Review
Kia used to make some of the most dismal cars on sale but, under Hyundai control, they have massively upped their game. The Carens is typical of 'New Kia' - a car that has taken a long hard look at the European norm and tried to compete head-on.
Two minutes spent looking at the Carens tells you a lot about the car: the styling may not be beautiful, but it is a very professional job with no hint of the chrome stick-ons that used to defile Korean designs. There is even a hint of off-roader about the kicked-up window line and the roof-rails.
The rest of the car reinforces this impression of people who know what they are doing. Sure, the Carens hardly handles like a sports car, but it does everything you could reasonably expect of a compact people carrier. When equipped with the diesel engine (don't bother with the weedy petrol version), it provides decent power, good economy and plenty of space.
Indeed in seven seat form, it is impressively commodious for a reasonably compact design. The third row drops right away into the floor at the gentle tug of a lever, while the second row seats fold into a pretty compact unit, giving an almost completely flat floor.
So, if you want family transport that is good value and functional without being so dull to look at that kids will refuse to get in, the Carens is worth a serious look.