Amit Saraswat 
The Carens was introduced as a family mover, designed with a focus on sleek aesthetics and integrated technology features. This combination appears to be resonating with new-age customers who have large families. Notably, nearly half of the buyers (50%) have opted for the top and mid-range trims, which offer features such as sunroofs, multiple drive modes, ventilated seats, and Kia Connect, a connected car technology suite.
In terms of engine options, petrol variants have emerged as the more popular choice, accounting for 57% of sales. Diesel follows closely behind at 43%. Manual transmissions continue to be the preferred choice among buyers, with 62% opting for them. Kia re-launched the 6-seater variant of the Carens in April 2024, and it has been well-received by the market.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer, Kia India, stated that the Carens has become a popular choice for Indian families, offering both style and safety. He added that the Carens currently contributes around 15% of the company’s monthly domestic sales and expressed confidence in its continued growth. Kia India remains committed to introducing innovative and high-quality vehicles to the Indian market.
The Kia Carens was first launched in India in February 2022. It entered a competitive segment of family movers and positioned itself as a feature-rich option with a focus on design and technology. The initial launch offered a choice of petrol and diesel engines with both manual and automatic transmission options. The recent re-introduction of the 6-seater variant caters to a wider range of customer needs within the family mover segment.
Ever since it was introduced in the Indian market, it has been able to capture the market share of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga as well as the Innova Crysta. Its runaway success can be attributed to the attractive starting price, good space and comfort and frugal engine choices.
