The Carens safety specification includes hill-start Assist Control, which prevents the car from rolling backwards during uphill starts by maintaining braking pressure until the driver touches the accelerator, while the high-level brake lamp at the rear now includes an Emergency Stop Signal which causes the light to flash during sudden braking to warn following drivers. The new Carens also features Brake Assist to ensure maximum stopping power in an emergency, regardless of the force applied to the pedal by the driver, plus Vehicle Stability Management. This links with the Electronic Stability Control to reduce the amount of steering assistance if the driver over-corrects in an emergency, and increases assistance if the driver under-corrects.
The new Carens has an immensely strong body shell created using the latest computer-aided design techniques. Collision energy is dispersed along deliberate channels to protect occupants in frontal, side or rear impacts. The body features extensive use of high-tensile hot-formed steel in the three frontal collision load paths and the side pillars and sills. Considerable effort has gone into the body framework and joints to improve rigidity. The body features rigid front strut mounts, reinforced vertical and cross members and a ring-shaped structure around the tailgate, that is lighter and more rigid thanks to the use of tailored blanks.
THREE TRIM LEVELS
The new Carens MPV is available with three trim and equipment packages, badged '1', '2' and '3'. Standard features include seven seats, projection headlights with cornering lamps, LED daytime running lamps, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, a centre console armrest, air conditioning, rear air ventilation, steering wheel-mounted controls, front and rear electric windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, remote central locking, a six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming. Trim grades '1' and '2' also have a rear conversation mirror, which is replaced by the controls for the panoramic sunroof on trim grade '3'.
The mid-spec '2' models have in addition 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, chrome window trim, fog lights, roof rails, automatic headlight control, rain-sensing front wipers, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators and kerbside lamps, dual-zone air conditioning, a luggage net, a portable LED luggage light and reversing sensors.
The top-grade '3' versions are distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, 10-way driver's seat adjustment, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, aero blade-type front wipers with a de-icing system, second-row sun blinds and LED reading lights, and a colour reversing camera integrated into the centre fascia screen.
TECHNICAL FIGURES
============================================================================ 1.7 CRDi 1.7 CRDi 1.7 CRDi (134bhp,Performance & Economy 1.6 GDi (114bhp) (134bhp) Auto)============================================================================Trim Grade '1', '2' '1', '2' '3' '2'============================================================================CO2 Emissions (g/km) 149 124 132 159============================================================================VED Band F D E G============================================================================Combined Economy (mpg) 44.1 60.1 56.4 46.3============================================================================0 - 60 mph (seconds) 10.9 12.6 10.0 11.6============================================================================Top Speed (mph) 115 112 119 116======================================================================================================================================================== 1.7 CRDi 1.7 CRDi 1.7 CRDi (134bhp,Dimensions & Weights 1.6 GDi (114bhp) (134bhp) Auto)============================================================================Trim Grade '1', '2' '1', '2' '3' '2'============================================================================Length (mm) 4,525============================================================================Width (mm) 1,805============================================================================Height (mm, inc roof rails) 1,605============================================================================Wheelbase (mm) 2,750============================================================================Min Kerb Weight (kg) 1,483 1,581 1,591 1,600============================================================================Max Kerb Weight (kg) 1,606 1,706 1,716 1,724============================================================================Boot vol. (l, VDA, min/max) 492 / 1,650 (seats down)========================================================================================================================================================Performance Power (bhp) Torque (Nm) 0-60 (sec) Top speed (mph)============================================================================'1' 1.6 GDi 133bhp 6- speed manual ISG 7-seat 133 165 10.9 115============================================================================'1' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp 6- speed manual ISG 7-seat 114 260 12.6 112============================================================================'2' 1.6 GDi 133bhp 6- speed manual ISG 7-seat 133 165 10.9 115============================================================================'2' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp 6- speed manual ISG 7-seat 114 260 12.6 112============================================================================'2' 1.7 CRDi 134bhp 6- speed automatic 7-seat 134 320 11.6 116============================================================================'3' 1.7 CRDi 134bhp 6- speed manual ISG 7-seat 134 330 10.0 119============================================================================
