It’s a fresh take on the old, rather awkward-looking model, delivering a whole new, more refined look. And it now boasts important features such as a diesel engine option, automatic transmission in both petrol and diesel variants, optional sat nav and a mega selection of storage places.
The exterior lines are a big improvement on the outgoing model, and the style is smooth and aerodynamic, doing away completely with the rather cluttered lines of the old motor. The inside story is a big improvement over early South Korean cars. Fit and finish is commendable, and the standard of materials used is much improved. There’s also a smart integrated radio.
The driving position is good and all the controls fall easily to hand – except for the indicator stalk, which is on the right hand side and tends to have you switching on the wipers instead for the first few miles.
On the road, the two-litre diesel engine is a little noisy on start-up but quietens quickly as speed picks up, and the four-speed automatic gearbox does its job well.
Power delivery is smooth and there’s a generous helping of torque, a facet of modern diesel engines that wins plenty of fans, yours truly included.
Motorway cruising is unstrained as the low-revving engine lopes along. Versatile use of space is a key issue in MPVs, and the Carens has plenty of head and legroom, with access to the optional third row of seats via a hinged door (not a slider) and a slide-and-tilt middle-row seat.
With a starting price of £11,995 the marque’s keen pricing is maintained. Only one problem though – at that price you only get five seats. I promise I won’t tell the neighbours.
TECH SPEC:Model: Kia Carens 2.0 CRDi LS 7-seat auto with 4-cylinder 1,991cc 138bhp turbo diesel and four-speed automatic transmission.Price: £16,9950 to 60MPH: 11 secsTop speed: 116mphInsurance: 10Consumption: 40mpg (combined) Emissions: 189 g/km
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