The Kia Carens got a minor update in March 2023. The 2023 model got a new engine, gearbox and minor updates to the equipment list. The significant update of the Carens is a new 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo petrol engine which puts out 160hp of power and 253Nm of torque. This engine replaces the older 1.4-litre, 4-cyl, turbo petrol engine.
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Other two engine options include a 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, NA Petrol engine and a 1.5-litre, 4-cyl, turbo diesel engine. Gearbox options include a 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
In terms of features, the MPV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, keyless go, cruise control, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, rear-view camera, single pane sunroof and more. Safety features include six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start and descent control and TPMS.
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As mentioned previously, the Carens is offered in Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, Luxury (O) and Luxury Plus variants. The top-spec Luxury Plus is the only variant available with both 6- and 7-seater guise, while all other trims are available in 7-seating.
The Kia Carens competes with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra Marazzo and Citroen C3 Aircross.