Kia Carens 1.5 petrol MT review: Buyer's favourite
The Kia Carens MPV really impressed us with its practicality, classy interiors and lengthy features list when we first drove it a couple of years ago. However, we only got to experience the diesel and turbo-petrol back then, when in fact it's the entry-level version with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that accounts for a huge chunk of the MPV's sales. Let’s see what it's like to drive and why you should consider one.
This four-cylinder engine puts out 115hp at 6,300rpm and 144Nm at 4,500rpm, and it focuses more on a smooth driving experience rather than outright performance. From the moment you start the engine, it feels refined and quiet at low to mid revs, and it’s only higher up in the rev range that the engine gets loud and feels strained. Off the line, power delivery is smooth and the engine feels responsive to even the slightest of throttle inputs. It doesn’t have the mid-range punch of its turbocharged siblings, but it doesn’t feel gutless either. Furthermore, the light clutch, slick gearshifts and effortless steering make it a breeze to drive in the city or out on the highway.
We also tested the Carens 1.5’s performance, and it did the 0-100kph run in 11.59sec. In terms of in-gear acceleration, the Carens does 20-80kph in third gear in 11.69sec and 40-100kph in fourth gear in 16.76sec. Do note though that these figures are not up to the usual Autocar India test standards.
The Carens’ overall ride comfort is good, with the suspension doing a good job of smoothening out low-speed bumps. At higher speeds, it impresses with good stability and well-controlled body movements. Around the bends, body movements are kept well in check and the steering provides decent feedback, which aids confidence.
The Carens 1.5 petrol-manual is available in just two entry-level trims – Premium and Prestige – and it’s the latter that we’re driving here. There aren’t any badges on the outside to tell you that this is the entry-level, petrol-powered version of the Carens, however, you will be able to tell that this isn’t a top-spec car as it rides on smaller 15-inch steel wheels with covers, gets halogen headlights instead of LEDs and lacks chrome trims. Furthermore, the Kia Carens 1.5 petrol can only be had in three colours – White, Silver and Grey – with the other options being reserved for higher variants.
Inside, the Carens greets you with a layered dash that looks and feels premium, and the build quality in general is very good. This variant also gets a different black-and-beige upholstery theme, in comparison to the navy blue-and-beige of the Luxury trims, and the sage green-and-black of the range-topping X Line. The front seats are supportive and it's nice that even this near base-spec Carens gets a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
The bench-style second-row seats (you can’t have the captain’s seats here, but they split 60:40) are comfy and spacious, and there’s a good degree of adjustment too; the last row remains good enough for adults. As for access to the third row, both middle row seats feature a tumble and fold function, but the one on the kerbside gets a one-touch electric-assisted mechanism that folds the seat out of the way automatically.
With all rows up, boot space is a nominal 216 litres; fold down the rear two rows and it’ll open up 1,164 litres for some serious cargo carrying capacity. There are also plenty of cubbies and storage spaces dotted around the cabin.
