What’s new: Kia’s seven-seat Carens mini-MPV has been replaced by an all-new and much fresher model, continuing the firm’s evolution into a very credible fleet player.
Excellent: This top-spec model, called 3, costs nearly £2000 more than a middle trim version, but adds panoramic sunroof, larger alloys, leather interior, heated seats and steering wheel, and reversing camera.
Good: The seven-seat layout is practical, with three individually sliding seats in the central row, and two more, for smaller children or occasional short-journey use, folding flat into the boot floor. Despite being smaller than its predecessor, Kia claims the new Carens offers more interior and boot space.
Average: Emissions of 132g/km are a little off the class best, and the looks are a touch bland.
Poor: Residual values – the car will retain just 27.6% of its value, according to KwikCarcost – hammer the Carens’ cost per mile, which is 60.8ppm.
Verdict: Kia’s improvement continues with the sensible Carens, but this top-spec model doesn’t add up as well as those less lavishly equipped.
