A Russian classifieds site has started offering custom deliveries of the new Kia Carens, a seven-seat compact van originally designed for the Indian and Southeast Asian markets. The car can be ordered in Omsk and Vladivostok, and the starting price is approximately 2,600,000 rubles .
Practicality instead of overpaying for a crossover
The main feature of the Kia Carens is the absence of direct competitors in the traditional sense. The model is noticeably cheaper than most seven-seater crossovers, but at the same time offers a level of practicality close to minivans.
In fact, Carens is often considered as an alternative to such models as Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Rush, Suzuki Ertiga, as well as a number of Chinese seven-seater SUVs.
Equipment: from simple to “almost premium”
A turnkey option is offered in Vladivostok for 2.6 million rubles. The description does not specify the equipment, but the photo shows:
- combined interior
- leather three-spoke multi-wheel
- digital instrument panel
- multimedia system with a large screen
- climate and cruise control
- keyless entry and engine start button
- rear view camera with parking sensors
- rear sun visors Curtains
- 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels
Competitors are noticeably more expensive
Competitors’ price tags look significantly higher compared to Carens:
- VGV U75 Plus (7 seats) — from RUB 3,050,900
- Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max — from RUB 3,305,000
- Geely Okavango — from RUB 3,908 990 rubles.
At the same time, another Kia Carens is available in Vladivostok – for 3,070,000 rubles, but with more modest equipment: fabric interior, standard air conditioning, no rear view camera, parking sensors, keyless entry and digital cockpit.
Technology without surprises
Both versions are equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated MPI engine with a capacity of 115 hp with a timing chain. It is familiar from the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta models. The car is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the drive is front-wheel drive only.
A more powerful version of the Kia Carens is also available for 3,100,000 rubles : a 1.5-liter turbo engine with 160 hp. and a 7-speed DCT robot with two clutches.
Results
Kia Carens actually occupied a niche of an affordable seven-seater car, offering an alternative to more expensive crossovers and Chinese SUVs, while maintaining an emphasis on practicality and simplicity of design.
