KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- 2024 Kia Carens facelift spotted testing
- Major upgrades incoming; New features expected
- Mechanics to be retained
Kia is continuously updating its line-up and has taken an important place in the Indian car scene all thanks to popular models like Kia Seltos, Sonet, and more. Now, in a bid to keep up to date with the evolving trends in the market, Kia Carens facelift is all set to make its debut soon. The Carens facelift has been spotted testing in the Himachal mountains with some major upgrades coming your way. Let's jump into the details but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads so that you never miss out on the latest automotive updates.
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Design
By the looks of it, in these latest spy shots as well as the previous ones, the silhouette of the 2024 Kia Carens facelift remains the same as the current model. Although the front facia has not been tapped this time around, it gets a completely redesigned headlamp unit, drawing cues from the Kia EV6, along with a connected LED bar at the front as well as on the rear, for a connected tail lamp look. On top of this, the tail lamps resemble the typical Kia-styled units that we have seen on the Seltos and Sonet. On top of this, you will get tweaked bumpers and new cuts on the alloy wheels.
Features
While Kia is known for brimming up its vehicles, the Kia Carens Facelift will not be any different. Although it still offers a comprehensive list of features, there are more hot updates coming in. As per previous spy shots, a 360-degree camera module has been spotted along with an ADAS radar unit making their inclusion a confirmed thing. Other than this, it includes luxurious amenities such as an electric sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging capability, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a BOSE premium sound system, air purifier, and more.
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Safety
In terms of safety, the Kia Carens currently offers a comprehensive suite with features like 6 airbags, TPMS, rear parking camera, all disc brakes, downhill brake control, ABS with EBD, and much more. Going by the spy shots, the facelift version will be getting ADAS level-2 and 360-degree cameras along with some more expected updates.
Engine
The Kia Carens will continue with the same trusted mechanical line-up. It comes in 3 engine choices with 2 petrol and a sole diesel powertrain. It starts with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine generating 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. For those preferring diesel, there's a 1.5-litre engine delivering 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. It has options that include a 6-speed manual transmission, an iMT gearbox, and an automatic transmission. Enthusiasts can opt for the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 160 PS of power and 253 Nm of torque, which comes with either a 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed iMT.
Expected Pricing And Rivals
Kia plans to introduce the refreshed Carens model in India by Q1 of 2025, alongside an anticipated electric variant, the Carens EV, scheduled for a later release in the same year. The pricing for the Carens facelift is expected to range from Rs 11 to 20 lakh. Its primary competitors include the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Toyota Rumion in the Indian market.
Verdict
The Kia Carens facelift will uplift the MPV to the next level, both in terms of styling as well as the in cabin experience. Meanwhile, the engine is expected to be retained which is a good thing as it has been a reliable and time-tested unit. However, it remains to be seen if the update translates into more sales and if it could pull some cross-segment buyers from both the upper and lower segments.
