padraic deane
The new 2013 Kia Carens compact MPV will go on sale in Ireland in May with a starting price of €26,490.
It will be powered by the economical 1.7D engine that powers its Sportage stablemate and it will arrive in a choice of three trim levels - TX, EX and Platinum. The 1.7 diesel engines emits 129 gms CO2, with €270 annual road tax.
Standard equipment for the entry level Irish TX model includes alloy wheels, rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights, cornering lights, front and rear electric windows, luggage cargo screen, steering mounted audio controls, and voice activated Bluetooth.
Safety is given a high priority with Kia and all models having six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC ), vehicle stability management, and emergency stop signal. The all-new bodyshell created for the new Carens incorporates Kia’s latest CAD techniques and structural lessons from recent Kia models. Manufactured with a high percentage of high-strength steel, Kia, expects the new bodyshell will contribute to the new Carens earning an anticipated five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests.
With a sleek and sculpted design, the all-new Kia Carens marks a dramatic shift away from the more utilitarian look of its predecessor. It features a spacious five-plus-two seating layout, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, and wraps this family-friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.
“I wanted to give the new Carens a sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s highly rated chief design officer.
The new Carens is slightly shorter, narrower, and lower than the previous-generation model. However, cabin space is generous thanks to the new model’s increased wheelbase and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front-wheel centre line. Its overall height is one of the lowest in class - giving the model a more sporty appearance.
“Kia as a brand has become extremely popular with families for style, practicality, value for money, and of course our seven year warranty” commented James Brooks, managing director of Kia Motors Ireland. “In cee’d Sportwagon and Sportage we already have practical and stylish choices for these customers and now we have a solution for both families and fleet customers looking for a spacious, economical, and flexible seven-seater.”
