Used Kia Carens (2013-2019) MK4

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Overview

Good speed through corners
Good pulling power
Smooth to drive

Slow acceleration
Not economical to run
Noisy engine

What's the Kia Carens like?

Time was that when you needed to take half the children’s football team to a match they were just crammed into the car, and you had a couple in the boot if it was a hatch or an estate.

Thank goodness those days are long gone, and we're now all far more safety minded about our children.

But of course back then, the only people carriers (MPVs) around were mini-buses, and they were based on vans, with few creature comforts.

Now we are inundated with family holdalls that have five, seven or even more seats, such that it’s hard to choose between them.

That's the case with Kia's MPV Carens.

Engines

The engines are both petrol and diesel, but looking at the used cars on offer, the vast majority seem to be diesels.

These are all 1.7-litre CRDi units, and start with a 114bhp offering, which can do 61mpg and covers the 0 to 62mph sprint in 12.6 seconds.

Then there is a 139bhp version of the same 1.7-litre that brings the sprint down to 10 seconds and can still do an excellent 62mpg.

This engine is available with a six speed manual gearbox or a six speed automatic that works very well. But in this form, it's slower and has slightly reduced economy.

The single petrol engine, called GDI, is a 1.6-litre producing 133bhp. This comes with the automatic box as standard and has a 60mph sprint of 10.9 seconds with 45mpg at very best.

The top 3 and 4 models are available only with the diesel engine.

Driving Experience

Most of the time the more powerful diesel has given me about 42mpg in real driving, but occasionally on longer runs it headed up towards 50mpg.

It has good pulling power, and it was generally quiet and always smooth for a diesel.

Longer gearing in fifth and sixth gears helps economy and dropping down through the gearbox to overtake makes it feel eager and willing.

Handling is safe and sure, allowing decent speed through corners, and the ride comfort is very good even though there is some noise over poorer surfaces.
Peter Hayward

Interior and Equipment

From the outside, the Carens looks like a five-seater with a big load area, but when needed the two extra seats fold easily up out of the boot floor.

Even with five seats in use, the layout can be varied to improve access and room, while the rearmost pair are comfortable and ok for legroom on all but the longest trips.

Boot space can be steadily increased from a minimum of just under 500 litres with five seats in place to over 1,650 litres with all seats folded.

All come with excellent storage throughout, reversing camera, audio remote control, loads of airbags, alarm, cruise control, CD stereo with Bluetooth and aux in, air conditioning, heated electric mirrors and comfortable seats with good adjustment.

Mid-range 3 adds electric driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and parking sensors.

Find your Kia Carens your way with CarStore

The Kia Carens is a spacious vehicle that's ready to accommodate a large family or your child's football team. It has great amenities and is a safe car to drive, having a 5 start score on Euro NCAP.

Here at CarStore, you're able to buy your car your way. Whether that be online, in-person, or a mix of both, the choice is yours. With an extensive variety of used cars available, we're sure to have a car that suits your lifestyle.