The Carens multipurpose vehicle (MPV), a key driver of growth for Kia Motors India, has replaced its 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with a 1.5-litre unit. The resulting bump in cubic capacity has led to a power bump of 20 hp and 11 Nm of torque, adding up to a total of 160 hp and 253 Nm of torque, giving the Carens a clear edge when it comes to power and performance in the MPV segment. That, however, wasn’t the primary intention behind the upsizing.
The new motor is BS6 Phase II and RDE (Real Driving Emissions) compliant, and that means it can run on E20 blend ethanol. The engine is paired to a 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed iMT, with the 6-speed manual having been abandoned with the smaller capacity turbo-petrol.
On paper then, the Carens is an even more appealing prospect than before. But is it just as appealing to own in the real world as it is on paper?
Design
The design is perhaps the only aspect of the Carens that hasn’t been subjected to change. Why fix what isn’t broken? The Carens isn’t the most proportionate or sculpted form, but its shape and dimensions manage to convey sheer size, which is what arguably works in its favour. This is a utility-driven form but it does manage to look considerably more wholesome and fuss-free than a lot of its rivals. The Carens is responsible for more than a quarter of Kia India’s sales, so there’s no arguing its appeal to those looking for a seven-seater with strong SUV-ish design cues.
The new Carens continues to feature the same glossy black grille, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and slender rear LED taillamps. Even today, the MPV manages to strike the right balance between comfort, utility and, dare I say, restrained elegance.
Interiors
The interiors remain the same as before. Piano-black bits continue to occupy the maximum real estate on the dashboard, with the only major change being the inclusion of a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster as standard equipment. The option for a six-seater is now limited only to the top-end Luxury Plus trim, offering captain seats for the middle and the third row, and, in the process, making it the most plush and inviting cabin in the Carens range. Other details remain unchanged but the top-end trim does come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, wireless phone charging and a rear-view camera.
On the safety front, the Carens shines bright, offering six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start, hill descent control and a tyre pressure monitoring system, which are all standard features. The MPV has a safety rating of 3 stars.
Engine
And now, to the main event. The 1.5 turbo-petrol, paired with a 7-speed DCT, is a sprightly unit. Decidedly linear in its delivery of power, it climbs steadily to triple digit speeds on the highway, always giving you a sense that it has more to offer. The DCT isn’t right up there with the best of them, but once you climb past the 3000 rpm mark, it does seem to come into its element. Still, like most budget-friendly DCTs, this one responds best to gentle throttle inputs. Switch to the paddle shifters and you have a lot more control. I found myself instinctively opting for the paddle shifters, even on the highway, where, once past third gear, the Carens turbo really came alive and was reassuringly stable at high speeds.
Although some NVH noise does creep in when you mash the throttle, the 1.5 turbo unit is a marginally smooth one. There’s a solid amount of torque but it’s to be found in the car’s mid-range, with the initial revs being a bit underwhelming. Still, the added power and torque do make the Carens more highway-worthy, particularly under a full load. If there’s one Achilles heel for the Carens Turbo, it’s the MPV’s unquenchable thirst. On the highway, under hard acceleration, the Carens delivered an average fuel economy of 9 kpl, but in the city, it dropped to a woeful 6.4-7 kpl. In terms of efficiency, the iMT is clearly the more economical option.
Verdict
With only a Rs 50,000 increase in price, the new turbo-petrol unit qualifies as a bargain. While it doesn’t feel like an entirely new car, the power bump, along with the upgrades to the equipment list, have set the Carens on course for continued market dominance. But while the DCT is the more convenient transmission option, it continues to remain resolutely thirsty. This is still a family carrier and performance isn’t a primary concern for most buyers. For the best mix of power and efficiency, the iMT is the one to go for.
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