Can the upcoming Kia Carens be called an MPV? Based on the number of rows of seating it will offer, yes, but based on the way it will look – definitely no!
Until now, most of us were speculating that the upcoming Kia Carens could be an MPV. However, Kia, at the time of confirming the name 'Carens', did not put the MPV tag on it and instead called it a 'Recreational Vehicle', which would 'create a new segment for modern Indian families.' And now, with the official design sketches of the Carens out, the statement is starting to make more and more sense.
Before I get into the design details, it should be mentioned that the Carens, the fourth product from Kia India, will also mark the debut of Kia's new global design philosophy – ‘Opposites United’. A close look at the exterior design sketches gives the impression that the Carens will not exactly be shaped like an MPV but instead will be what seems like a cross between an MPV and an SUV, with a bias towards the latter.
The front of the Kia Carens resembles the bigger Sportage SUV, courtesy of similarly-shaped LED DRLs and aggressive styling. And, given all the aggressive character lines on both at the front and back, along with the pointy-shaped light elements, the Carens will certainly benefit from a distinctive look, which will help it stand apart in Kia's current model line-up.
Though the following details are yet to be confirmed, sources suggest that the Carens will basically lift the entire kit, ranging from the platform and powertrain options to the infotainment unit from the Seltos. Of course, to accommodate the third row of seats, the Carens will feature a longer wheelbase, which will put it in the same league as the Hyundai Alcazar and, perhaps, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga/XL6. Plus, the Carens is also likely to offer both 6- and 7-seat layout options.
The wait for the final details though, minus the price, will not be too long, as the Kia Carens will make its global debut in Gurugram, India, on 16th December. The launch is expected to take place sometime towards the end of Q1 2022.
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