Kia’s new seven-seat Carens mid-sized MPV [Europe-speak for minivan or people carrier] may be a far more stylish proposition than the under-performer [and heavy CO2-emitter in petrol form – ed] it replaces but functionality came a long way ahead of looks during the development stage, according to chief design officer, Peter Schreyer.
“An MPV is all about space and variability. The package is the most important thing – then comes shape,” he added. “We have a much better package than with the old car and a great solution for the second row, with three equal seats. Technically, it is a big step forward.”
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The new Carens is based on a stretched version of the platform used for the European-made cee’d range but with a simpler twist-beam rear axle in place of the costlier and less space-efficient independent set-up of the cee’d.
“The platform was developed from the start to be able to take both rear axles,” said Joachim Hahn, head of powertrain development at Germany-based Kia Motors Europe.
The new Carens is shorter and lower than the outgoing car but provides even more space for up to seven occupants.
“The reduced height was not only driven by shape – it means there is a lower frontal area which is good for fuel economy,” said Hahn.
Schreyer is particularly proud of the car’s “positive compromise between practicality and style”.
“It is more of a sports tourer than a family van,” he said. “It is not spectacular like crazy but will remain attractive over a number of years. I’m really proud that we have found the ideal combination.”
The current Carens has always been something of a weak link in the otherwise soaring Kia line-up, with UK sales of just 500 a year in a market sector which attracts 900,000 customers annually in Europe. But the company’s UK managing director, Michael Cole, is confident of a seven-fold increase to 3,500 sales a year once the newcomer goes on sale towards the end of 2012.
