Kia Carens 2015: all new 7-seater arrives

[Swifter78]

So how much are the 2 diesel versions now?

 

EX $103,999 (standard package)

SX $108,999 (standard package)

[Spring]

Just put a deposit for the 1.7SX diesel. Diesel model should be better since it will come with the latest 7-speed auto with dual clutch transmission. That would explain why I found the diesel model test drive to be pretty good even compared to the BMW 216GT MPV. 

 

You tried both BMW 216GT and Carens 1.7SX? Power comparable? Both as torquey?

 

On paper the Carens have higher Hp and Nm so in theory should be better but then again BMW turbo diesels reputed to be amongst the best in its class according to some sources so curious on the comparison. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[shashiro]

You tried both BMW 216GT and Carens 1.7SX? Power comparable? Both as torquey?

 

On paper the Carens have higher Hp and Nm so in theory should be better but then again BMW turbo diesels reputed to be amongst the best in its class according to some sources so curious on the comparison. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

 

Carens is 109K, BMW is 158K. Difference is 50K. If budget is a constraint then go for Carens, If you have no issue to afford BMW or want to look good driving conti car then go get BMW. 

 

Renault GS is a good option too, 120k+.

[Jekslee]

You tried both BMW 216GT and Carens 1.7SX? Power comparable? Both as torquey?

 

On paper the Carens have higher Hp and Nm so in theory should be better but then again BMW turbo diesels reputed to be amongst the best in its class according to some sources so curious on the comparison. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

Kia Carens is also turbo diesel. Don't get me wrong, the BMW 216GT is a good drive for an MPV. However when I took the Kia 1.7SX for test drive, i was quite surprised that the pick-up and handling is very similar in 'feel'. In terms of engine refinement and insulation I feel Kia might be comparable or better, cos the BMW steering wheel seemed to have slightly more vibration at idle, and also cabin noise is more apparent (but cabin noise may be subjective- Kia i think is noisier during acceleration, while BMW is noisier at light cruising).

Overall, I find the Carens build quality to be very continental - doors slam shut with a thud (even with the window down), interior does not feel budget (better quality materials), not like several japanese budget models. In terms of 3rd row, the BMW seats are also closer to the floor, which is less comfortable for adults. The Carens has almost replicated the BMW and other continentals even down to the 2nd row tray tables that fold down from the 1st row seats. Carens has individual 2nd row seats (i think BMW 216GT is also like this).

 

My advice between the 2 diesels is to get the better SX version - 6 air bags (instead of 2), 17 inch wheels instead of 16, panoramic sunroof instead of no sunroof, better looking LED rear lights (giving that pseudo-Audi look from the back).

 

Kia is prepared to give 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and 10 year engine warranty. BMW only 3 year 60K mileage warranty.

[Asky2505]

Just booked a carens SX just now. Super happy ans satisfied. After test driving and viewing Renault Kadjar, Nissan Qashqai, Volvo V40 and BMW 116D, Carens diesel is still the best value for money.

 

The only bad thing is the low trade in value. Could have gotten a bit more higher outside but would have to top up 4k in the purchase price of the carens. So makes more sense to trade in to CC

[Vinceng]

Just booked a carens SX just now. Super happy ans satisfied. After test driving and viewing Renault Kadjar, Nissan Qashqai, Volvo V40 and BMW 116D, Carens diesel is still the best value for money.

 

The only bad thing is the low trade in value. Could have gotten a bit more higher outside but would have to top up 4k in the purchase price of the carens. So makes more sense to trade in to CC

Congrats on getting there Carens at an all time low price.

 

No worries about low trade in.

 

If C&C secures your COE at the 6th bid 3 months later, plus delay another month to register your new car (can request), your existing car also lost much value in 4 months.

[Spring]

Kia Carens is also turbo diesel. Don't get me wrong, the BMW 216GT is a good drive for an MPV. However when I took the Kia 1.7SX for test drive, i was quite surprised that the pick-up and handling is very similar in 'feel'. In terms of engine refinement and insulation I feel Kia might be comparable or better, cos the BMW steering wheel seemed to have slightly more vibration at idle, and also cabin noise is more apparent (but cabin noise may be subjective- Kia i think is noisier during acceleration, while BMW is noisier at light cruising).

