EX model in New Zealand, which includes remote keyless entry with standard alarm, power windows, power/heated/folding door mirrors, reversing camera & parking sensors, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, 6-speaker audio systems with Bluetooth, multifunction trip computer, dual zone climate air control, rain-sensing wipers, 17” alloy wheels, smart cornering lights, projection-style headlights and front fog lights.

ENDS

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