Kia Carens 2015: all new 7-seater arrives

[Sunset73]

I believed they are many Kia's Sales man here trying to promote their car because too quiet at the showroom. Unlike other brand Sale Engineer very busy explaining to client about their car's quality, technology, features etc.

Oh.... there is one thing I don't quite understand, why the sale man from Kia driving other brand's car? No confident in their own brand?

 

 

Oh.. so you telling me Toyota salesperson must drive Toyota cars? You think cars are few hundred dollars in Singapore and you can change like changing clothes? What if I just joined Borneo and before that I working for C&C?

 

Failed reasoning.

Went to see the car today... It looks good... But price too high for me... Will wait for demo unit promo maybe...

 

What's the price after discount if any? Still fix at 134,999?

[Erykool]

I asked if there is any launch discount the sales guy say can help me ask boss if I want.. I did not pursue as I was rushing off. But one of the thing impressed me is that second row is all individual adjustable seats. Not a bench. Very good. If not for the price I will book Liao... To replace my stream of 9 years...

[wesayu]

Have been driving the hippo Carens since 2007. Current mileage 330,000km. A very reliable car. Not much problem except for the usual maintenance. Only issue now is the CEL. Went to workshop to check and the catalytic converter efficiency has failed. No power lost so just continued to drive.

Will be considering the latest Carens.

[Fat_slayer]

 

Oh.... there is one thing I don't quite understand, why the sale man from Kia driving other brand's car? No confident in their own brand?

 

 

Just a thought....if the Salesman is selling Bentley or Ferrari, how?

 

Anyway, I think the new Kia are very impressive, even better than the japs for e.g. K3 vs Civic / Altis, K5 vs Camry , Sorento vs Outlander....

[Soya]

 

Bro, thanks for the heads up. Intend to go see see this weekend. C&C is always a let down. Carens is actually a high spec-ed car overseas but when it comes to Singapore, becomes a super let down. Previous models are also the same case.

 

 

 

That's in the past when all kimchi car was a budget choice.

 

The present C&C Kia models are sibei high spec - even higher than many overseas models and some 'luxury' conti.

 

Compare the Wish to the new Carens, confirm the sushi buyer would 'wish' he made a different choice.......

[Coolpica]

Review of Carens by Straits Times.

 

 

 

Contemporary Carens

Kia's compact MPV returns as car prices are set to dip with more COEs

 

 

PUBLISHED ON APR 18, 2015

 

BY CHRISTOPHER TAN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

 

The last time Kia introduced its Carens compact seven-seater here was in 2006, with a facelift three years later.

 

That was just nine years ago, but it seemed like a bygone era.

 

Back then, you could get a table at your favourite restaurant on a Saturday without a reservation, nobody you knew had a Facebook account and shoeboxes generally described boxes which contained shoes.

 

Also, a car COE was well under $20,000, which meant the Carens cost about $60,000 back then.

 

How things have changed. The next- generation Carens was unveiled in Paris in September 2012. But local agent Cycle & Carriage did not bring it to Singapore because it felt the model would not do well in a market which saw COE prices heading for the $100,000 mark.

 

With COE supply expanding once again and premiums settling below $70,000, the "budget" MPV looks more viable now, even if it is a couple of years late.

 

Surprisingly, the car is still pretty contemporary - proof that real style can stand the test of time. Even though a facelift should be around the corner, the car looks a lot more presentable than its predecessor, with a decidedly European feel both inside and out.

 

Its stylish lines are supported by a Continental solidity that comes through clearly - from what you hear as well as what you do not. The doors shut with a reassuring thud; the cabin is surprisingly insulated against road and traffic noise; and the well-padded and well-fitted plastic panels onboard betray no rattle at all.

 

Which is actually not all that shocking, really. Kia has improved by leaps since it hired ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer in 2006 to help it penetrate the European market.

 

The Carens is sized for Europe, with dimensions that would not make it unwieldy in the often narrow and winding roads there. Unfortunately, that means it compromises on interior space.

 

Compared to a compact Japanese MPV such as the Toyota Wish, it is noticeably less roomy. Its third row, because of its restricted legroom and headroom, is best reserved for small children.

 

Its first and second rows are decent, though, with adequate room and lots of versatility. In fact, the second row is made up of three separate seats which can slide, fold and recline individually.

 

All passenger seats can be folded to release a flat cargo area. And if there are only six persons onboard, the middle seat of the second row can be folded to reveal a small picnic table top with drink holders.

 

Rear air-conditioning vents ensure a good distribution of cool air.

 

The new Carens excels in the ride and handling department. When cruising near three-digit speeds, it displays unwavering stability. Speed humps and tarmac blemishes are dealt with effectively by damping action that would not be out of place in a German hatch.

 

While its chassis is well sorted, it is let down slightly by a steering - despite having adjustable weightings - that is slightly disconnected and non-linear.

 

Even though its engine is beefier than before, everyday driving still requires the tachometer to exceed 3,000rpm regularly and, not infrequently, past 4,000rpm.

