Kia will quickly launch the Carens with a diesel iMT powertrain, and the carmaker can be engaged on introducing new base variants, together with one with a five-seat structure that may sit beneath the Premium trim within the Carens’ line-up.

These updates to the Carens will seemingly happen similtaneously the MPV’s improve to the upcoming BS6 Phase-II emission norms. 

1. Kia Carens diesel to get a 6-speed iMT gearbox
2. Kia more likely to launch new variants beneath Premium trim 
3. New Kia compact SUV, MPV India sure in 2025

Kia Carens diesel iMT within the works

The diesel Carens is at present provided solely with a 6-speed guide and a 6-speed torque-converter computerized gearbox choices. The new iMT or clutchless guide gearbox will slot between the standard guide and computerized transmissions. The 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine, too, will see updates earlier than the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms, which can go into impact from April 1, 2023. Kia already gives the diesel-iMT powertrain on the Seltos SUV. 

Kia may even replace the bottom 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine to make it E20- and RDE-compliant. The carmaker will substitute the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with a extra highly effective, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit forward of the RDE norms. Kia’s sister model Hyundai has already launched the engine within the Alcazar, and different Hyundai fashions, together with the upcoming new-gen Verna, will get this engine too. It is barely a matter of time earlier than the Kia Carens and Seltos get the identical engine.

Kia Carens 5-seater, decrease variants incoming 

Along with new powertrains, Kia can be more likely to introduce new base variants with naturally aspirated petrol and diesel powertrains in a bid to make the MPV extra accessible. The new variants are anticipated to fit beneath the Premium variant, which is at present the place to begin of the Carens vary.

Kia can be more likely to introduce a five-seat structure with the bottom variant, which might make the Carens the one MPV in its class with an possibility of a five-seat structure. 

The Carens competes with Maruti Suzuki’s XL6 and Ertiga. Currently priced at Rs 10.19 lakh, the beginning value of the Carens is lower than the XL6 (Rs 11.41 lakh), however a lot larger than the extra common Ertiga (Rs 8.49 lakh). The entry-level variants might thus be an try to draw Ertiga prospects into Kia showrooms. 

In phrases of apparatus, it’s seemingly that the brand new base variants to overlook out on some options like leatherette seats and second-row folding armrest, that are at present provided on the Premium variant. Kia is, nonetheless, unlikely to skip on security gear because the carmaker has been including extra normal security options throughout its vary within the latest previous. 

Kia’s upcoming launches for India 

Kia not too long ago introduced that will probably be investing Rs 2,000 crore to deliver two regionally manufactured EVs by 2025. One of them is more likely to be an all-electric MPV because the carmaker will proceed to deal with the MPV section. Kia may even deliver a brand new, rugged compact SUV that may sit between the Seltos and the Sonet, and it’ll even be accessible with an ICE powertrain. 

In the close to future, Kia is predicted to launch the KA4 MPV and the Seltos facelift in India. 

All costs ex-showroom Delhi. 

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What do you consider Kia’s transfer to launch a brand new base variant with five-seats? Let us know within the feedback beneath. 

Also see:

2022 Kia Carens evaluation, take a look at drive

Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Kia Carens comparability: six-seat showdown