The Kia Carens has undergone a significant update for the 2024 model year, with the introduction of new variants, additional features, and a new diesel-manual powertrain option. This expansion has increased the Carens lineup to an impressive 30 variants, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.
New Diesel-Manual Powertrain
One of the highlights of the update is the introduction of a new diesel-manual powertrain option. The 1.5-liter diesel engine, producing 116hp and 250Nm of torque, is now available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, in addition to the existing 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) and 6-speed torque converter automatic options. This addition provides more choices for customers who prefer the control and engagement of a manual transmission.
Enhanced Feature List
Kia has also enhanced the Carens with a range of new features across various trims. The Premium (O), Prestige (O), and Prestige+ (O) variants now come with additional amenities such as keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment screen, LED lighting, and a smart key with push-button start. The top-end X-Line trim now includes a dashcam and voice-command-operated windows, and it offers an optional 7-seater configuration. Furthermore, all variants are now equipped with a more powerful 180W smartphone charger as standard.
New Color Option
Adding to the aesthetic appeal of the Carens, Kia has introduced a new color option - Pewter Olive. This sophisticated shade, already popular on the Seltos, is now available across all variants of the Carens, except for the X-Line trim.
Updated Pricing
With the addition of new features and variants, the pricing for the Kia Carens has been revised. The updated price range now starts at Rs 10.52 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom). Despite the price increase, the Carens continues to offer competitive value in the MPV segment.
Rivals
The Kia Carens competes directly with the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and also faces competition from other MPVs such as the Hyundai Alcazar, Toyota Innova Crysta, Mahindra Marazzo, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and Toyota Rumion. With its updated features, new powertrain options, and expanded lineup, the Carens aims to strengthen its position in the segment and appeal to a broader audience.