New Kia KY Could Be Named Carens, Global Reveal On December 16

• KY (Carens) will be Kia’s fourth model in India.
• Expected to come as 6- and 7-seaters.
• Expected to get ventilated front seats, sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
• Will likely use 2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, paired with manual and automatic transmissions.

The upcoming Kia Seltos-based three-row people mover will likely be called Carens, and it will premiere globally on December 16. Codenamed 'KY', it will be Kia's fourth offering in India when it goes on sale by the first quarter of 2022. 

Being tested for some time now, the KY features certain styling elements -- like the LED headlamps and the trademark Tiger Nose grille -- which seem to be inspired by the Seltos. Even the A-pillar rake is identical to the compact SUV, lending it an upright stance. However, the people mover gets a different set of alloy wheels and a redesigned rear, setting it apart from the Seltos.

The interior has yet to be seen. But we reckon Kia will offer it with two seating configurations: 6-seater with captain seats or a 7-seater with bench seats for middle-row occupants.  

The KY is expected to feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a Bose sound system, and push-button start. Passenger safety should be taken care of by multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and a blind spot monitoring. 

Considering that the 'KY' will be an extended version of the Seltos/Creta, we expect it to get the Alcazar's 115PS 1.5-litre diesel and 159PS 2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines. Both get a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic. We also wouldn't rule out the 115PS 1.5-litre petrol engine as an entry-level option. 

The new Kia KY will likely be priced from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards and rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700.