Overall, I find the Carens build quality to be very continental - doors slam shut with a thud (even with the window down), interior does not feel budget (better quality materials), not like several japanese budget models. In terms of 3rd row, the BMW seats are also closer to the floor, which is less comfortable for adults. The Carens has almost replicated the BMW and other continentals even down to the 2nd row tray tables that fold down from the 1st row seats. Carens has individual 2nd row seats (i think BMW 216GT is also like this).

 

My advice between the 2 diesels is to get the better SX version - 6 air bags (instead of 2), 17 inch wheels instead of 16, panoramic sunroof instead of no sunroof, better looking LED rear lights (giving that pseudo-Audi look from the back).

 

Kia is prepared to give 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and 10 year engine warranty. BMW only 3 year 60K mileage warranty.

Thks bro for the detailed write up! I already bought the 216GT n find the torquey engine very conducive for our roads n wonder if the Carens feels the same n since u test drove both, wanted to hear from u. Keep us updated when u get this car, congrats again n happy driving!

[shashiro]

Just booked a carens SX just now. Super happy ans satisfied. After test driving and viewing Renault Kadjar, Nissan Qashqai, Volvo V40 and BMW 116D, Carens diesel is still the best value for money.

 

The only bad thing is the low trade in value. Could have gotten a bit more higher outside but would have to top up 4k in the purchase price of the carens. So makes more sense to trade in to CC

 

 

welcome!

[Asky2505]

Heard that SX current shipment all sold out. Woohoo!!

And that is with carens diesel not being listed on sgcarmart!

Edited February 12, 2016 by Asky2505

[cyanide24]

Heard that SX current shipment all sold out. Woohoo!!

And that is with carens diesel not being listed on sgcarmart!

any idea what is the best price for diesel SX?

I went early this week and SE said it was 107,999. 

quite ex even though FC is much better

[Asky2505]

any idea what is the best price for diesel SX?

I went early this week and SE said it was 107,999.

quite ex even though FC is much better

It was 101999 for the EX model and 106999 for the SX model till 11 Feb. Up by 1k from 12 Feb.

 

Reasons why I chose Carens over other make n model

1) Its the cheapest 7 seater mpv. Full specs and safety feature.

2) 6 Advanced air bags compared to 2 in the EX model . Not normal airbags. It will calculate the weight of the Pax to see to deploy it anot. Very child friendly.

3) 2nd row seats are in 33% proportion and adjustable individually forward and angle. Can fit 2 car seats and the adult can sit in the middle with the seat pushed forward so all can sit comfortably

4) even tho the 3rd row is quite squezy for adults, with the 2nd row middle sear folded down and pushed forward, their legs can still stretch out. So total 6 adults can sit comfortably

5) full moon roof. Lots of light making the car less castrophobic.

6) fold up tray for the 2nd row

7) rear aircon

8) most parts are not plastic. When u touch it, it's spongy and leathery

9) FC damn good and it's diesel!!

10) the torque is 340 for a 1.7l!! Can hear the voom voom when u accelerate, not those empty acceleration noise

 

Look at other Japanese mpv, higher price and lesser specs and plastic finishes. Most imptly, they are all petrol car.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Asky2505

[shashiro]

It was 101999 for the EX model and 106999 for the SX model till 11 Feb. Up by 1k from 12 Feb.

 

Reasons why I chose Carens over other make n model

1) Its the cheapest 7 seater mpv. Full specs and safety feature.

2) 6 Advanced air bags compared to 2 in the EX model . Not normal airbags. It will calculate the weight of the Pax to see to deploy it anot. Very child friendly.

3) 2nd row seats are in 33% proportion and adjustable individually forward and angle. Can fit 2 car seats and the adult can sit in the middle with the seat pushed forward so all can sit comfortably

4) even tho the 3rd row is quite squezy for adults, with the 2nd row middle sear folded down and pushed forward, their legs can still stretch out. So total 6 adults can sit comfortably

5) full moon roof. Lots of light making the car less castrophobic.

6) fold up tray for the 2nd row

7) rear aircon

8) most parts are not plastic. When u touch it, it's spongy and leathery

9) FC damn good and it's diesel!!

10) the torque is 340 for a 1.7l!! Can hear the voom voom when u accelerate, not those empty acceleration noise

 

Look at other Japanese mpv, higher price and lesser specs and plastic finishes. Most imptly, they are all petrol car.

 

Basically main factors all stated!! :)

 

Honda and Toyota needs to start bucking up. 

