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.
Kia dealers are generally cheap for servicing and maintenance; service intervals are at 10,000 miles/12 months for both petrol and diesel models. Insurance is Group 8 for LX models and 9 for SE models. Demand is good for secondhand MPVs, so depreciation (loss in value) should not be too horrific, though Kia does not enjoy as strong residual (resale) values as European competitors. Fuel consumption is average at 34.9 mpg from the petrol (31 mpg in auto form) and 40.4 mpg from the diesel (37.2 mpg auto); carbon dioxide emissions, influencing taxation levels, are 191 g/km for the petrol (215 g/km auto) and 185 g/km for the diesel (205 g/km auto) - slightly high if you want to run a Carens as a company car. But think what you're saving on the purchase price... Used Carens models should be both good value and dependable choices, though it will be a while before any of these improved versions filter onto the secondhand market. If you just want something cheap'n'cheerful, then the old model (without the split/folding seats or exterior boot handle and in petrol form only) will be much more affordable, but look out for ex-demonstrator examples of this new one, which is a much more appealing all-round package and worth paying extra for. With prices starting from £9995 - and probably less if you haggle a bit - and generally high equipment levels, the Carens represents a good saving over equivalent European rivals. Kia is also known for its helpful, friendly dealers, it gives a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty for both private and business users (not yet five years like sister company Hyundai) and the whole ownership experience should be hassle-free and happy.
