Photographs by: Siddharth Dadhe

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment has always held a special place. Catering to the needs of families and those seeking spacious, versatile vehicles, MPVs blend functionality with comfort. The Kia Carens, an entrant in this segment, has quickly risen to prominence, accounting for a significant 26% of Kia’s sales in India. With its blend of practicality, premium features, and a robust powertrain, the Carens has become a favourite among Indian consumers. Kia aims to strengthen its foothold in the market by introducing a new iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) diesel variant. Here are our insights after spending a brief amount of time with the 2023 Kia Carens iMT diesel.

 Exterior Design and Styling: Subtle Yet Effective Updates

At first glance, the 2023 Kia Carens might appear identical to its predecessor. This observation is not far off the mark, as Kia has chosen to maintain the Carens’ established and popular design language. The lack of overt visual changes could be a strategic move to retain the vehicle’s recognizable look, ensuring continuity for its growing customer base.

The Carens retains its bold SUV-like stance, a feature that has endeared it to many buyers. The front fascia is dominated by Kia’s signature gloss black tiger nose grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps that give the Carens a modern and sophisticated appearance. The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add a touch of elegance and sportiness, while the rear LED tail lamps, connected by an elongated reflector, enhance the vehicle’s width, giving it a commanding road presence.

One minor yet significant change is the addition of an iMT badge on the tailgate, subtly indicating the presence of the new semi-automatic gearbox. This badge is the only external cue differentiating the iMT variant from its manual and automatic counterparts, maintaining a clean and uncluttered design.

The overall design philosophy of the Carens leans towards practicality without compromising on aesthetics. The high ground clearance and robust body cladding lend it a rugged look, while the chrome accents and roof rails add a premium touch. The large windows and well-proportioned body ensure excellent visibility and an airy feel inside the cabin, contributing to the vehicle’s overall practicality.

Interior Design and Comfort: Premium and Spacious Cabin
Stepping inside the Carens, the continuation of the exterior’s premium feel is immediately evident. The interior remains largely unchanged, with the notable absence of a clutch pedal being the most significant difference in the iMT variant. The cabin’s blue and beige upholstery creates a pleasant and airy atmosphere, enhancing the sense of space.

The layout of the dashboard is clean and functional, with high-quality materials used throughout. The auto start-stop button is a new addition, strategically placed for easy access. The instrument cluster is clear and informative, providing all necessary driving information at a glance. The infotainment system, a centrepiece of the dashboard, is user-friendly and packed with features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring connectivity on the go.

Seating and Comfort
Comfort has always been a strong point for the Carens, and the iMT variant is no exception. The second-row captain chairs offer excellent support and comfort, making long journeys a breeze. The third-row seats, often a compromise in many MPVs, are spacious enough to accommodate adult passengers comfortably. The flexibility of the seating arrangement allows for various configurations, making the Carens a versatile choice for families.

The inclusion of features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, and wireless charging adds to the premium feel of the cabin. The air purifier ensures a clean and fresh environment, an increasingly important consideration in urban settings. Overall, the interior of the Carens feels well-built and practical, with attention to detail evident in every aspect.

 Powertrain and Performance: The Diesel Heart
Under the hood, the 2023 Kia Carens iMT Diesel is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This engine produces 113 bhp at 4000 rpm and a substantial 250 Nm of torque at 1500 rpm. These figures translate to a robust and capable performance, suitable for both city commutes and highway cruises.

One of the standout features of this powertrain is its smoothness. The engine delivers power linearly and predictably, ensuring a relaxed driving experience. There is a slight turbo-lag at lower RPMs, but it is not intrusive enough to affect the overall drivability. During overtaking manoeuvres or hard acceleration, a downshift is required to tap into the engine’s full potential, but once in the powerband, the Carens feels eager and responsive.

The iMT Experience
The iMT, or Intelligent Manual Transmission, is a clutchless manual gearbox designed to offer the convenience of an automatic while retaining the engagement of a manual. This technology uses an electric actuator to engage and disengage the clutch, allowing the driver to shift gears manually without the need for a clutch pedal.

Getting accustomed to the iMT takes a bit of time, especially for those used to traditional manual gearboxes. However, once familiar, the iMT proves to be a less tiring option, particularly in congested urban traffic. The gearbox is well-tuned for city driving, allowing for smooth and seamless shifts. One impressive aspect is the ability to drive at low speeds in second gear without constant shifting between first and second, a boon in stop-and-go traffic.

The iMT also enhances driver engagement, allowing for manual gear selection. However, it is essential to adopt a sedate driving style, as rapid shifting can lead to wear on the electric actuator. The system provides audible and visual prompts on the MID screen if a downshift is missed, ensuring the driver is always in the optimal gear.

Ride and Handling
The suspension setup of the Kia Carens is tuned for comfort, absorbing road imperfections with ease. The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle at the rear provide a balanced ride quality, ensuring comfort for all passengers. Even on rough and uneven surfaces, the Carens maintains composure, making it a suitable choice for Indian road conditions.

The steering of the Carens is light and precise, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. At higher speeds, it offers adequate feedback, instilling confidence in the driver. The overall handling characteristics of the Carens are predictable and stable, with minimal body roll, a commendable feat for an MPV of its size.

The brakes are responsive and offer good stopping power, with ABS and EBD ensuring stability during sudden braking. The overall driving dynamics of the Carens strike a fine balance between comfort and control, making it a versatile vehicle for various driving scenarios.

Safety Features
Safety has been a priority for Kia, and the Carens comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add more advanced features like side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist.

The robust build quality of the Carens also contributes to its safety credentials, providing a reassuring sense of security for all occupants. The inclusion of features like ISOFIX child seat anchors further enhances the vehicle’s family-friendly appeal.

Technology and Connectivity
The Kia Carens is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that offers seamless connectivity options. The touchscreen display is responsive and easy to use, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This ensures that drivers and passengers can stay connected and entertained on the go.

In addition to the infotainment system, the Carens offers a host of convenience features that enhance the overall driving experience. These include a wireless charging pad, ventilated seats, and an air purifier. The presence of these features, particularly in the mid and higher trims, adds significant value to the Carens, making it a well-rounded package.

Verdict and Pricing
The primary competitor to the Kia Carens in the Indian market is the Maruti Suzuki XL6. While both vehicles offer a similar blend of practicality and comfort, the Carens stands out with its more comprehensive feature list and multiple powertrain options. The XL6, available with only a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, lacks the unique iMT option that the Carens offers.

The Carens also edges ahead in terms of interior quality and space, particularly in the third row. The addition of features like a sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated seats further tilts the balance in favour of the Carens, making it a more attractive proposition for buyers looking for a well-equipped MPV.

The Kia Carens iMT Diesel is priced between Rs 12.65 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This pricing positions the Carens competitively within the MPV segment, offering a compelling value proposition given its extensive feature list and advanced powertrain options.

The Carens offers excellent value for money, particularly in the mid and higher trims where features like the sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated seats are included. The iMT gearbox adds a unique selling point, providing the convenience of an automatic with the engagement of a manual. The overall package of the Carens, with its premium feel, practical design, and robust performance, makes it a strong contender in the MPV segment.