2013 Kia Carens Release date, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine. - The all-new Kia Carens is a completely fresh model from the ground up, and its sleek and sculpted design marks a dramatic shift away from the more utilitarian look of its predecessor. It builds on the functionality and versatility of the original Kia Carens, with a spacious five or five plus two seating layout, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, but wraps this family friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.
"I wanted to give the new Carens a sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic," says Peter Schreyer, Kias Chief Design Officer. "This new found visual dynamism is important this car needs to look appealing and attractive but during its design and development stages, we never lost sight of the fact that its packaging flexibility and adaptability are why people buy these cars," explains Schreyer. Kia says that the Carens rides on an all new platform that features a cab forward design and a longer wheelbase to accommodate both five and seven passenger seating configurations. Powertrain details havent been disclosed, but since this MPV is a Europe only affair, we expect a range of both gasoline and diesel engines to be on deck, mated to both manual and automatic transmissions. Surprise, surprise.
Both Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume, Kias Chief Designer Europe, are candid when discussing the design of the Kia Carens. "A vehicle like the Carens is probably one of the hardest of all to get right because we are very tightly constrained by the cars functionality," says Guillaume. "That packaging versatility cannot in any way be compromised by the design of the car because to do so would eradicate the cars raison dêtre." Schreyer and Guillaumes team created subtle styling cues to enhance the Kia Carens elegant and balanced proportions and deliver an air of sophistication and refinement.
As an example Schreyer singles out the understated chrome strip that runs from the base of the windscreen, along the lower level of windows and curls up to meet the C-pillar. "This not only adds a premium feel to the clean cut exterior, but also creates a visual link with the new Sportage, which features the same design motif," he explains. ooking significantly improved, the model features a stylish exterior with a prominent grille, LED infused headlights and a sloping roofline. Despite being slightly smaller than its predecessor, the car has a longer wheelbase which results in a spacious cabin.
Speaking of the interior, it has an improved design with higher quality materials. Notable options include a "supervision" instrument cluster, a premium audio system and seating for up to seven. Other extras include leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof and heated / ventilated front seats. In Europe, three different engines will be available. The 1.6 liter GDI develops 135 HP (99 kW) and 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) of torque, while the 2.0 liter unit produces 177 HP (130 kW) and 211 Nm (156 lb-ft) of torque. On the diesel side, theres a 1.7 liter unit which has outputs of 115 PS (85 kW) and 260 Nm (156 lb-ft) of torque as well as 136 HP (100 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque.
Appealing to families with an active lifestyle who dont want to compromise between style and practicality, Kia is confident that the all new third generation Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms around the world. Alongside the new Carens on the Kia stand will be the all new pro ceed, also making its world premiere. They are joined by two models making their European debuts in Paris the new 2.0 litre Optima Hybrid saloon promising a unique blend of performance and economy, and the new Sorento SUV with an all new 2.4 litre 192 ps GDI engine option.
