Kia Carens Launched: Same Price, Other Options

Kia India has surprised the market with the Carens’ introductory pricing, which ranges between Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). For the package the Carens offers, these prices are the icing on the cake, making the MPV more likeable and attractive. That said, don’t jump right into the gun as there are five options you can consider for similar money before signing the cheque. 

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga / XL6

• Ertiga Price: Rs 8.13 lakh to Rs 10.86 lakh

• XL6 Price: Rs 10.14 lakh to Rs 12.02 lakh

If you want something sensible, simple, tried and tested, and that does the job well, you should take a look at the Ertiga and XL6. Both people movers get all the necessary features one would need, have decent space for six (XL6) or seven (Ertiga) occupants, and come with the trusty 105PS 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Ertiga also offers buyers an economical CNG option. Check it out by reading our reviews:

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Petrol Review: Road Test

• Maruti Suzuki XL6 2019 - First Drive Review

Mahindra Marazzo

• Price: Rs 12.8 lakh to Rs 14.92 lakh 

The Marazzo might not be a high volume product, but it’s an extremely capable people mover with a spacious cabin and four-star Global NCAP safety rating. Sure, you’re limited to one diesel-manual powertrain, a 122PS 1.5-litre diesel engine clubbed with a 6-speed manual. But, Mahindra is expected to launch an AMT model in the future for buyers looking for convenience. Our views about the Marazzo here:

• Mahindra Marazzo: First Drive Review

Hyundai Creta

• Price: Rs 10.23 lakh to Rs 17.94 lakh

The Hyundai Creta is the top selling SUV in its segment and checks all the right boxes. A lengthy feature list… check, decent space for five… check, a variety of powertrain options… check, and a value-for-money price tag… double check. What’s more, Hyundai is prepping the facelifted Creta that’s expected to be launched later this year. You can read our impressions about the Creta here:

• Hyundai Creta 2020: First Drive Review

Kia Seltos 

• Price: Rs 9.95 lakh to Rs 18.19 lakh 

Carens buyers going to a Kia showroom have another option in the form of the Seltos. While it may be smaller, as a five-seater compact SUV, the Seltos definitely beats the Carens in the high-end features department. The former gets a 360-degree camera, a blind spot monitor, head-up display, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. The 1.5-litre petrol engine also gets an option of a 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT). Our impressions about the Seltos here:

• Kia Seltos First Drive Review

Skoda Kushaq / VW Taigun 

• Skoda Kushaq Price: Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 18.19 lakh

• VW Taigun Price: Rs 11 lakh to Rs 18 lakh 

For similar money, if you fancy a smaller car that’s a lot of fun to drive, then the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun should be on your list. Both models get powerful turbo-petrol engines and have a chassis that begs to be pushed hard. Sure, they are best to accommodate only four adults and might miss on a few niceties, but their involving driving nature makes up for it. 

Our first drive reviews here:

• Skoda Kushaq First Drive Review: 16 Things You Should Know!

• Volkswagen Taigun First Drive Review: 10 Reasons Why It Lives Up To The Hype!

These are the five similarly priced models you should consider before buying the Kia Carens. To know our impressions about the people mover, read our in-depth first drive review.