KIA Automotive Australia has announced its intention to launch the Carens compact people-mover on July 1 at a starting price just under $24,000. The six-seater Carens will be the first vehicle of its kind to be offered in Australia, but a host of rivals such as the Daewoo Tacuma, Mazda Premacy and Holden Zafira are waiting in the wings. Equipment levels are expected to be comprehensive with a driver airbag, air-conditioning, CD player, central locking and power windows and mirrors among the list of standard features. Seatback tables, wide-opening doors and a number of pockets and cupholders will add to the newcomer's practicality and versatility. Kia points to statistics that show the mini people-mover segment grew 54 per cent in Europe last year, overtaking the full-size people-mover category in the process. "Unique is the only word to describe the Carens," the managing director of Kia Automotive Australia, Mr Ric Hull, says. "It combines the space and flexibility of a people-mover, yet it takes up the road space of a family hatchback." Although young families are expected to account for the majority of Carens sales, Kia says its high seating position, ease of entry and good all-around visibility will also make it appealing to older customers who find conventional cars uncomfortable. Its interior space has been maximised by retaining the same floor height as a conventional car and raising the roofline almost to that of a four-wheel drive. The low mounting points for the drivetrain and suspension mean the vehicle's centre of gravity is little different from a normal car, despite the high roof. Kia says this translates into on-road manners that are the same as a car -"safe, responsive and enjoyable to drive". At the newcomer's heart lies a twin cam, 16-valve, 1.8-litre engine that generates 81kW and 152Nm. The same powerplant is used in the Shuma hatchback. Power is relayed to the front wheels by a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic. Kia says the Carens passes all existing and proposed North American and European safety legislation for both frontal and side impact collisions. Full prices and specification of the Carens will be announced when it goes on sale on July 1.
