Kia has introduced the Prestige Plus (O) variant for the Carens, building on the features of the Prestige + variant of the MPV. Some premium features are now more easily accessible due to this updated version. Detailed features of the most recent version are shown here.
Design
The front of the Prestige Plus (O) variant features LED DRLs, a body-colored front bumper, and chrome accents on the front grille for a touch of sophistication. Its halogen headlights are still present, though.
On the sides, the vehicle showcases 16-inch dual-tone alloys, wheel arch and side moldings, body-colored door handles, and a chrome strip below the windows extending across the length. The door handles and door accents, however, lack chrome finishing.
At the rear, the Prestige Plus (O) variant boasts LED taillamps, a body-colored rear bumper, and a chrome garnish on the bumper for a premium appearance, while a rear spoiler enhances its sporty look.
Interior and Features
While the Carens Prestige Plus (O) variant may not include all the features found in higher trims, it now comes with a sunroof, previously available only in the now-discontinued Luxury (O) trim.
The variant is equipped with essential features such as a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, keyless entry with push-button start, rear AC vents, 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, steering-mounted audio controls, power windows, rear defogger, cruise control, and automatic headlamps.
In terms of safety, it is packed with features like ABS, ESC, a tire pressure monitoring system, 6 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and seatbelt reminders for all seats.
Powertrains
The Carens Prestige Plus (O) variant is available with a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 160 PS and 253 Nm, as well as a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 115 PS and 250 Nm. The petrol version comes with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, while the diesel version features an automatic transmission. It does not offer the iMT gearbox found in the Prestige Plus variant. The entry-level variants of the Carens are powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113 PS and 144 Nm.
Price and Rivals
The Prestige Plus (O) variant of the Carens is priced at Rs 16.12 lakh (ex-showroom) for the turbo-petrol version and Rs 16.57 lakh (ex-showroom) for the diesel version. The overall price range for the Carens is from Rs 10.52 lakh to Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kia Carens competes with the Maruti Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6 and offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the Toyota Innova Hycross and Innova Crysta.