Confirmed: Upcoming Kia 7-Seater Named ‘Carens’, Debut On December 16

• Teaser reveals LED DRLs, connected tail lamps, and Tiger Nose grille.

• Earlier cabin shots confirmed a digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system.

• Expect features like UVO connected car tech, Bose audio, wireless phone charger, and sunroof.

• Will likely get the Alcazar’s 1.5-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines.

• Will rival Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra Marazzo, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus.

It’s confirmed! The Kia Carens will break cover in India on December 16 and go on sale in the first quarter of 2022. The carmaker also released a teaser video, giving us some more details on the upcoming Alcazar-based three-row offering which Kia calls a ‘Recreational Vehicle' (RV).

The DRL design seems fresh and in sync with modern-day Kias sold abroad. The taillamps look sleek, connected by a light bar spanning the width of the rear. We also spot a bit of Seltos and Sonet in there, thanks to the Tiger Nose grille. 

Earlier cabin shots of what seems like the mid-spec variant confirm a Hyundai i20-like digital instrument cluster and possibly an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Expect higher trims to get larger 10.25-inch units for the infotainment and touchscreen. Likely features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose sound system, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, UVO connected car tech, panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. The Carens should be available as both 6- and 7-seaters; the former with captain seats and the latter with bench seats for middle-row occupants.

Safety kit should include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and  blind spot monitoring.

Under the hood, we could get the Alcazar’s 115PS 1.5-litre diesel and 159PS 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, paired with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic options.

Expect the Kia Carens to be priced from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 21 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and it will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra Marazzo, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus.