Kia Carens
The Kia Carens (Korean: 기아 카렌스) is a compact car (C-segment) manufactured by Kia since 1999, spanning over four generations, and was marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The initial three generations had a MPV body style and were marketed worldwide, with presence in its home country South Korea, in Europe, and North America since the second-generation.[clarification needed] The fourth-generation model took a different approach in terms of design and targeted markets, as it was developed as a "strategic model" for the Indian market.[1] It also adopts a crossover-inspired exterior design.
| Kia Carens | |
|---|---|
2016 Kia Rondo LX (North America) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia |
| Production | 1999–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact MPV |
| Body style | 5-door wagon |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
The name "Carens" derives from the word "car" and "renaissance", while the name "Rondo" derives from the musical term Rondo.[2][3]
First generation (RS; 1999) Edit
| First generation (RS) | |
|---|---|
| Pre-facelift | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Kia Euro Carens (Taiwan, facelift) Kia X-Trek (South Korea, diesel facelift) Naza Citra (Malaysia, facelift) |
| Production | May 1999 – 2006 |
| Assembly | South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant) Indonesia: Cikarang (2004-2007)[citation needed] Malaysia: Gurun (NAM) Vietnam: Chu Lai (Chu Lai Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Related | Kia Sephia |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm (101.2 in) |
| Length |
|
| Width |
|
| Height |
|
Kia debuted the first generation model of Carens, the RS series in May 1999. It is based on the same platform as the Kia Sephia.[4] A facelift was issued in 2002.
The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for the updated model which was launched in 2002.
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Kia Carens LS (Germany; pre-facelift)
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Kia Carens (South Korea; pre-facelift)
Facelift Edit
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Facelift
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Facelift
Malaysia Edit
The first-generation vehicle was initially sold in Malaysia as the Kia Carens. Since January 2005, Kia Carens was rebadged as Naza Citra by Naza.[5] The Naza Citra was updated in June 2009.[6]
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Naza Citra (Malaysia)
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Naza Citra (Malaysia)
Second generation (UN; 2006) Edit
| Second generation (UN) | |
|---|---|
| Pre-facelift | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Kia Euro Carens (Taiwan) Kia Rondo (North America) Kia Rondo7 (Australia) Naza Citra 2 Rondo (Malaysia) |
| Production | 2006–2013 |
| Assembly | South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant) Malaysia: Gurun (NAM) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)[7] Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,545 mm (178.9 in) |
| Width | 1,820 mm (71.7 in) |
| Height | 1,650–1,720 mm (65.0–67.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,515 kg (3,340.0 lb) |
The second generation Carens, known as the UN series, was launched in 2006. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia's introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S,[8] essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form — the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model, only its inclusion of a dual panel sunroof running the length of the roof.[8] In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively.
The Rondo made its public debut at the 2006 Los Angeles International Auto Show, with the 2007 model's North American sales debut in December 2006 in Canada and early 2007 in the United States. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008.
In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and never recovered.
North America Edit
Available as a five or optional seven passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7-liter V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a seven passenger vehicle with a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. The V6 was Kia's last engine to use a timing belt instead of a timing chain.
Standard features depending on market include: sixteen inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, front/side/full length Side curtain airbags, four wheel disc brakes, ABS, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH, child safety door locks, tilt steering column, front and rear twelve volt outlets, front and rear cup holders.
Options include: moonroof, leather interior, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, Infinity ten speaker stereo.
As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States and continued to market the 2011 facelifted Carens/Rondo in Canada, adopting Kia's new grille.
Facelift Edit
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Facelift
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Facelift
Third generation (RP; 2012) Edit
| Third generation (RP) | |
|---|---|
| Pre-facelift | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Kia Rondo |
| Production | 2013–2019 (global)[9] 2014–2022[10] (Vietnam) |
| Assembly | South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant) Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia)[11] Taiwan: SYM Motors[12] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed DCT |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,525 mm (178.1 in) |
| Width | 1,805 mm (71.1 in) |
| Height | 1,610 mm (63.4 in) |
Kia debuted the third-generation Carens (codename: RP) in September 2012 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The V6 from the second generation has been dropped, and in its place is the option of a 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder GDI petrol, producing 122 kW (164 hp) and 213 N⋅m (157 lb⋅ft), or a 1.7-litre U2 four-cylinder diesel producing 100 kW (134 hp) and 320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft), both can be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine is available in the UK. The Carens is offered in either 5-seat or 7-seat configurations. Sales began in March 2013 in South Korea.
In North America, the third generation Kia Rondo was only available in Canada, due to slow sales in the United States.[13] Sales in Canada ended after the 2017 model year.
