Chances are if you are a parent, you spend a lot of time in the car chauffeuring your kids from one activity to another, shuttling to and fro places - supermarkets, grandparents' home, eating places, etc.
This brings us to the Kia Carens - a car made for running these errands. First introduced in 1999, the seven-seater compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) from the Korean has always been under the radar in its segment. The second generation was launched in 2006 and a facelift followed three years later.
Then in 2012, the third generation of the car was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show but it wasn't until recently that the car returned to our shores.
Exterior
Style has become a hallmark of the Kia brand, having seen the firm's recent stylish offerings. The Carens is no exception, and has definitely benefitted from the brand's design-led transformation, which allows it to set a new bar for style in its segment.
The design of the new Carens is not radical, but a more contemporary sheet metal replaces the rather bland and boxy outgoing model.
Built on a modified version of the Kia cee'd hatchback's platform, the Carens is still a five-plus-two or a seven-seater MPV, but it looks funkier with its cab-forward design, LED daytime running lights and the signature 'Tiger Nose' fascia.
We particularly like the way the lines fuse flawlessly, and they seem to form a 'smile' up front, which is definitely a good thing for a family-friendly vehicle. A feature line runs from the front to the back, right up to the leading edge of the wraparound taillights, helping to stretch the car's profile, which otherwise doesn't look or feel all that long.
This is proven by the car's new dimensions of 4,525mm x 1,805mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H). The new Carens is 25mm shorter, 5mm wider and 40mm lower than its predecessor and this strikes a sportier stance to the usually boring image of an MPV, allowing the car to have a coherent overall design.
We particularly like the way the lines fuse flawlessly, and they seem to form a 'smile' up front, which is definitely a good thing for a family-friendly vehicle. A feature line runs from the front to the back, right up to the leading edge of the wraparound taillights, helping to stretch the car's profile, which otherwise doesn't look or feel all that long.
This is proven by the car's new dimensions of 4,525mm x 1,805mm x 1,610mm (L x W x H). The new Carens is 25mm shorter, 5mm wider and 40mm lower than its predecessor and this strikes a sportier stance to the usually boring image of an MPV, allowing the car to have a coherent overall design.
Interior
Although the Carens is visually arresting on the outside, Kia's designers have adopted a slightly conservative approach with the interior design.
Still, the dashboard is ergonomically laid out with all switches within easy reach of the driver while gloss black inserts help to provide an elegant feel.
The other ergonomically-friendly aspect is the good lumbar support from the well-bolstered leather seats as well as a high seating position, which gives the driver ample forward visibility.
Although the Carens is visually arresting on the outside, Kia's designers have adopted a slightly conservative approach with the interior design.
Still, the dashboard is ergonomically laid out with all switches within easy reach of the driver while gloss black inserts help to provide an elegant feel.
The other ergonomically-friendly aspect is the good lumbar support from the well-bolstered leather seats as well as a high seating position, which gives the driver ample forward visibility.
What the Carens may lack in interior sparkle, it compensates for in terms of versatility. As a seven-seater, the car can accommodate two slimmer adults in the third row, although they are better suited for kids or can be folded into the boot floor when not in use.
Elsewhere the cabin offers plenty of room for a growing family and no shortage of storage - just what you need in a compact people carrier.
The Drive
Compared to its predecessor, the 2.0-litre GDI engine found under the bonnet of the Carens is leaps ahead in terms of power and refinement, allowing it to competently ferry its occupants from point to point.
There is 164bhp and 213Nm of torque at your disposal. Paired with a responsive six-speed automatic gearbox, the MPV accelerates fairly quickly from 0 to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
If you're going to expect proper fun from an MPV, you probably haven't got your priorities right.
In this case, the Carens focuses more on ride quality and rolling refinement than it does on sports car-like handling and grip. It certinly shows in the way the car serenely copes with road imperfections as well as the minimal external noise intrusion into the cabin.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2.0-litre GDI engine found under the bonnet of the Carens is leaps ahead in terms of power and refinement, allowing it to competently ferry its occupants from point to point.
There is 164bhp and 213Nm of torque at your disposal. Paired with a responsive six-speed automatic gearbox, the MPV accelerates fairly quickly from 0 to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
If you're going to expect proper fun from an MPV, you probably haven't got your priorities right.
In this case, the Carens focuses more on ride quality and rolling refinement than it does on sports car-like handling and grip. It certinly shows in the way the car serenely copes with road imperfections as well as the minimal external noise intrusion into the cabin.
Kia also offers the Carens with its Flex Steer system that adjusts the weight according to the selected mode. Changes in response between Normal and Comfort modes are barely perceptible so it's best left in Sport, which gives the best weight and feel.
More significantly, the Carens is a very easy car to drive and manoeuvre, thanks to its compact dimensions. Parking is also made a cinch with the aid of an excellent driving position that gives the driver a good view all around the car.
Conclusion
MPVs are likely to be bought with the head, rather than the heart - and they don't come much more sensible than this car. Well-built, well-equipped and well-designed, the latest Kia Carens hits the jackpot if your priority is to spend quality family time in a car.
