When Kia introduced the new Carnival in 2020, the company called it a Grand Utility Vehicle rather than a minivan for some reason. The automaker has now teased the 2022 Kia Carens, again refraining to use “minivan,” making way to introduce a series of recreational vehicles. Well, there is no harm calling it a utility vehicle because the fourth-generation Carens features a completely new design compared to the model it is replacing.
If you have lately seen the new Kia vehicle designs, you can guess the Carens would have a bold styling. The overall design is a cross between an SUV and a minivan and it follows the automaker’s “Opposites United” styling philosophy. Seeing the teasers, we can find trendy head- and taillights and a side profile resembling a utility vehicle rather than a minivan.
Seeing the roof rails and plastic body cladding on the wheel arches, we won’t prove you wrong if you say the outline portrays a Sportage. However, the new 2022 Kia Carens boasts a horizontal roofline to improve headroom. On the other hand, the greenhouse looks a little bigger to emphasize minivan characteristics despite the fact Kia doesn’t call it a mini.
Kia has also released an image of the interior where we see the dashboard with a huge panel spanning the whole width of the dash. The panel includes a digital driver display along with a 10.25-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system. The display for the front passenger has an appealing pattern.
Appreciatively, Kia has provided us isolated buttons to manage the climate settings, fixed under the central air vents. We can also find the automatic transmission lever as well as a wireless charging pad. The South Korean automaker will reveal the Carens for Indian market with its signature steering wheel design.
While the company didn’t reveal much about the 2022 Kia Carens, we know that the revamped compact minivan will give buyers an option of either six or seven seats. Reportedly, it will be powered by a 1.5-litre gasoline and diesel mills, common in the Seltos crossover being sold in India.
When Kia builds a new vehicle, how can the parent company Hyundai stay behind. Fascinatingly, Hyundai is developing its own model, which will probably come with “Stargazer” moniker.
The South Korean automaker plans to introduce the 2022 Kia Carens on December 16, 2021.
Source and Images: Motor1