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Rear view (pre-facelift)
Update Edit
In September 2016, the Carens was given a minor facelift with redesigned fascias, wheels and lights, as well as an enlarged "Tiger Nose" grille. The 1.7-litre diesel has been retuned and now produces 104 kW (139 hp) and 340 N⋅m (250 lb⋅ft), while its 6-speed automatic transmission has been swapped to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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2017 Kia Carens (facelift)
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Rear view
Marketing Edit
In March 2013, Kia Motors collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to cross promote the Carens with the film The Croods.[14]
Fourth generation (KY; 2022) Edit
| Fourth generation (KY) | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2022–present |
| Assembly | |
| Designer | Karim Habib |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Hyundai-Kia K2 |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm (109.4 in) |
| Length | 4,540 mm (178.7 in) |
| Width | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Height | 1,700–1,708 mm (66.9–67.2 in) |
The fourth-generation Carens was revealed in India on 16 December 2021. It was developed under the codename "KY".[16][17] Based on a stretched Seltos/Hyundai Creta platform, it is mainly marketed for India and other emerging markets as opposed to previous generations.[18] Instead of the previous generations' compact MPV configuration, the fourth-generation model is configured as a compact crossover. It is marketed by Kia as a "recreational vehicle" (RV) with 6-seater and 7-seater configurations offered and was developed with an emphasis on space for third-row seat occupants.[19][20]
The model shared the same powertrain and gearbox options as the Indian-made Seltos, consisting of two petrol engines and one diesel engine. The petrol engines are 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that makes 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or CVT, and a 1.4-liter Smartstream turbocharged engine that produces 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre U-Line unit that produces 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) paired with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed torque-converter automatic.[21]
In Indonesia, the fourth-generation Carens was first shown at the Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week on 12 March 2022, and launched at the 29th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2022. The sole Premiere grade is offered with either a 1.5-litre petrol engine with CVT, or a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 7-speed DCT. The latter has a 6-seater configuration with captain seats.[22]
The Vietnamese-market Carens was launched on 11 November 2022,[23] it is offered in four grades: Deluxe (6-speed manual and IVT), Luxury (IVT), Premium (7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic) and Signature (7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic). Like the ones on the Indian market, the Vietnamese-market Carens are available with three engines: The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine which is available on the Deluxe and Luxury grades, the 1.4-liter Smartstream turbocharged gasoline engine and the 1.5-litre U-Line diesel engine which is available on both Premium and Signature grades. Like other Kia models, it is assembled locally at THACO Kia manufacturing facility in Chu Lai Province.[24]
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Rear view
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Interior
Powertrain Edit
| Petrol engines | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmissions |
| Smartstream G1.4 T-GDi | 1,353 cc (82.6 cu in) turbocharged I4 | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @ 6,000 rpm | 24.7 kg⋅m (242 N⋅m; 179 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–3,200 rpm | 6-speed manual 7-speed DCT |
| Smartstream G1.5 MPi | 1,497 cc (91.4 cu in) I4 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 6,300 rpm | 14.7 kg⋅m (144 N⋅m; 106 lb⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm | 6-speed manual CVT |
| Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi | 1,482 cc (90.4 cu in) turbocharged I4 | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @ 5,500 rpm | 25.8 kg⋅m (253 N⋅m; 187 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | 6-speed manual 7-speed DCT |
| Diesel engine | ||||
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmissions |
| 1.5 L U II CRDi VGT | 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) turbocharged I4 | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 4,000 rpm | 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic |
Safety Edit
| Global NCAP scores (H1 2022) | |
| Adult occupant stars | |
| Adult occupant score | 9.30/17.00 |
| Child occupant stars | |
| Child occupant score | 30.99/49.00 |
The fourth-generation Carens for the Indian market is equipped as standard with two frontal airbags, two front-seat side body airbags, two head-protecting curtain airbags covering the first two rows, antilock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, hill-hold and a tyre pressure monitor.[20]
Kia sponsored Global NCAP crashworthiness assessment for the Carens in March 2022 with results published in late June. The Carens was the last model to be assessed against the 2017-22 Global NCAP protocols. In the frontal offset test, front occupant head and neck protection was good and airbag contact was stable, an improvement over its partner model the Seltos.[25] Dummy readings of limited chest compression combined with an unstable passenger compartment resulted in protection of the chest being rated as marginal. The footwell ruptured so Kia were not allowed to demonstrate that structures behind the fascia would not increase risk of injury to occupants of different sizes or those sat in different positions. Pedal movement was high, which was the major reason for the low score.[26] Child dynamic were good for the 18 month-old dummy but the 3 year-old child had excessive head excursion.
Kia also sponsored a regulatory side impact test according to the ECE Regulation 95 protocols and the Carens passed, but this could not be used in the assessment because the Carens did not reach the minimum points in the frontal impact for a five star result.
