Kia has launched a new trim level, the Luxury (O), for the Carens, with prices starting from Rs 17 lakh and going up to 17.70 lakh. This comes more than a fortnight after Kia India refreshed the Carens line-up to accommodate RDE-compliant engines.
- Kia Carens Luxury (O) available only as a 7-seater
- No manual version on sale
- Positioned between the Luxury and the Luxury Plus trims
Kia Carens Luxury (O): what's new?
The new trim of the Kia Carens is positioned between the top two trims, the Luxury and the Luxury Plus. The features that it has over the Luxury trim are a sunroof and ambient lighting that changes based on the drive mode selected. Unlike the Luxury trim which is also available in a 6-seat configuration, the Luxury (O) is exclusively available as a 7-seater.
However, the Luxury (O) misses out on features such as an 8-speaker Bose sound system, paddle shifters and even ventilated front seats that are all equipped on the top-of-the-line Carens Luxury Plus.
Kia Carens Luxury (O) features
The Carens Luxury (O) comes loaded with safety and convenience features. Just like all models of the Carens, the Luxury (O) gets driver, passenger and curtain airbags, ABS, ESC and hill-start assist. Disc brakes are equipped on all four wheels – which also sport 16-inch crystal cut alloys – and all seats are equipped with 3-point seatbelts.
On the inside, the Carens Luxury (O) gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel that is tilt and telescopic adjustable. This trim comes with cooled cupholders in both the first and second rows. This trim also gets the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with four speakers, two tweeters and five USB C-type chargers spread throughout the MPV.
Kia Carens Luxury (O) powertrain options
The recent rejigging of the model line-up in light of the new RDE norms saw some manuals replaced with iMT gearboxes. The new Luxury (O) trim comes only in the automatic configuration with no manual or iMT available. The 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol is available with a 7-speed DCT that can produce 160hp and 253Nm, while the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel is mated to a 6-speed AT.
Kia Carens Luxury (O) price and rivals
The 1.5-litres, turbo-petrol with a 7-speed DCT is priced at Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom), while the 1.5-litre, diesel coupled with a 6-speed AT costs Rs 17.70 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Kia Carens rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Maruti Suzuki XL6. Though the Kia Carens is far more expensive than both Marutis, it also does offer more features and a more powerful engine.
With the introduction of this new variant, would you pick the 7-seater Carens over the other options? Let us know in the comments below.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
