HispanicBusiness

Overall, the models technical specification is impressive. The petrol engine is the 1.6-litre Gamma GDi direct-injection unit that, with 133bhp and 165Nm of torque, ensures relaxed motorway performance and easy-to-drive, flexible responses in stop-start driving. Combined fuel economy is 44.1mpg, with comfortably more than 53mpg possible when cruising, while the Carens CO2 emissions are an impressively low 149g/km. But this is not at the expense of brisk performance. The petrol Carens can accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph.

The new Carens family car is also available with two versions of the European-designed 1.7-litre CRDi manual transmission turbodiesel engine, developing either 114bhp and 260Nm of torque or 134bhp and 330Nm. Those high torque figures are maintained over a wide rev range, giving the Carens supreme driveability even with a full complement of passengers on board. The standard version delivers maximum torque from 1,250 to 2,750rpm and 0-60mph acceleration in 12.6 seconds with a 112mph top speed. The more powerful engine option develops its 330Nm between 2,000 and 2,500rpm, which allows 0-60mph to be completed in 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 119mph.

Both 1.7 CRDi power outputs are extremely clean and fuel-efficient. Combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 60.1mpg and 124g/km and 56.4mpg and 132g/km respectively, and a diesel particulate filter is fitted as standard.

The 1.7 CRDi version with the six-speed automatic transmission delivers 134bhp and 320Nm of torque between 1,750 - 2,500rpm, that allows a 0-60mph to be completed in 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 116mph. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 46.3mpg and 159g/km.

Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG)engine stop-start system is standard on all manual-gearbox models. A new accelerator pedal design makes driving more comfortable with a design that puts less stress on the driver's ankle articulation.

The MacPherson strut front and torsion bar rear suspension has been tuned to ensure precise handling and taut body control. This minimises undesirable lateral movement which can make passengers travelling in the middle and rear rows queasy. At the same time the suspension is supple enough to prevent the effects of bumpy and uneven roads from being felt in the cabin.

Kia's Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) now has a quicker ratio for more direct responses and includes as standard the triple-mode Flex Steer function. It allows drivers to select a greater level of assistance (Comfort) to make parking easier, or reduced assistance (Sport) for improved high-speed stability. There is also a default Normal setting.

Great efforts have also been made to ensure the cabin is as quiet as it is comfortable. New measures include increased foam filling and sound-insulating pads in the roof pillars, a vibration-damping sheet on the dash panel and a larger air duct and a new resonator to counter engine booming. There is also a new three-point engine and transmission mounting system and a temperature-insensitive driveshaft damper that improves cold weather noise characteristics with the petrol engine.

SAFETY

Safety is paramount at Kia, especially in a model designed with family use in mind. With the arrival of the new model, several features previously unavailable in the Carens have been introduced, and as with every Kia, they are standard across the range.