The new Kia Carens is meant to be sold in India before any other countries and looks more like a crossover SUV than the compact van we knew.
Aside from new pics showing a redesigned exterior, there is a single sketch of the cabin focused on a dashboard. The seats aren’t shown, but there will be three rows. Not long ago, Hyundai unveiled a stretched variant of its Creta CUV named the Alcazar, so the new Carens might be related to them.
The front end looks Kia Soul-esque except for the headlights with a new LED signature. The sides are sculpted above the wheel wells, there is a spoiler, and large fake exhaust tips.
Kia says the interior has been designed with the Indian market in mind, and houses a 10.25-inch touchscreen display in the middle. The sketch also reveals a three-spoke multi-function wheel and an A/T gear selector.
Autocar India believes the Caren will ship in six- and seven- seat variants and the same assortment of engines as the local Kia Seltos. This means a choice between a 1.5-liter petrol engine and a diesel one with the same displacement.
The premiere will take place on December 16, 2021.