Kia Carens
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. A serious competitor that shows the Koreans are rapidly improving - not exactly fun, though.
Review
Kia used to make some of the most dismal cars on sale but, under Hyundai control, they have massively upped their game. The Carens is typical of 'New Kia' - a car that has taken a long hard look at the European norm and tried to compete head-on.
Two minutes spent looking at the Carens tells you a lot about the car: the styling may not be beautiful, but it is a very professional job with no hint of the chrome stick-ons that used to defile Korean designs. There is even a hint of off-roader about the kicked-up window line and the roof-rails.
The rest of the car reinforces this impression of people who know what they are doing. Sure, the Carens hardly handles like a sports car, but it does everything you could reasonably expect of a compact people carrier. When equipped with the diesel engine (don't bother with the weedy petrol version), it provides decent power, good economy and plenty of space.
Indeed in seven seat form, it is impressively commodious for a reasonably compact design. The third row drops right away into the floor at the gentle tug of a lever, while the second row seats fold into a pretty compact unit, giving an almost completely flat floor.
So, if you want family transport that is good value and functional without being so dull to look at that kids will refuse to get in, the Carens is worth a serious look.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
You can't do that much with an intrinsically boxy compact MPV, but Kia has done a good job of hinting at an SUV.
Handling
3 star
It goes around corners confidently enough, but you will never actively enjoy the experience.
Comfort
4 star
Stiff bodywork and compliant suspension make for a comfortable ride.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Korean products have a well-deserved reputation for reliability. Interior plastics are good in the front, but get progressively cheaper as you move back.
Performance
3 star
This is too big and heavy for a 2.0 litre petrol - go for the more flexible, more economical diesel.
Roominess
4 star
It has seven reasonably comfortable seats - what more can you ask for from this type of car?
Running Costs
4 star
Good fuel economy (in the diesel) and cheap servicing make for a cost-effective proposition. Depreciation is likely to be about average.
Value for money
4 star
It has to be good - no-one will buy a Kia if it costs the same as a VW.
