Carens facelift will have an updated front fascia and is expected to get some new features such as ADAS
With its sporty profile and comprehensive range of features, Kia Carens has been a bestseller from day one. It is currently the third best selling Kia car, after Sonet and Seltos. Carens takes on rivals such as Maruti Ertiga / XL6, Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova Crysta.
To further improve its positioning, Carens will be getting the facelift version later this year in September. Before that, Kia will be introducing Seltos facelift in July. Sonet facelift is also in the works and expected to be launched later this year or early next year.
New Kia Carens facelift Launch By Sep 2023
Carens facelift will have a refreshed front fascia and rear bumper. Side profile will be largely the same as earlier. In terms of equipment list, possibilities include a new touchscreen infotainment system and updated instrument cluster. Top-spec variants could be equipped with a panoramic sunroof, which will also be available with upcoming Seltos facelift.
Carens facelift can get a new interior colour theme and refreshed upholstery. As ADAS is becoming increasingly mainstream, it is likely to be introduced with Carens facelift. Prices will be increased, based on the overall quantum of updates. As of now, Carens is available at a starting price of Rs 10.45 lakh and goes all the way to Rs 18.95 lakh, ex-sh. Kia Carens ADAS top variant could cost about Rs 20 lakh.
Powertrain options for Carens facelift will remain the same as earlier. It includes a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. The petrol unit churns out 115 PS of max power and 144 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The turbo petrol unit makes 160 PS and 253 Nm. Transmission choices include 6-speed iMT and 7DCT. The diesel unit generates 116 PS and 250 Nm. It is mated to either 6-speed iMT or 6AT.
Carens new Luxury (O) variant
To bridge the gap in pricing and equipment list between Luxury and Luxury Plus trims, Kia has introduced a new Luxury (O) variant for Carens. The new variant is available with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel motor. Carens Luxury (O) gets only automatic transmission – 7DCT with the petrol and 6AT with the diesel unit. There is no manual or iMT option. Carens Luxury (O) petrol and diesel variants are priced at Rs 16.99 lakh and Rs 17.70 lakh, ex-sh respectively.
Carens new Luxury (O) variant is available in only 7-seat format. As compared to the Luxury trim, the Luxury (O) variant has additional features such as sunroof and ambient lighting. Other highlights include 16-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustability, USB type-C charging ports and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Safety kit includes 6-airbags, ESC, ABS, disc brakes on all four wheels and hill start assist.
However, the Luxury (O) variant will be missing out on features such as paddle shifters, premium Bose sound system and ventilated front seats. To access these features, one has to choose the top-spec Luxury Plus variant of Carens.
