Kia Carens | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Kia Motors |
Production | 1999–present |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size MPV (M) |
Body style | 5-door hatchback |
Layout | FF layout |
First generation (RS) | |
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Overview | |
Also called | Kia Carens II (South Korea/Indonesia, facelift) Kia Euro Carens (Taiwan, facelift) Kia X-Trek (Diesel model in South Korea, facelift) Naza Citra (Malaysia, facelift) |
Production | May 1999 – 2006 |
Assembly | South Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant) Indonesia: Cikarang (2004-2007) Malaysia: Gurun (NAM) Vietnam: Chu Lai (Chu Lai Plant) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.8 L FP I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L FS-DE I4 (gasoline) |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,570 mm (101 in) |
Length | 1999–2002: 4,450 mm (175 in) 2002–2006: 4,490 mm (177 in) |
Width | 1999–2002: 1,730 mm (68 in) 2002–2006: 1,750 mm (69 in) |
Height | 1999–2002: 1,600 mm (63 in) 2002–2006: 1,610 mm (63 in) 1,685 mm (66.3 in) (X-Trek) |
Second generation (UN) | |
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Overview | |
Also called | Kia Euro Carens (Taiwan) Kia New Face Carens (South Korea) Kia Rondo (North America) Kia Rondo7 (Australia) Naza Citra 2 Rondo (Malaysia) |
Production | 2006–2013 |
Assembly | South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant) Malaysia: Gurun (NAM) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor) Vietnam: Chu Lai (Chu Lai Plant) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.0 L G4KA I4 2.0 L D4EA CRDi I4 2.4 L G4KC I4 2.7 L G6EA V6 |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (110 in) |
Length | 4,545 mm (178.9 in) |
Width | 2006–2010: 1,820 mm (72 in) 2010–2012: 1,821 mm (71.7 in) |
Height | 1,650 mm (65 in) 1,720 mm (68 in) |
Third generation (RP) | |
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Overview | |
Also called | Kia Rondo |
Production | 2013–present |
Assembly | South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant) Taiwan: SYM Motors |
The Kia Carens is a mid-size MPV launched in 1999 by the Korean manufacturer Kia, now in its third generation, and marketed worldwide under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Rondo.
In 2006, Kia presented a second generation Carens for model year 2007. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia's introduction at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S, essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form — the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model only its inclusion of a dual-panel sunroof running the length of the roof.
The origin of the name Carens is unclear, but no investigations of any negative connotations would seem to have taken place before launch, as it means lacking or being without in Latin. Carens is the present participle of the verb .
The name Rondo derives from the musical term Rondo.
Kia debuted the first generation model of Carens, the RS series in May 1999. A facelift was issued in 2002.
The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for a new model which was launched in 2002.
The second generation Carens, known as the UN series launched in 2006. In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively. The Rondo made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Rondo began sales in early 2007 as a 2007 model year vehicle in the United States, while in Canada it went on sale in December 2006. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008. In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and never recovered.
Available as a 5- or optional 7-passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7L V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a 7-passenger vehicle with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. The V6 can be noted as being Kia's last generation engine to use a timing belt rather than chain.