 

Its six-speed autobox behaves and sounds like a continuously variable transmission.

 

The Carens makes a convincing case when it comes to amenities. It is better equipped than all its Japanese rivals and many of its German competitors.

 

It has cruise control with speed limiter, keyless access and ignition, LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, six airbags, welcome lights with puddle lamps, connectivity to mobile devices and quite a few more.

 

Active safety features include vehicle stability management and electronic stability control. A navigation set and reverse camera system would have completed the picture.

 

Even without the last two features, the Carens is a strong contender in the compact MPV segment. It is ideal for young families or folks who do not need to use all seven seats regularly.

[Calford]

 

 

That's in the past when all kimchi car was a budget choice.

 

The present C&C Kia models are sibei high spec - even higher than many overseas models and some 'luxury' conti.

 

Compare the Wish to the new Carens, confirm the sushi buyer would 'wish' he made a different choice.......

Now the budget choice will be Chery Maxime, which had launched in Malaysia in Mid March. The interior color tone look like my previous car Honda stream. The finishing looks so much better than Easter.

 

This MPV is not even selling in China yet.

The last row is very small, stream better. I went to try it. But the design is super, so much better then the stream or even Jade (from picture), which may bring in by PI soon.

Review of Carens by Straits Times.

 

 

 

Contemporary Carens

Kia's compact MPV returns as car prices are set to dip with more COEs

 

 

PUBLISHED ON APR 18, 2015

 

BY CHRISTOPHER TAN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

 

The last time Kia introduced its Carens compact seven-seater here was in 2006, with a facelift three years later.

 

That was just nine years ago, but it seemed like a bygone era.

 

Back then, you could get a table at your favourite restaurant on a Saturday without a reservation, nobody you knew had a Facebook account and shoeboxes generally described boxes which contained shoes.

 

Also, a car COE was well under $20,000, which meant the Carens cost about $60,000 back then.

 

How things have changed. The next- generation Carens was unveiled in Paris in September 2012. But local agent Cycle & Carriage did not bring it to Singapore because it felt the model would not do well in a market which saw COE prices heading for the $100,000 mark.

 

With COE supply expanding once again and premiums settling below $70,000, the "budget" MPV looks more viable now, even if it is a couple of years late.

 

Surprisingly, the car is still pretty contemporary - proof that real style can stand the test of time. Even though a facelift should be around the corner, the car looks a lot more presentable than its predecessor, with a decidedly European feel both inside and out.

 

Its stylish lines are supported by a Continental solidity that comes through clearly - from what you hear as well as what you do not. The doors shut with a reassuring thud; the cabin is surprisingly insulated against road and traffic noise; and the well-padded and well-fitted plastic panels onboard betray no rattle at all.

 

Which is actually not all that shocking, really. Kia has improved by leaps since it hired ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer in 2006 to help it penetrate the European market.

 

The Carens is sized for Europe, with dimensions that would not make it unwieldy in the often narrow and winding roads there. Unfortunately, that means it compromises on interior space.

 

Compared to a compact Japanese MPV such as the Toyota Wish, it is noticeably less roomy. Its third row, because of its restricted legroom and headroom, is best reserved for small children.

 

Its first and second rows are decent, though, with adequate room and lots of versatility. In fact, the second row is made up of three separate seats which can slide, fold and recline individually.

 

All passenger seats can be folded to release a flat cargo area. And if there are only six persons onboard, the middle seat of the second row can be folded to reveal a small picnic table top with drink holders.

 

Rear air-conditioning vents ensure a good distribution of cool air.

 

The new Carens excels in the ride and handling department. When cruising near three-digit speeds, it displays unwavering stability. Speed humps and tarmac blemishes are dealt with effectively by damping action that would not be out of place in a German hatch.

 

While its chassis is well sorted, it is let down slightly by a steering - despite having adjustable weightings - that is slightly disconnected and non-linear.

 

Even though its engine is beefier than before, everyday driving still requires the tachometer to exceed 3,000rpm regularly and, not infrequently, past 4,000rpm.

 

Its six-speed autobox behaves and sounds like a continuously variable transmission.

 

The Carens makes a convincing case when it comes to amenities. It is better equipped than all its Japanese rivals and many of its German competitors.

 

It has cruise control with speed limiter, keyless access and ignition, LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, six airbags, welcome lights with puddle lamps, connectivity to mobile devices and quite a few more.

 

Active safety features include vehicle stability management and electronic stability control. A navigation set and reverse camera system would have completed the picture.

 

Even without the last two features, the Carens is a strong contender in the compact MPV segment. It is ideal for young families or folks who do not need to use all seven seats regularly.

 

[Sunset73]

Review of Carens by Straits Times.

 

 

 

Contemporary Carens

Kia's compact MPV returns as car prices are set to dip with more COEs

 

 

PUBLISHED ON APR 18, 2015

 

BY CHRISTOPHER TAN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

 

The last time Kia introduced its Carens compact seven-seater here was in 2006, with a facelift three years later.