Edited February 13, 2016 by shashiro

[Sopskysalat]

It may not be the car driven car but definitely one of the best value car for now. Flexible for full 7 pax on short journey and those not frequent requiring to ferry more than 5 pax.

[Victor68]

It was 101999 for the EX model and 106999 for the SX model till 11 Feb. Up by 1k from 12 Feb.

 

Reasons why I chose Carens over other make n model

1) Its the cheapest 7 seater mpv. Full specs and safety feature.

2) 6 Advanced air bags compared to 2 in the EX model . Not normal airbags. It will calculate the weight of the Pax to see to deploy it anot. Very child friendly.

3) 2nd row seats are in 33% proportion and adjustable individually forward and angle. Can fit 2 car seats and the adult can sit in the middle with the seat pushed forward so all can sit comfortably

4) even tho the 3rd row is quite squezy for adults, with the 2nd row middle sear folded down and pushed forward, their legs can still stretch out. So total 6 adults can sit comfortably

5) full moon roof. Lots of light making the car less castrophobic.

6) fold up tray for the 2nd row

7) rear aircon

8) most parts are not plastic. When u touch it, it's spongy and leathery

9) FC damn good and it's diesel!!

10) the torque is 340 for a 1.7l!! Can hear the voom voom when u accelerate, not those empty acceleration noise

 

Look at other Japanese mpv, higher price and lesser specs and plastic finishes. Most imptly, they are all petrol car.

 

There are so many versions, any website to see the model you purchased?

 

[Forte3737]

There are so many versions, any website to see the model you purchased?

 

Best is go cycle carriage see

[cyanide24]

It was 101999 for the EX model and 106999 for the SX model till 11 Feb. Up by 1k from 12 Feb.

 

Reasons why I chose Carens over other make n model

1) Its the cheapest 7 seater mpv. Full specs and safety feature.

2) 6 Advanced air bags compared to 2 in the EX model . Not normal airbags. It will calculate the weight of the Pax to see to deploy it anot. Very child friendly.

3) 2nd row seats are in 33% proportion and adjustable individually forward and angle. Can fit 2 car seats and the adult can sit in the middle with the seat pushed forward so all can sit comfortably

4) even tho the 3rd row is quite squezy for adults, with the 2nd row middle sear folded down and pushed forward, their legs can still stretch out. So total 6 adults can sit comfortably

5) full moon roof. Lots of light making the car less castrophobic.

6) fold up tray for the 2nd row

7) rear aircon

8) most parts are not plastic. When u touch it, it's spongy and leathery

9) FC damn good and it's diesel!!

10) the torque is 340 for a 1.7l!! Can hear the voom voom when u accelerate, not those empty acceleration noise

 

Look at other Japanese mpv, higher price and lesser specs and plastic finishes. Most imptly, they are all petrol car.

 

Thanks asky!

For those considering diesel, do note the following as well so that you can make the right choice:

- When idling, diesel has more vibrations.

- road tax is higher than 2L petrol

- when driving into malaysia, note that not all petrol kiosk carry euro 5 diesel. 

- PARF rebate is lower because of the CEV rebate of 5K. Will affect resale value. 

 

happy shopping!

[Asky2505]

Thanks asky!

For those considering diesel, do note the following as well so that you can make the right choice:

- When idling, diesel has more vibrations.

- road tax is higher than 2L petrol

- when driving into malaysia, note that not all petrol kiosk carry euro 5 diesel.

- PARF rebate is lower because of the CEV rebate of 5K. Will affect resale value.

 

happy shopping!

-The noise from carens is lower than Renault and others so think still ok but think might get louder as the car ages

- Road tax for carens is ard 1.5k as it's 1.7l. But will be able to start saving after 4 mths of pumping diesel

- carens cevs is only 5k, quite common with other low fc petrol car like jazz etc. Parf is actually 10k! Even higher than Mazda 5. That was also what drove me to buy carens. Highest parf but lowest in fc and diesel!

Edited February 13, 2016 by Asky2505

[smgdc]

Hi, like to ask more about this 6 bids non guarantee COE bidding by Kia.  Will we normally get the car by the 6th bid?  For those who have bought Kia, by which bid did Kia successfully bid for you? Just wondering whether need to top up any money eventually if I go for this 6 bids non guarantee bidding.  Or I will end up with no car at the end of 3 months.