2022 Kia Carens previewed in Indonesia, BR-V/Xpander rival but priced closer to Innova

Despite being the haven for 7-seaters, the all-new 2022 Kia Carens made its global debut in India in late-2021 instead of Indonesia. The all-new 7-seater sheds its family-friendly MPV image for a trendy, SUV look but is proven to be a success in the subcontinent.

Could that success be repeated in Indonesia? Well, the Carens isn’t launched in the archipelago yet. Instead, Kia’s Indonesia distributor, PT Kreta Indo Artha (PT KIA), is showcasing the all-new 7-seater crossover at the ongoing Gaikindo Jakarta Auto Week 2022 (GJAW 2022) which is held from 12-March to 20-March.

Two variants are shown at the motor show, a regular petrol variant which is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre T-GDi engine (140 PS/242 Nm) and a turbocharged 1.5-litre CRDi diesel variant that makes 115 PS and 250 Nm.

The petrol-powered Carens is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox while its oil-burning twin is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both gearboxes send power to the front wheels which belies its rugged SUV design.

However, this is essentially similar to its rivals if it makes it to Indonesia. It will join a tough crowd in the archipelago against the popular Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Veloz/Avanza, and the Honda BR-V. Not to mention there’s another rival that the Carens might face in the future in the form of the Hyundai Stargazer.

Also read: Mitsubishi Xpander takes Indonesia’s best-selling car crown ahead of Avanza in Jan 2022

Just like the Kia Sonet and Seltos, the Carens shown at GJAW 2022 is fully-imported (CBU) from India and PT KIA isn’t planning on local assembly (CKD) for the 7-seater anytime soon.

Despite being similar in size to its uber-popular rivals, the Carens might not be cheap. According to our Indonesian sister site, AutoFun ID, the Carens would be slotted above the Kia Seltos. The SUV that barely made a dent in Malaysia is priced between IDR 310 million to IDR 415 million (~RM 91k to RM 122k).

Also read: These 12 cars were discontinued in Malaysia in 2021 – Jazz, Outlander, Myvi MT, and more

That puts the Carens beyond the price of the BR-V, Veloz and the Xpander which tops at IDR 343 million (~RM 101k), IDR 323.5 million (~RM 95k), and IDR 300 million (~RM 88k) respectively. Instead, it would be encroaching on the bigger Innova’s radar which starts from IDR 355 million (~RM 104k).

Still, the Carens is intended to be more premium than its Indo-assembled competitors. The units shown at GJAW 2022 is packed with some high-end equipment including a sunroof, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 64-coloured ambient lighting, as well as an 8-speaker Bose audio system.

The biggest party piece in the 7-seater “recreational vehicle” (Kia’s own term to describe the Carens) is the interior space which Kia claims to be the biggest in its class. Access to the third row is also made easy thanks to a one-touch button access on the middle row.

So with these features, could the Carens win over buyers who are looking to get an Innova?

Meanwhile, it’s too early to tell whether Kia’s new Malaysian distributors, Bermaz’s Dinamikjaya Motors could bring the all-new Carens over into Malaysia. Its predecessors were among the most popular MPVs in Malaysia and some are still beloved by their owners today.

Also read: 4 new Kia models to Malaysia, EV included - CKD Kia Carnival, Sportage, Sorento, Niro