Category: Compact MPV 
Price Range: £11,495 to £16,995
Price, improved refinement and equipment, a thoroughly decent all-rounder.
Still not quite as sophisticated as some rivals.
Compact MPVs are never going to be trendy style statements, so you might as well buy one that gives good value, whatever its badge.
The Carens feels more stable than before, thanks to suspension modifications, and the brakes have been uprated too - there are now disc brakes all round and ABS with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) is now standard. Wider tyres give more grip. Kia has also reinforced the bodyshell, with better frontal, side and rollover impact protection. There are three rear three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, ISOFIX child seat attachment points plus twin front airbags; side airbags are fitted in SE versions but no curtain or head airbags are available yet. Security measures include an immobiliser and remote central locking; no alarm.
