Kia Carens Facelift Spotted Testing Near Manali

Kia's popular three-row RV, the Carens, has been spotted undergoing testing in Himachal Pradesh, concealed under camouflage. This version marks the first facelift for the Carens since its debut in 2022, aiming to compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Alcazar and Maruti XL6 in India. Known as the third best-selling car in Kia's Indian lineup, the Carens has been seen navigating mountainous roads near Manali in recent spy shots.

The latest images shared on social media reveal that while the Carens retains its familiar silhouette, it sports several notable updates. Key changes include new connected LED taillights and redesigned alloy wheels, enhancing its exterior appeal. At the front, Kia is expected to introduce fresh LED headlight units, a revised grille, and an updated bumper, as hinted by recent spy shots.

Inside, details remain scarce from the spy shots, suggesting potential updates such as new digital screens and enhanced connectivity features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Carens is likely to continue offering both six-seat and seven-seat configurations to cater to varying consumer needs.

Under the hood, the Carens facelift is anticipated to retain its current engine lineup. This includes a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113 bhp, a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol variant with 158 bhp, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine generating approximately 113 bhp. Transmission options are expected to include a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed iMT, and a torque converter unit. The turbo petrol variants will likely be paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

While Kia has yet to officially announce the launch date, industry experts predict the Carens facelift could hit the market early next year. The unveiling is expected to coincide with the Auto Expo in 2025, preceding its official market debut.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Kia Carens facelift as Kia continues to test and refine this anticipated new model.