The updated 2023 Kia Carens has been introduced in accordance with the upcoming BS6-II emission standard.
The 2023 Kia Carens sees a new 1.5-litre TGDI petrol engine replace the old 1.4-litre unit. All three engines, the 1.5 MPI and 1.5 TGDI petrols and the 1.5 CRDI diesel, are now equipped with an integrated starter/generator and auto stop/start. Furthermore, the nw Kia Carens loses the manual transmission in the diesel and the TGDI petrol in favour of the intelligent manual transmission (iMT).
On the surface, nothing really has changed and the exterior is devoid of any differences. The upgrades, though, are underneath the skin and make their presence felt on the inside.
The 2023 Kia Carens now includes even more features as standard. Its 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster, which was formerly available from the Prestige variant, is now a standard feature. Moreover, Alexa interactionism built into the Kia “Connected Car” technology package. The leather- wrapped gear knob, which was previously only available on the higher-end Luxury trim, has now been moved down to the mid-spec Prestige Plus trim as well.
A 10.25-inch touchscreen, cruise control, second-row seats that fold with the one touch electric tumble, an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, six airbags, and a rear parking camera are already included.
The new G1.5 TGDI engine in the 2023 Kia Carens displaces 1,498 cc and makes 160 hp at 5,500 rpm with a significant 253 Nm coming in between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It gets a choice of six-speed iMT or seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The iMT also makes its way to the diesel engine. The 1.5 CRDI unit makes 116 hp and 250 Nm and is also available with a six-speed automatic as before. The G1.5 naturally aspirated engine is now equipped with the ISG and continues producing a peak 115 hp and 144 Nm. It also continues with a six-speed manual transmission.
The 2023 Kia Carens price for the G1.5 ranges from Rs 10.45 lakh and goes up to Rs 11.65 lakh. The new G1.5 TGDI is priced between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18.45, while the D1.5 is between Rs 12.65 lakh and Rs 18.95 lakh, all ex-showroom.
Story: Vaibhav Kashyap
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