By Otsile Kadiege

Kia has unveiled the all-new Carens which is a bold-looking three-row seater recreational vehicle (RV) designed to cater to modern families needs. According to the South Korean automaker, the Carens boasts a host of class-leading features, comfort and practicality.

Exterior design 

Like most of Kia’s newest vehicles, the car manufacturer used the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy creating an SUV-like exterior design with eye-catching characteristics and unique aesthetics. The front shows a sporty and stable stance with high tech details. The DRL in the headlamps is designed based on Kia’s new signature lighting concept – ‘The Star Map’. The horizontal chrome garnish in the upper grille and the frame-type chrome garnish in the lower bumper creates an impressive tiger face.

At the rear, the Star Map LEDs give it a high-tech feel, and the three-dimensional chrome garnish adds to its sporty looks. Three new colours have been introduced on the Kia Carens – Imperial Blue, Moss Brown and Sparkling Silver. 

Interior design and technology 

Kia used the ‘Joy for reason’ pillar of the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy when creating the interior of the Carens. This design pillar invokes happiness through a combination of a warm and relaxing aesthetic. 

The modern interior is also high-tech and versatile thanks to a dashboard with a wide high-gloss black panel 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and next-gen Kia Connect, smartphone wireless charger with cooling function, 5 USB C-type interfaces, an 8 speaker BOSE Premium Sound System, 64-colour ambient mood lighting, Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus and bacteria protection, SkyLight sunroof, airplane inspired seats design, ventilated front seats and 2nd row seat with “One Touch Easy Electric Tumble” feature. 

The second-row is packed with functionality, featuring rear door sunshade curtains and Retractable Seatback Tables with an integrated cup holder and space to put tech gadgets.

Safety

The Carens is equipped with a number of active safety features. The model comes with Kia’s Hi-Secure Safety Package. Included as standard across all trims of the Carens are six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist System (BAS), Highline TPMS and all-wheel disc brakes. While the ESC protects the car from the loss of traction, HAC and DBC let drivers confidently drive on uphill and downhill roads.