Capacity, comfort and competitiveness. Are the three “C” I ask all popular compact minivan and after a long day of use and routine, the new Kia Carens demonstrates fulfill them perfectly. Without fanfare, without exhibits, but with the goodwill of series and a familiar layout. In good space and comfort, has a price that threatens a Ford Grand C-Max and Renault Grand Scénic.

There are cars that, like wine, I think winning body over time. It happened already with the last generation Renault Megane, whose initial touch “flabby” I finished perceived as very smooth after the passage of kilometers; and I happen again this time with the third generation of a complete Kia Carens. You climb and excessive steering assistance, the long journey of change, or an engine with low revs little to what is now customary, move one first message of weakness that, however, the daily management soon becomes comfort, rising to use well thought out and functional minivan. The truth is that not surprise me produce.

7 years ago, the previous 2nd generation Kia Carens left me great taste. And then spoke of an emerging Kia, a Korean product approaching the European … interestingly, same notes I read today in many long after analysis of its range. It’s over. Product to product, Kia has already proven to live up, and his latest Carens, which also debuts new platform, It is just another example.

Nice guy

Greatly improved its image and a higher proportion of tourism (Today is 2 cm shorter, has paths to 10 cm wider and is 4 cm lower than before), Kia Carens the previous fixes many flaws. We criticize their short sidewalks, as they are today very long, with seats wrap perfectly; the trip computer was mishandled from the instrumentation, because today from the steering wheel itself; and the inside was too austere for now excels with a modern design Y high perceived quality, even with padded upper dashboard or even door panels in leatherette series.

It is true that the new Kia Carens still retains a “stain” as a clutch pedal if you take it thoroughly continues to sink and with difficulty return, or too light sensor activation delay; and so it is that no impact on its endowment, without offering in Spain the latest assistance systems, however, it can be included in other markets … and reveal the many “mute” keys offers around the conductor. And that thing, rather than ostentation, is hospitality. Difficult to use more defects found on board the new Kia Carens. Posture driving is good (not too high to be a minivan and adjustable steering wheel and also in depth) and today even more polished reputed family space and modularity. Home Sweet Home.

You can so the new Kia Carens not a “10” at all, but it is a remarkably high in almost everything. Time to put it upside down. The vital rear width, for example, is exceptional, only surpassed by the Toyota Verso. It also has three separate seats, so I see that the 2nd row can accommodate three seats, and two adult, or a child seat and two adults well (grandparents, for example). Forget about any SUV, who has children will know what I mean.

The new Kia Carens is well almost Xsara Picasso modern version, where there is also no lack completely flat floor, wide access, rear vents, hidden drawer under the floor (there are many hollow inside), treatment “Clean Tex” in the upholstery of seats to repel stains, and even folding tables for small entertain, for example, drawing . My nephews, at least, they do. Because, if such is the longitudinal travel of the three rear seats (18 cm to 13 Citroen C4 Picasso, 15 Ford Grand C-Max or 17 Renault Scenic) that you can have wide legroom or totally the stool to the front seatback. And always, I must say, with a lot of luggage.

The minimum 555 liters of trunk capacity the new Kia Carens do not reach the 635 Citroën, but they “copied” to Renault and clearly outperform Ford and Toyota. Retrieves great idea to mount the spare wheel underbody (Yes, emergency), so it does not condition the trunk and allows for a large double blind background and up a separate drawer for roller tray. Nor need the possibility of folding seats flat surface, even on the front passenger seat: let reach up to 2.70 meters of length to dash gate for loading long objects. All this, of course, with 5 places our standard intermediate finish Drive, for 700 € more (Standard on the upper Emotion finish) can mount two seats more reasonable under the boot floor. Not cheap (in a Grand Scénic costs 500 € and 300 Opel Zafira Tourer a) but can come in to be helpful.

Comfort ahead

If the versatility of the Kia Carens practically only we miss today to disassemble seats up it is true that does not reach such excellence, although it performs well in his familiar role. For starters, it is not faster than before, even with his most recommended motor (the new 1.7 CRDi top version of 136 hp) Nor today with its recortadísimo weight, 150 kg less than the previous Carens.

Its response under 2,000 rpm, and until it enters a turbo very present, today is not such a modern diesel. So while its rivals are strong at low revs, Kia has no choice but to camouflage shortening developments change much for that weakness does not pass then highway bill. And it does. Its 6th almost recoveries sports helps get very convincing, and almost without punishing the other hand consumption; what does speak, exchange, in a very efficient mechanical. In fact, despite this, only Grand Scénic 1.6 dCi and VW Touran 2.0 TDi They surpass him … and that also includes Kia Stop / Start only at its highest finish Emotion … not here. Let’s say, as people carrier that is mechanically meets what you expect.

As well as dynamically. I mentioned that, Start the new Kia Carens moves a soft touch, especially one direction “Flex Steer” that although offers 3 levels of assistance, takes you to forget exaggerated Comfort and Normal modes. In the Sport you feel more direct, but always too isolated informatively. It’s something that, however, you come to accept the passage of time as you get used and the degree of rotation needed. Softness is always present also in suspensions.

Technically, the new Kia Carens has lost the most advanced Multi-link rear axle by a single torsional axis, but neither full load working today feel worse. Undoubtedly, the balance is the dominant note. The Carens filters and manages well the pothole, easy too carried away with obvious body movement but not overdone. Frena guarantees, despite mounting here about tires Nexen 205/55 R16 which they are not a marvel in grip, and has a large linear stability as rodador long distance. You can, again, it is not a “10”: there is more agile (especially, Grand C-Max), More comfortable (there’s a Grand C-Picasso) And even also there who best combines both worlds (Grand Scénic, for example). But if all that sums already a cheaper minimum price 3,500 € than any of its rivals, then it will be very difficult to find a more complete. It is the multiplier effect of the new Kia Carens.