Kia has been working on an all-new MPV for the Indian market for some time now, and it was recently even spied testing in our country. Kia’s upcoming MPV (internally codenamed KY) is expected to share its platform with the Seltos and will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. Now, the Korean carmaker has trademarked the ‘Carens’ name in India, which suggests that this name could be used for their upcoming MPV in our market. 

• ‘Carens’ name trademarked in India
• Will share platform and underpinnings with Seltos
• To launch by early 2022

Kia trademarks ‘Carens’ nameplate in India

Now, the Carens nameplate is not an all-new one for Kia. In fact, Kia has been selling the Carens as an MPV in several markets abroad since the 2000s, and it is typically known for its people-moving credentials. Globally, the Carens measures about 4.5m in length and is available in a 7-seater configuration. The MPV is currently in its third generation in markets abroad.

That said, Kia’s upcoming MPV for India will have nothing in common with the global-spec Carens. Both MPVs may be using the same name, but the India-spec MPV will be sharing its underpinnings with the Seltos SUV.

Upcoming Kia MPV: what do we know so far?

From spy photos seen so far, we can tell that the upcoming MPV looks quite similar to the Seltos from the front three-quarters, although it gets a much larger rear door and glasshouse. It will have a proper three-row MPV silhouette with an upright rear end and a longer wheelbase than the Seltos, to accommodate a third row of seats. Spy shots have also revealed details like Kia’s signature tiger nose grille, a pair of stylish LED headlamps similar to the Sonet and 16-inch alloy wheels.

While the Seltos measures 4,315mm in length, the upcoming MPV will likely be about 4.5m long, similar to the global-spec Carens. In fact, there are talks that the MPV will have its wheelbase and length identical to that of the Hyundai Alcazar, which too measures 4.5 meters in length. This also means it will be slightly larger than the Ertiga, which measures 4,395mm in length. Sources also tell us that the MPV will have a ‘usable’ third row, offering better legroom than most of its rivals.

Under the hood, the Kia MPV is expected to be powered by a pair of 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, both of which are already offered with the Seltos. Power and torque figures, as well as gearbox options, are also expected to be similar to the Seltos. The Kia MPV will have the unique distinction of being offered with both petrol and diesel engines in this price range, as rivals like the Maruti Ertiga are petrol-only model, while the Mahindra Marazzo is solely offered with a diesel engine.

Kia MPV: India launch plans

Kia is expected to globally unveil the MPV in the coming months before it goes on sale in India by early 2022. It will be manufactured here in India and will also be exported to markets abroad. As already mentioned, the Kia MPV will see stiff competition from the Mahindra Marazzo and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The latter is also due a facelift in early 2022.

Interestingly, a Hyundai derivative of the same MPV is also being readied for Indonesia, and while there are no confirmed reports, this MPV could also come to our shores in the future.