Category: Compact MPV 
Price Range: £11,495 to £16,495
Useful space with five or seven seats, good ride quality, strong diesel engine, improved quality.
Weak petrol engine, plastics could be better, lifeless steering.
Practical and sensible family transport; no more, no less.
Kia reliability has not been a big issue, and the new Carens gives every indication that it will continue this honourable tradition. It feels solid and built to last, although the third of the three test cars we drove developed a creaking noise from the rear end.
The quality of materials used inside the Carens is much better than in the old car, but if you're used to one of the more popular and more expensive European or Japanese cars in this class you'll find that some of the Kia's plastic surfaces feel hard and cheap, and if you touch the roof lining you'll be put in mind of nylon slacks from the 70s.
The impression from the front seats is of a stylish, modern cabin, with a neatly designed facia and centre console, although the steering wheel and gear knob are covered in a very poor imitation of leather. From the second and third row of seats, however, your view is dominated by the bargain-basement plastics. Someone had the smart idea of using much softer plastic on the armrests built into the rear doors, but it must have been deemed too expensive to use more widely. The optional part-leather trim improves matters.
