► Sensible family MPV updated
► Tech and safety upgrades
► New Eco pack available, too
Kia has revealed the updated Carens seven-seat MPV at the 2016 Paris motor show.
It’s not an extensive update, much like the facelifted Soul, but it’s enough to keep it fresh in the wake of several newer MPVs and crossovers.
So, what’s new for the revamped Carens?
The most notable changes are at the front, where you’ll see a redesigned bumper and trademark tiger-nose grille, as well as new light designs. It’s the same story at the back, with new light signatures and tweaked bumpers. There’s also new alloy wheel designs across the range and a new Mysterious Blue colour, which we’re yet to see. Mysterious.
Inside, you’ll be offered new seat material options – with a choice cloth or diamond-woven leather in black or beige – while the trim choices for the dash are metallic, gloss black or a carbon-effect finish. Why the latter is available in an MPV we’re not too sure, but hats off to Kia for trying to appeal to the racer dad.
Do you get more kit, too?
The pursuit of having as many different pieces of technology rages on, and the updated Carens will appeal to the techy in you. The Korean firm’s latest infotainment system is available with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while Kia’s Connected Services, TomTom sat-nav and reversing camera are chucked in, too.
If you want a beefier sound system, a JBL hi-fi will be available further up the range, but it won’t worry the Burmester sound systems you’ll find in a high-end Mercedes.
What’s the optional Eco Pack?
If you’re not the kind to treat your family holdall as a race car, then Kia’s added a new Eco Pack to the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine. It features stop-start, low rolling resistance tyres and revised gear ratios; the net effect is to bring CO2 emissions down to 109g/km.
I can’t wait. When can I buy one?
Later in 2016 – when full prices and specs will be revealed, too.
See more from the Paris motor show here