[dropcap]K[/dropcap]IA will today unveil an upgraded version of its spacious family MPV, the Carens, at the Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile). The enhancements have refreshed the appearance and functionality of the Carens, bringing it up-to-date with KIA’s latest model designs, improving in-cabin ambience, and updating the safety and connectivity features on offer to buyers.
Sales of the KIA Carens have grown steadily since the latest model was introduced in 2013 and the model holds an important position in the KIA range as the ideal vehicle for families. In the first half of 2016, more than 11 500 Carens models were sold across Europe, representing a 1% year-on-year increase over the same period last year. The upgraded Carens will help KIA further expand sales of the car, which has contributed to the Korean brand’s best-ever six-month period recorded in the first six months of 2016.
Revised exterior and interior design
KIA’s designers have introduced a series of changes to the upgraded Carens, including revised front and rear bumpers and fog lamp design, and an updated ‘tiger-nose’ grille, resulting in a more sculpted appearance. These changes are accompanied by the addition of a new exterior paint finish, Mysterious Blue, as well as three new designs for 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. The updated model also boasts new rear combination lamps with a distinctive new light signature.
The Carens’ spacious seven-seat interior is enhanced with the adoption of a new seat upholstery – available with a new knit cloth pattern, or leather with a diamond-woven pattern – as well as new metallic and gloss-black accents throughout the cabin, and a new carbon-effect dashboard trim. The interior of the Carens is available with either black or beige upholstery.
Advanced safety and infotainment features
The latest version of the Carens is available with KIA’s 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface), with navigation, KIA Connected Services powered by TomTom®, and rear-view parking camera. The new HMI also incorporates Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. Android Auto™ is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher; Apple CarPlay™, for iPhone 5 or newer.
DRiVE WISE advanced driver assistance systems are also available in the Carens for the first time, including Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Speed Limit Information Function which displays the current speed limit in the driver’s instrument binnacle. With the updated model, Carens buyers can now specify a new JBL® Premium Sound system, which features a subwoofer, external amplifier and four speakers for greater audio quality throughout the cabin.
New Eco Pack available
KIA has engineered a new Eco Pack for the 85 kW 1.7-litre diesel engine, incorporating Idle Stop/Go (ISG) technology, Michelin low rolling resistance tyres, and a series of revised gear ratios. The most economical engine in the Carens line-up, the ISG-equipped Carens is now capable of producing carbon dioxide emissions as low as 109 g/km when paired with the car’s six-speed manual transmission (combined, New European Driving Cycle)
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