We informed you earlier that Kia will launch an all-new 3-row MPV in the country in 2022. Codenamed KY, the new MPV is likely to be called the Kia Carens. The company has recently trademarked the Carens nameplate in the country. The new Kia KY MPV is scheduled to make global debut in India on December 16, 2021.
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 model will rival the Suzuki XL6, top-end variants of the Maruti Ertiga, Mahindra Marazzo and the lower-end variants of the Innova.
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 has already been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian as well as in Indonesia. The spy images show that the new MPV has SUV-like design elements, as some of the styling will be sourced from the Seltos and the Sonet. The new model comes with an extended body, as it gets a larger rear door and glasshouse.
Some of the design highlights will include a wide ‘Tiger Nose’ grille along with wide air-dams, and chrome highlights, large rear doors and shark fin antenna. The MPV will come with a factory-fitted sunroof and 16-inch alloys. Previous reports suggest that the new Kia KY could be the first vehicle in its segment to offer access to third row via an electric button.
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.
