The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
What is it?
The Carens is a MPV that fits into Kia’s line‑up as a people mover with seating for seven. It blends contemporary SUV design cues with the practicality expected of a MPV. The model is aimed at families who require space and versatility, while still benefiting from the latest infotainment and safety technology.
Interior:
The cabin of the Carens has been designed to accommodate seven occupants with ample legroom and headroom across all three rows. The boot provides generous space for family needs.
Features include cloth and artificial leather upholstery depending on the model, a centre armrest with storage, manual or automatic air conditioning, and infotainment systems ranging from an eight‑inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to a larger 12.3‑inch screen in higher trims.
The SX model adds electric driver seat adjustment, lumbar support, heated front seats and a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers.
Exterior:
The exterior design follows Kia’s bold language, with an aggressive front stance and LED daytime running lights. Star‑map inspired LED headlights and tail lamps provide a distinctive signature look. Wheel sizes vary from 16‑inch styled wheels on LS models to 17‑inch Crystal Cut dual‑tone alloys on LX and above. Roof rails and electric folding mirrors are included from the LX derivative upwards.
Engine:
All South African Carens models are powered by Kia’s 1.5‑litre turbodiesel engine producing 85kW and 250Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.0 litres per 100km with the manual transmission and 5.3 litres per 100km with the automatic.
Suspension consists of Macpherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam at the rear. Safety equipment includes ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist and multiple airbags.
Model range and specs:
Four derivatives are available: LS, LX, EX and SX. LS is a 6-speed manual, while the other models have a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The LS has cloth and artificial leather trim and an eight‑inch infotainment system.
LX adds automatic transmission, alloy wheels, cruise control and wireless charging. EX introduces LED daytime running lights, smart key with push button start and a 12.3‑inch infotainment display.
SX tops the range with advanced driver assistance systems such as Surround View Monitor, Blind‑Spot Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist.
Price
The Carens LS is priced at R399 995. The LX costs R459 995. The EX is R499 995. The SX is R599 995. All models include Kia’s five‑year unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance and a three‑year 45 000km service plan.
The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
Chinese vehicle brand Changan has strengthened its South African retail presence with the opening of a new flagship dealership in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, as the company pushes ahead with plans to establish about 45 dealerships nationally during 2026.
A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
As fuel prices continue to climb across South Africa, many motorists are beginning to question whether owning a car still makes financial sense. With in-land petrol prices now at R26.63 a litre and diesel costs rising sharply in May, transport expenses are placing growing pressure on household budgets.
iCAUR South Africa has launched the 03T, a fully electric SUV available in two versions, 2WD and AWD locally.
