Kia’s all-new Carens costs £15,262 – that’s £5000 less expensive to buy than the Renault Grand Scenic.
That’s An amazing achievement given both are seven-seat MPVs, both have easily folded seats, both are well equipped, both fall into the same benefit-in-kind tax band (28%) and both have identical fuel consumption figures (39.2mpg).
So is there a reason to spend the extra, or should user-choosers stick with the Kia?
The interior styling, although much improved over any previous Kia, is still its weak point. The Renault’s interior styling and colour schemes make its cabin feel a lighter, brighter place to be. The Carens is also slower, although the auto is easier to live with than the Renault’s.
But costs always override in business motoring and the Carens comes in at 30.8ppm against the Renault’s 34.5.
No contest really.
Verdict: A straightforward mini-MPV at a bargain price
