KIA CARENS MPV REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

There are just two engines in the Carens, both 1.6-litre units. We're yet to drive either, but on paper the two look to have similar levels of power and outright performance. However, what will doubtless be in the diesel's favour will be its considerable extra torque that is available lower down in the rev range: 192lb ft compared with the petrol's 116.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

While it isn't terrible to drive, the Carens is neither as supple over scarred urban surfaces nor as composed through corners as the best compact MPVs. The ride improves with speed but it can still crash over bigger bumps, while the steering is short on feel and there’s a fair amount of body sway.
Refinement

2 out of 5 stars

Without driving the two new 1.6-litre engines, we can't comment on their refinement. However, we know that some wind- and road noise intrudes at speed, and the light gearshift could be more accurate.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The Carens is temptingly priced, undercutting rivals such as the Toyota Verso and Vauxhall Zafira by thousands. All models have competitive insurance ratings and the diesel-engines models average the best part of 50mpg. Resale values, however, can't match those of the best cars in the class.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

The Carens is solidly built, but the interior plastics look drab and are hard to the touch. Kia has a decent reliability record, plus you get a seven-year warranty for unlimited mileage (in the first three years), one-year roadside assistance and a five-year paintwork warranty as standard.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

Every Carens comes with front-, side- and curtain airbags and stability control. Active head restraints that protect the driver and front passenger against whiplash in the event of a rear-end shunt can be included as a cost option, while deadlocks, etched windows and an integrated stereo are fitted as standard to deter thieves.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

Most drivers will find it enough to get comfortable, but things would be improved if the steering wheel moved for reach as well as height, and the foot-operated parking brake is a pain to use in manual cars. The chunky stereo and air-con controls are well laid out and clearly labelled, but forward vision isn’t great and the small rear window can make reversing tricky.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

The Carens is available as both a five- and seven-seater, with the middle row sliding back and forth in the latter version. Those in the first two rows get plenty of head- and legroom, but with the middle row slid right back, the rearmost seats are only suitable for children. There’s lots of cabin storage and the five rear seats all fold flat, but with all the seats in place the boot can only swallow a handful of shopping bags.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

The entry-level 1 model comes only with five seats, as well as with alloy wheels, four electric windows, air-conditioning and central locking. 2 trim brings two extra seats, as well as remote locking, larger alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, roof rails, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Top 3 models get climate control, an electric sunroof, automatic headlights and parking sensors.