The Kia Carens has received a 3-star rating from Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) under the new protocols that came into effect in 2022. Though this rating seems to coincide with the one the Carens secured in the crash test conducted in June 2022, Kia voluntarily sent the Carens MPV to Global NCAP for testing under the new protocols. Note that the Carens underwent crash testing twice under the new protocols. When it was first tested, the MPV scored a 0-star rating for adult occupant protection. At that time, it came to light that the driver’s neck had poor protection, while protection offered to the driver’s chest and knees was marginal. All this was applicable to units produced between May 2, 2023, and December 11, 2023.
This, according to Global NCAP, 'triggered an immediate reaction from Kia to improve the neck performance, improving the restraint systems'. Thanks to this, the Kia Carens, manufactured after December 11, 2023, 'showed improvements,' resulting in 22.07 points out of 34 points. However, Global NCAP also pointed out that the MPV's performance did not meet their expectations, as the 'Carens offers six airbags as standard.'
Kia Carens: Adult Occupant Crash Test Results
In the latest frontal impact test, the MPV exhibited 'good' protection to the driver's and passenger's head, 'poor' protection to the driver’s neck, and 'good' protection to the passenger's neck. Furthermore, the driver's and passenger's knees, which were protected marginally, could be impacted by dangerous structures behind the fascia. Like before, the bodyshell integrity was rated as unstable.
As for the side impact test, the Carens offered 'good' protection to the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. However, Global NCAP conducted no side pole impact test, due to the 3-star safety rating. In addition, the seatbelt reminders, which are available as standard for all occupants, only fulfilled the requirements for the front row.
Kia Carens: Child Occupant Crash Test Results
Child occupant protection of the vehicle also showed improvements. In the second round of tests, the Carens MPV secured a total of 41 points out of 49, resulting in a 5-star rating for child occupant protection. This time around, the MPV featured an i-Size-approved restraint system, along with 3-point seatbelts as standard. In the first round, the MPV had a score of 40.92 out of 49, earning a 4-star rating for child occupant protection.
Kia Carens MPV: Features
Feature-wise, the Kia Carens packs a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster with the 4.2-inch colour MID, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with connected car technology, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and a rear-view camera. For safety, 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start, descent control, three-point seat belts for all seats, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX anchors are all standard with the model.
Kia Carens MPV: Powertrain
Under the hood, the Carens MPV gets three engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. Replacing the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit, the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 159bhp and 253Nm of peak torque. For transmission, the turbo-petrol engine uses an iMT and a seven-speed DCT unit. The NA petrol makes 113bhp and 144Nm, while the diesel version cranks out 114bhp and 250Nm. All powertrains available with the Carens are RDE-compliant and E20 fuel-ready.
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