Kia has announced details of a range of upgrades to the Kia Carens MPV, on sale from late 2016.

The enhancements have refreshed the appearance and functionality of the Carens, bringing it up-to-date with Kia’s latest model designs, improving in-cabin ambience, and updating the safety and connectivity features on offer to buyers.

Kia’s designers have introduced a series of changes to the upgraded Carens, including revised front and rear bumpers and fog lamp design, and an updated ‘tiger-nose’ grille. These changes are accompanied by the addition of a new exterior paint finish, Mysterious Blue, as well as three new designs for 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. 

The Carens’ seven-seat interior is enhanced with new seat upholstery – available with a new knit cloth pattern, or leather with a diamond-woven pattern – as well as new metallic and gloss-black accents throughout the cabin, and a new carbon-effect dashboard trim. The interior of the Carens is available with either black or beige upholstery.

The latest version of the Carens is available with Kia’s 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen, with navigation, Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom®, and rear-view parking camera. The new system also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration. Android Auto is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher; Apple CarPlay, for iPhone 5 or newer on selected models.

A new JBL Premium Sound system, which features a subwoofer, external amplifier and six speakers for greater audio quality throughout the cabin will feature on selected UK models.

Kia has engineered a new Eco Pack for the 114 bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine, incorporating Idle Stop/Go (ISG) technology, Michelin low rolling resistance tyres, and a series of revised gear ratios. The most economical engine in the Carens line-up, the ISG-equipped Carens is now capable of producing carbon dioxide emissions from 109 g/km when paired with the car’s six-speed manual transmission.

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