Reviews - Kia

Overall Rating

Another unmemorable mini-MPV, the Carens offers reasonable space but lacks much in the way of versatility. Solidly constructed but completely unmemorable.

• Cheap for its size
• Lots of equipment for the money
• Smooth ride and spacious interior

• Bland looks with cheap interior finish
• Heavier depreciation than most family MPVs
• Refinement deteriorates rapidly at speed

Kia's big problem is the competitive market of people-carriers that do a much better job. Compact MPV's are never going to be stylish trend setters making this insipid offering appear even more dull and unattractive. Kia are gaining a reputation for robust mechanically sound vehicles and the Carens does benefit from this. The cabin is spacious but the interior plastics and trim feel very low quality. The Carens suffers from a sometimes lumpy ride and poor cornering. 1.6 petrol engine offers a reasonable performance, although fuel consumption is some way off class standards. The diesel engine is loud but effective. Pricing undercuts mainstream compact MPV rivals.

Best Models: 1.8SE is the least bad, rather than the best

Worst Models: All others

Replacement: 2007

• Citroen Xsara Picasso
• Daewoo Tacuma
• Mazda Premacy