 

That was just nine years ago, but it seemed like a bygone era.

 

Back then, you could get a table at your favourite restaurant on a Saturday without a reservation, nobody you knew had a Facebook account and shoeboxes generally described boxes which contained shoes.

 

Also, a car COE was well under $20,000, which meant the Carens cost about $60,000 back then.

 

How things have changed. The next- generation Carens was unveiled in Paris in September 2012. But local agent Cycle & Carriage did not bring it to Singapore because it felt the model would not do well in a market which saw COE prices heading for the $100,000 mark.

 

With COE supply expanding once again and premiums settling below $70,000, the "budget" MPV looks more viable now, even if it is a couple of years late.

 

Surprisingly, the car is still pretty contemporary - proof that real style can stand the test of time. Even though a facelift should be around the corner, the car looks a lot more presentable than its predecessor, with a decidedly European feel both inside and out.

 

Its stylish lines are supported by a Continental solidity that comes through clearly - from what you hear as well as what you do not. The doors shut with a reassuring thud; the cabin is surprisingly insulated against road and traffic noise; and the well-padded and well-fitted plastic panels onboard betray no rattle at all.

 

Which is actually not all that shocking, really. Kia has improved by leaps since it hired ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer in 2006 to help it penetrate the European market.

 

The Carens is sized for Europe, with dimensions that would not make it unwieldy in the often narrow and winding roads there. Unfortunately, that means it compromises on interior space.

 

Compared to a compact Japanese MPV such as the Toyota Wish, it is noticeably less roomy. Its third row, because of its restricted legroom and headroom, is best reserved for small children.

 

Its first and second rows are decent, though, with adequate room and lots of versatility. In fact, the second row is made up of three separate seats which can slide, fold and recline individually.

 

All passenger seats can be folded to release a flat cargo area. And if there are only six persons onboard, the middle seat of the second row can be folded to reveal a small picnic table top with drink holders.

 

Rear air-conditioning vents ensure a good distribution of cool air.

 

The new Carens excels in the ride and handling department. When cruising near three-digit speeds, it displays unwavering stability. Speed humps and tarmac blemishes are dealt with effectively by damping action that would not be out of place in a German hatch.

 

While its chassis is well sorted, it is let down slightly by a steering - despite having adjustable weightings - that is slightly disconnected and non-linear.

 

Even though its engine is beefier than before, everyday driving still requires the tachometer to exceed 3,000rpm regularly and, not infrequently, past 4,000rpm.

 

Its six-speed autobox behaves and sounds like a continuously variable transmission.

 

The Carens makes a convincing case when it comes to amenities. It is better equipped than all its Japanese rivals and many of its German competitors.

 

It has cruise control with speed limiter, keyless access and ignition, LED daytime running lights and cornering lights, six airbags, welcome lights with puddle lamps, connectivity to mobile devices and quite a few more.

 

Active safety features include vehicle stability management and electronic stability control. A navigation set and reverse camera system would have completed the picture.

 

Even without the last two features, the Carens is a strong contender in the compact MPV segment. It is ideal for young families or folks who do not need to use all seven seats regularly.

 

I can't wait for the KIA hangout on 9 May! Will drive my current Carens and park next to the new one to make a comparison and some photos!

[Erictl76]

Wonder anyone been to cars @ expo and what's promotion package like for the new Carens right now?

[Erictl76]

Any new owner got their car delivered? Care to share your feedback?

[Derrick9100]

If you had test drive this car, very strangely I felt difficult in getting in and out. The distance between you have to put your foot out seems very far away.

 

Strange ?

[Fett]

A friend jus bought this, waiting for next bid, funny thing is he's been driving the old Carens for a full 10years, but they gave him a loyalty discount of $500, haha. Thats like $50 a year for being 'loyal'.

[Hybridcar]

A friend jus bought this, waiting for next bid, funny thing is he's been driving the old Carens for a full 10years, but they gave him a loyalty discount of $500, haha. Thats like $50 a year for being 'loyal'.

 

10 years already... but what is the scrap value??

[Fett]

 

10 years already... but what is the scrap value??

i think he got abt 7-8k around there.

[Terrygoh105]

??

[Heartlander]

A friend jus bought this, waiting for next bid, funny thing is he's been driving the old Carens for a full 10years, but they gave him a loyalty discount of $500, haha. Thats like $50 a year for being 'loyal'.

In case you not aware, $500 given as loyalty discount is quite standard. Personally Nissan and Mazda also like that. You expecting $10k discount?

[Fuelsaver]

In case you not aware, $500 given as loyalty discount is quite standard. Personally Nissan and Mazda also like that. You expecting $10k discount?

iirc, 1k?

[Fett]

In case you not aware, $500 given as loyalty discount is quite standard. Personally Nissan and Mazda also like that. You expecting $10k discount?

 

$500 u know, out of $130,000 its less than 0.05%. At least 1k will sound alot better.