Compact Kia MPV debuts

Korean brand Kia has unveiled its latest new model, the Carens MPV/peoplemover. Reinforcing the brand's growing emphasis on Europe, the new Carens was unveiled last week at the Madrid Motor Show in Spain.

Carens is a global model for Kia and is known as Rondo in North America. Though dropped from the local Kia range for the 2003 model year, the new model will definitely come Down Under. Kia is projecting global volume of in excess of 150,000 units for the new car.

The all-new car is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor (by 55mm, 50mm and 40mm, respectively) but thanks to a 130mm longer wheelbase delivers substantially more interior room. The attractive Euro-styling also delivers significantly improved aerodynamics according to the carmaker.

The new vehicle will be marketed as both seven and five-seat versions according to Kia.

Kia is offering a choice of 2.0-litre turbodiesel or petrol powerplants mated to manual or auto gearboxes in Europe. The North American market will choose from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder or 138kW 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines. Though it's likely Kia may offer a turbodiesel Carens Down Under, expect the US-spec engines to feature in Australian-spec Carens.

Kia says the new Carens' significantly wider track (up by more than 80mm), longer wheelbase and stiffer bodyshell combine with new fully independent suspension systems front and rear to deliver better ride, handling and roadholding. Power steering and 16-inch rims are standard fit.

Braking is via four-wheel discs backed up by ABS with EBD.

On sale in Europe from the last quarter of 2006, expect to see the Carens arrive Down Under in early 2007. Its local debut is set down for October's Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.