Exclusive: All-new Kia Carens - On the road

The new car uses modified versions of the current model's 2.0-litre petrol and turbodiesdel engines, with suspension taken from the latest Magentis saloon.

The new suspension is said to reduce road noise in the cabin and make the car more stable at speed, more precise to steer and safer in a crash.

New shock absorbers adjust their responses according to the weight of passengers and cargo. Disc brakes are now fitted front and rear to reduce stopping distances and stability control becomes an option.

Both engines now develop more power and pull. The petrol unit is up 4bhp and 7lb ft to 140bhp and 136lb ft; the diesel gains 23bhp and 43lb ft to move up to 133bhp and 268lb ft. The petrol comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and the diesel with a six-speed gearbox, but a four-speed automatic with a Tiptronic-style manual shift is an option with both.