Vehicle Description

Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 5dr Estate (18 Plate) Review

The Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 5dr Estate (18 Plate) is a well-rounded family car that combines practicality, comfort, and value for money in a compact MPV format. While the estate segment may not be as popular as it once was, the Carens still offers a spacious and versatile option for families in need of a vehicle that offers both comfort and functionality. This model, equipped with a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine and the ISG (Idle Stop & Go) system, is ideal for those seeking an affordable, economical, and family-friendly car.

Performance and Efficiency
The 1.7 CRDi diesel engine in the Kia Carens produces 115 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque, which provides a respectable amount of power for a car of this size. It’s not the quickest MPV around, but it has more than enough grunt for everyday driving. Whether it’s city commuting or long motorway journeys, the Carens delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission offers smooth gear changes, with the option of a more effortless drive thanks to the ISG (Idle Stop & Go) feature, which helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by automatically shutting off the engine when idling.

In terms of performance, the Carens is adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11 seconds—not particularly fast, but perfectly suitable for a family-oriented car. The engine provides decent low-end torque, making it suitable for overtaking and highway driving, while the refinement of the engine means that cabin noise is kept to a minimum, even at higher speeds.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 does a solid job. The official combined figure is around 52-55 mpg, making it a very economical option for family trips and everyday use. With CO2 emissions around 129g/km, it’s a good choice for those conscious about running costs, while also avoiding high road tax.

Interior and Comfort
One of the biggest selling points of the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 is its interior space and practicality. The car is designed to cater to families, with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. The 7-seater configuration is one of the key highlights, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently transport a group of people. The second row of seats can accommodate adults comfortably, with decent legroom and headroom, while the third-row seats are best suited for children or shorter journeys.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good lumbar support for longer drives. The driving position is high and commanding, which enhances visibility and makes the car feel easier to maneuver. The dashboard design is simple yet functional, with a clear layout that puts most controls within easy reach of the driver. Materials are solid and durable, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics, which give the cabin a practical, family-friendly feel.

The boot space in the Carens is generous for an MPV, offering 492 litres of luggage capacity with the third-row seats folded down. When the seats are up, the boot space is still acceptable for smaller families or a few bags of shopping, but it does become more limited. The rear seats can also fold flat in a 60/40 split, expanding the boot even further to accommodate larger loads when required.

Technology and Features
The Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 comes equipped with a range of tech and comfort features that make it a pleasant place to spend time. The car’s 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, DAB radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are useful features for integrating smartphones with the system. The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, while the sound quality from the standard audio system is more than adequate for everyday listening.

The ISG system (Idle Stop & Go) is another feature that enhances convenience by automatically stopping the engine when idling at traffic lights, helping to save fuel and reduce emissions, especially in urban driving conditions. Other tech features include cruise control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth hands-free system, and climate control, all of which add to the overall comfort and convenience.

The Flair 2 trim also includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and LED daytime running lights, which give the Carens a modern, stylish appearance while improving its practicality.

Safety Features
Kia has equipped the Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 with a comprehensive range of safety features. These include:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Helps prevent collisions by detecting obstacles ahead and applying the brakes if the driver fails to react.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane without indicating.
Rear Parking Sensors: Helps make parking and reversing easier, particularly in tight spaces.
Driver Attention Warning (DAW): This system alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected.
The Carens also comes with multiple airbags, stability control, traction control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts for added safety. With a solid reputation for safety, the Carens is designed to give families peace of mind on the road.

Driving Experience
On the road, the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 offers a comfortable and stable driving experience. While the car is not particularly sporty or engaging to drive, it excels in offering a smooth and relaxed ride. The suspension is well-tuned for comfort, and it absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease. It’s the perfect car for long drives, where comfort is the priority.

The steering is light and easy to maneuver, which makes it well-suited for city driving and tight parking situations. On the highway, the car feels stable and composed, with minimal road noise in the cabin, adding to the overall comfort of the ride. While the 1.7 CRDi engine provides ample torque for everyday driving, it’s not the most powerful engine in the segment, but it is efficient and reliable, offering an excellent balance of performance and economy.

In terms of handling, the Carens feels planted and predictable, though it’s not designed to be sporty. It’s more about delivering a comfortable and easy-going driving experience that is well-suited to families and commuters.

Verdict
The Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 5dr Estate (18 Plate) is an excellent choice for families who need a practical, spacious, and economical vehicle. The 7-seater configuration, spacious interior, and generous boot space make it a versatile family car, perfect for trips with the kids, long holidays, or transporting large loads.

With a solid diesel engine, good fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride, the Carens provides excellent value for money in the MPV category. The ISG system helps to keep running costs down, and the standard features on the Flair 2 trim give it a modern and well-equipped feel.

Though not the most exciting vehicle to drive, the Carens excels where it matters most – in comfort, practicality, and family-friendly features. If you’re after a spacious and dependable vehicle for everyday use and family adventures, the Kia Carens 1.7 CRDi ISG 2 is a strong contender.