Kia India has officially announced to unveil the much-awaited Carens 7-seater utility vehicle in the country on December 16, 2021. The new model is scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2022, most probably in February-March. Ahead of the official debut, Kia has released a new teaser of the Kia Carens that reveals some details.
Internally called the Kia KY project, the new model will be positioned against the Suzuki XL6/Ertiga and the Mahindra Marazzo. The new teaser reveals the overall profile, which shows an elongated body and a Crossover-MPV like structure. The Kia Carens features a forward dipping bonnet structure that houses the brand’s new logo.
Also visible are the large greenhouse with more upright pillars and stretched body, which should help Kia engineers to create more space inside the cabin. The new model is likely to be offered in 6- and 7-seat layout with former featuring captain seats in the second row.
The teaser shows that the Kia Carens has tapered roofline and usable roof rails. It also reveals the sharp LED daytime running lights and a thin horizontal lighting bar that runs across the front fascia. Also visible are the LED tail-lights, raked front windshield and chromed door handles.
The Kia Carens is likely to measure around 4.5 meters in length, which is right between the Ertiga and the Innova Crysta. The new Kia Carens MPV is expected to be based on the brand’s SP2 platform that currently underpins the Seltos and the Creta. The new MPV could use the modified version of this platform that underpins the Alcazar. It is likely to come with 150mm longer wheelbase than the Seltos. The new Kia KY could be offered in two seating layouts – 6-and 7-seat.
The new Kia KY MPV is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel with 6MT & 6AT, and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol with 6MT & 6AT. While the former is good for 113bhp and 250Nm of torque, the NA petrol engine produces 113bhp and 244Nm of torque.