Sales Edit
| Year | South Korea | India | Europe[27] | US[28] | Canada[29] | Vietnam[30] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,523 | |||||
| 2001 | 5,761 | |||||
| 2002 | 7,498 | |||||
| 2003 | 19,252 | |||||
| 2004 | 16,139 | |||||
| 2005 | 15,946 | |||||
| 2006 | 14,489 | 594 | 85 | |||
| 2007 | 19,843 | 26,020 | 7,682 | |||
| 2008 | 15,482 | 28,645 | 9,905 | |||
| 2009 | 11,766 | 14,206 | 9,835 | |||
| 2010 | 3,502 | 3,588 | 6,307 | |||
| 2011 | 1,348 | 47 | 6,154 | |||
| 2012 | 685 | 6,316 | ||||
| 2013 | 14,330 | 6,154 | ||||
| 2014 | 4,090[31] | 22,307 | 5,432 | |||
| 2015 | 3,647[32] | 21,967 | 3,543 | |||
| 2016 | 3,245[33] | 20,381 | 1,963 | |||
| 2017 | 2,805[34] | 19,192 | 1,178 | |||
| 2018 | 1,712[35] | 19,382 | 135 | |||
| 2019 | 844 | 1,033[36] | ||||
| 2020 | 1 | 324[37] | ||||
| 2022 | 62,756 |
References Edit
- ^ Rawat, Kshitij (2021-01-01). "Kia To Launch Maruti Ertiga/XL6 Rival MPV In January Next Year". Gaadiwaadi.com - Latest Car & Bike News. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "What's in a name? The stories behind the names of Kia models | Uncategorized". Ancira Kia Blog | Ancira Kia Blog | News, Updates, and Info. 2017-04-28. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ . Edmunds.com, Dec 6, 2006. Archived from the original on 2010-08-04.
- ^ "[카&드라이브] 미니밴 : 온가족의 '모빌홈' 시대 활짝" [[Car&Drive] Minivan: The era of the ‘mobile home’ for the whole family]. 한경닷컴 (in Korean). 1999-11-16. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
- ^ khong, ys (2005-01-21). "NAZA CITRA LAUNCHED - Autoworld.com.my". Autoworld.com.my. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
- ^ "Another facelift for the old Naza Citra?". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
- ^ (in Russian). Avtotor.ru. Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ a b . Babez.de, Sept, 14, 2005. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2010-04-06.
- ^ "Tych samochodów już nie kupisz. Będziemy za nimi tęsknić?".
- ^ "Rondo | Kia Viet Nam".
- ^ "Thaco lắp ráp dòng xe Rondo của Kia" [Thaco assembled Kia's Rondo models]. www.thesaigontimes.vn. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ^ . M.appledaily.com.tw. 2013-11-28. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ^ English, Bob (2011-08-16). "Family hauler sells well in Canada - but not in the U.S." The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2017-02-22.
- ^ Welsh, Jonathan (2013-03-21). "Kia Taps 'The Croods' to Help Pitch New Carens Family Car (Video)". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2014-12-16.
- ^ Minh, Quốc (4 November 2022). "Sales hé lộ ngày Kia Carens 2023 ra mắt Việt Nam: Bom tấn đấu Xpander, chờ giá tốt để bùng nổ". AutoPro (in Vietnamese).
- ^ "Kia KY to be christened Carens; world premier on December 16, 2021". Autocar India. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ "Kia Carens seven-seater vehicle breaks cover; India launch next year". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
- ^ "Kia reveals Carens, its fourth model for India". Autocar India Professional. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
- ^ "Kia Carens, three−row recreational vehicle, debuts in India with six standard airbags across variants". The NewsMarket. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
- ^ a b "Kia Carens unveiled; focus on 3rd row, gets three powertrains". Autocar India. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
- ^ "Kia Carens global unveil in India today: What we know so far". Hindustan Times Auto News. 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
- ^ "Sediakan Dua Varian, Ini Dia Perbedaan Kia Carens Versi Indonesia dengan Versi India". Berita Mobil AutoFun (in Indonesian). 2022-08-11. Retrieved 2022-08-12.
- ^ "Ra mắt Kia Carens 2023 tại Việt Nam: Giá từ 619 triệu, 7 phiên bản, lột xác làm khó 'vua doanh số' Xpander". AutoPro (in Vietnamese). 11 November 2022.
- ^ Minh, Quốc (11 November 2022). "Giải mã ma trận 7 phiên bản Kia Carens vừa ra mắt: Hợp mọi nhu cầu, chênh cao nhất 240 triệu đồng". AutoPro (in Vietnamese).
- ^ "Official Global NCAP safety rating for Kia SELTOS - 2 AIRBAGS" (PDF).
- ^ "Official Global NCAP safety rating for Kia CARENS - 6 AIRBAGS" (PDF).
- ^ "Kia Carens European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2014-01-29. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ "Kia Rondo US car sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 2015-11-07. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ "2017 Kia Rondo Sales Figures". carfigures.com. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ xeOTO. . xeOTO (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 2021-01-23. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ 오토뷰. "오토뷰". 오토뷰. Retrieved 2021-02-03.
- ^ 오토뷰. "오토뷰". 오토뷰. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ 오토뷰. "오토뷰". 오토뷰. Retrieved 2021-02-03.
- ^ 오토뷰. "오토뷰". 오토뷰. Retrieved 2021-02-03.
- ^ 오토뷰. "오토뷰". 오토뷰. Retrieved 2021-02-03.
- ^ xeOTO. . xeOTO (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 2021-01-08. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ xeOTO. . xeOTO (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
External links Edit
- Official website (India)