| First Drive | Monaco | Kia Carens |
Key Facts
Model tested: Kia Carens '3' 1.7 CRDi
Pricing: Carens predicted to start from about £18,000
Engine: 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: five-door, seven-seat MPV
Rivals: Citroen C4 Picasso, Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Touran
CO2 emissions: 129g/km
Combined economy: 57.6mpg
Top speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 13.0 seconds
Power: 115hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 260Nm at 1,250- to 2,750rpm
In the Metal: 
With the Carens, Kia has finally completed its revision. As the last member of the line-up not to have been sprinkled with Peter Schreyer's magic dust it stood out like a sore thumb. The new car stands out but not amongst its siblings - against slab sided competition the low roof and high waistline of the Carens give it a 'sportier' look - or at least as sporty looking as a seven-seat MPV can be. The front end is unmistakably cee'd-inspired with the signature 'Tiger Nose' and new LED daytime running lights.
Space between the wheels has increased by 20mm over the last generation car and overall the Carens is longer than the likes of a Volkswagen Touran, but, such is the styling, much of the heft is well hidden. While families may crave the space and practicality that MPVs offer they do not always want a car that is more van-like in its stature.
While acknowledging that the cars tested were high-end launch models with every options box ticked the new Carens does have a lot going for it inside. Sold in the UK in seven-seat guise, it offers generous space for five adults (including what Kia says is class-leading leg- and headroom all around) with two further seats in the rear for occasional use. All seats, bar the driver's, can be easily folded flat to the floor when not in use to maximise space or, in the case of the first two rows, individually slid fore and aft to optimise passenger comfort. While there are some cheap plastics used in the cabin, this being a family car, their durability is welcomed but for the most part these are placed lower down and do not detract from what is a well-appointed cabin.
With all seven seats in place there is a small 103-litre boot space, but this is boosted to 492 litres with the rear seats folded to the floor. Maximum capacity (with two rear rows collapsed) is 1,650 litres - ideal for that trip to Ikea.
Driving it:
Exact pricing has yet to be released, but we do know that the initial line-up will include a 1.6-litre petrol powered offering and the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel unit that currently sees service in the Optima and Sportage. The engine is produced in two power outputs - 115- and 136hp.
The lower powered engine is the one tested and, for the most part, it is more than capable of hauling the Carens' bulk around, but a lack of low down torque was shown up by the mountainous roads of our Monaco test route. The action of the six-speed manual transmission is smooth and precise, allowing for effortless progress away from the mountains, though we do wish the steering had more feel to it. Even having changed the 'Flexsteer' settings from Comfort to Sport mode there is still a feeling of disconnection from the front wheels.
What you get for your Money:
When the Carens arrives in the UK it is likely to be offered in Kia's familiar 1,2,3 specification grades with prices starting from £18,000 for the entry-level model. For your money you will get alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, a multi-function steering wheel, air conditioning and voice activated Bluetooth at the least - we believe.
Higher versions will add auto lights, LED rear lights, seat back tables, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and a rear view camera, whilst the top of the range model should include luxury features such as a leather upholstery with heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, panoramic sunroof and front parking sensors.
Worth Noting
Kia, is of course, known for its seven-year warranty; pre-Peter Schreyer it was the main reason people bought the cars, but the Korean brand has just announced another 'seven' with a seven-year free map update for all cars with satellite navigation. Sadly, this won't apply to the majority of models bought in the UK...
Summary
The last generation Kia Carens was, at best, forgettable and, at worst, dire - not labels that could be applied to the new model though. With the fourth generation car Kia finally completes its line-up makeover and now offers a genuinely attractive MPV that majors on equipment and value for money with a degree in practicality.
