The 2007 Kia Carens has proved that the pre-launch spy photos can reveal only so much! While those auto paparazzi managed to snap the disguised car, and even grabbed a picture of the dash through an open window, all this effort could not reveal much more than hints and guesses about the styling and shape of the Kia Carens...
The new 2007 Kia Carens is much more than a mere facelift of its predecessor. It is a complete redesign, with strong European styling introduced outside, and a huge increase in available space inside, coupled with the all-new seating arrangement for up to seven persons. There are enough new features to get Motor Trend Magazine editors totally revved up... No need for a Lambo door kit to liven things up here!
This family car is in a price class that should enable you to find an affordable auto insurance quote.
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Inside The Kia Carens: The designers managed to increase the interior dimensions in all directions. The fuel tank was redesigned and integrated into the rear suspension, thus making it possible to lower the floor.
By stretching the wheel base the interior was lengthened considerably without increasing the overall dimensions of the car by more than a few centimeters.
The car is available either as a five-seater with excellent luggage space, or as a seven-seater with minimal boot space. However, there is always the designer roof carrier which can take loads of up to 75kg.
In both cars, the middle and front seats can recline to form a bed - a feature Kia dealerships are exploiting to the full in their sales talk!
Under The Bonnet: The 2-litre 16-valve petrol engine and the 2-litre turbo-diesel both produce adequate power at 106 kW and 103 kW respectively, however the diesel has the advantage of massive torque (305Nm) and excellent fuel efficiency.
The petrol engine model comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the diesel with a 6-speed gearbox. Optional on both engines is a Tiptronic-style sequential manual shift.
From The Driver's Perspective: The vehicle boasts nicely integrated circular air vents and a gearleaver integrated into the center console - similar to the Kia Tucson and Kia Sportage.
Some of the new features: Cruise control, an MP3 player with remote controls, a trip computer, electrically heated and powered front seats, electric folding mirrors and parking sensors.
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Driving The Kia Carens: Reviewers are impressed with the good acceleration and agility which are more expected from a medium sedan than a fully-fledged MPV.
The 2007 Carens, Kia's latest flagship, also boasts a new suspension which is said to reduce road noise in the cabin and increases stability at speed, with newly designed shock absorbers which adjust according to the weight of passengers and cargo.
Some of the options on the new model include stability control and active headrests which move into position to prevent whiplash injuries.
Safety features highlighted by Kia dealers include side and curtain airbags, isofix child seat-mounting points, and three-point belts on all seats. With car insurance rates as they are, these are all useful points to highlight if you are shopping around for a cheap motor car insurance quote.
For all its European styling, this vehicle doesn't have the "handbrake" - or hand-operated parking brake - usually expected in European cars. It offers something in between: a foot-operated parking brake with a dashboard release.
The car is a far cry from the original, and has evolved into a thoroughly modern vehicle, as expected from would-be buyers faced with many sophisticated options. Sounds like you should point the nose in the direction of the nearest Kia Carens dealer...
