Kia sketches its next Carens

KIA has issued "preview sketches" of its new-generation Carens mini people-mover ahead of its world debut at the Madrid International Motor Show on May 25 - the same venue the facelifted Carens that was never sold in Australia first appeared at in 2002.

Called the "Rondo" in the US, the new seven-seat Carens is longer, wider and taller than the current six-seater model, whose life cut short here after just 18 months in December 2001.

Under consideration for Oz, the all-new Carens was previewed by the Multi-S concept at last September's Frankfurt motor show. Dubbed a next-generation Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), the Multi-S is claimed to blend the MPV, SUV and crossover trends.

Left: Kia's sketch of the new Carens production car (top), and the Multi-S concept from September's Frankfurt show (bottom). Riding on a 2700mm wheelbase and at 4545mm long, it’s closer to Kia’s full-size Carnival people-mover in length and will boast boast "best in class" occupant protection systems, including motor driven power steering (MDPS), an electronic stability program (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), adaptive front light system (AFS), full-length side curtain airbags and active head restraints.

Featuring seven seats and air-conditioning for all three rows, the Multi-S concept was powered by a 2.7-litre petrol V6 mated to a five-speed auto, but Kia says its engine bay is also designed to accept a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.