Kia CARENS 2.0 GS
Marketeers have a term for it. They call it a distress purchase. For many car buyers, the realisation that theyve outgrown the family hatch and need something a bit broader in the beam is not one greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm. Despite car manufacturer attempts to convince us otherwise, very few mini-MPV style vehicles can be figured in terms of inherent desirability.
If you need a vehicle of this ilk and dont want to hock yourself to the eyeballs, the answer is relatively simple. Get yourself down to a Kia dealership and take a look at the Carens 2.0 GS.
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The petrol-powered Carens GS we look at here, on the other hand, is at an instant advantage, fronting up with a beefy 136bhp 2.0-litre powerplant. This makes all the difference when doing the things that most mini-MPVs do, namely perambulating around at modest speeds laden with a family of four or five. That amount of power, coupled with a generous 133lb/ft of torque, means that you wont need to desperately knock the gearstick down a ratio when accelerating up a gentle incline.
Overtaking becomes a great deal safer and the car wont feel strained at normal motorway velocities. The combined fuel economy figure of the Carens is relatively impressive at 34.9mpg, reflecting the fact that you wont need to flog its guts out to make dignified progress. If you want more, diesel-powered Carens models start from the same £10,495.
Much of the petrol Carens flexibility can be attributed to the engines continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). This system means that at low engine speeds the powerplant is optimised for torque and lugging ability, whereas when youre approaching the red line, a more aggressive valve timing profile ensures that outright power is prioritised. Whilst this system is no great innovation, it works well enough and is a whole lot more sophisticated than youd expect for a car of this size and price tag.
"The Carens campaigns on good old fashioned value for money"
Nor would you necessarily expect to find air conditioning, electric windows all round and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors but the Carens GS features all of these features as standard. It also counts body coloured bumpers and door handles, a rear load cover, roof rails, remote central locking and high efficiency Michelin tyres amongst its roster of standard kit. Although many would have difficulty picking it out in an identity parade, the Carens mini-MPV has been something of a distinguished performer for Kia. Launched alongside Daewoos Tacuma and well in advance of Hyundais Matrix, the Carens quickly established itself as the best value pick of a bargain trio.
Sales didnt really start to pick up however, until Kia revised the car in 2003, incorporating an effective visual nip n tuck and including diesel power (for the first time) as the only engine choice. That meant potential buyers lost the petrol-engined option that both Hyundai and Daewoo (now Chevrolet) offer. Only in recent times with the introduction of the 2.0 GS variant featured here has Kia put this right.
If you owned one of the original Carens models, youll find that the cabin of this one has been redesigned for greater flexibility; one area where the first Carens lagged behind newer and more ingenious rivals. The fascia is much nicer these days too, with metal grain trim, a smart steering wheel and instrument cluster and nicely styled door trim featuring a map and bottle holder. The materials quality has been beefed up considerably. Probably the most sincere compliment it can receive is that few who sampled it identified it as the cheapest true mini-MPV on sale.
The second row of seats has been redesigned to incorporate three-point seatbelts and a central head restraint. It also splits 60/40 down to a flat floor. Pop the load area floor up and youll reveal a removable luggage tray that helps solve one perpetual mini-MPV concern security. This can be used to keep valuables out of sight or alternatively as an easily washable container for dirty boots or sandy beach wear.
If youre concerned that shopping at the bottom of the market means making economies on safety equipment, you can rest assured that Kia, as the adverts proclaim, cares. All Carens models feature anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child seat fixings, front seat belt pretensioners and load limiters and twin front airbags. Passive safety has been augmented across the range, benefiting from extensive computer simulations into real-world accident scenarios. This has led to the bodyshell being strengthened in key areas, vastly improving the Carens protection against frontal collision, side impact and rollover.
As a result of the additional strengthening and better quality materials, this Carens is some 198kg heavier than the pre-03 model. Part of this can also be attributed to a seven-layer dashboard insulator and custom bonnet insulator that isolates the cabin from engine noise. Improved aerodynamics also cut down wind noise around the three traditional MPV trouble With a £1 deposit and a seven days free drive-away insurance offer, the Kia Carens 2.0 GS looks unbeatable value for money.
It may lack something in terms of charisma but if you just want safe and reliable family transport, the Carens is tough to top.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Kia Carens 2.0 GS
PRICE: £10,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.3s / Max Speed 108mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 34.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat fixings WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/height mm 4439/1709/1603mm
