Kia Carens

Infobox Automobile
name=Kia Carens


manufacturer=Kia Motors
production=1999–present
class=Compact MPV
parent_company=Hyundai Kia Automotive Group
body_style=4-door wagon
assembly=Hwasung, South Korea
layout=FF layout Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=1999–2002Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


aka=Kia Carens II/X-Trek (in South Korea)
Naza Citra (in Malaysia)
production=2002–presentInfobox Automobile generation
name=Third generation


aka=Kia Rondo (in North America)
Kia Carens New Face (South Korea)
Kia Rondo7 (Australia)
Naza Citra 2 Rondo (Malaysia)
production=2006–present
related=Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Hyundai Grandeur/Azera
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
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
length=4,545 mm (178.9 in)
width=1,820 mm (71.7 in)
height=1,650-1,720 mm (65.0-67.7 in)
wheelbase=2,700 mm (106.3 in)

The Kia Carens is a compact MPV launched in 1999 by the Korean manufacturer Kia. It was discontinued in Australia in 2001, but production continued elsewhere for a new model which was launched in 2003. In 2006 a new Carens has been presented as a 2007 model year. The Carens/Rondo is slotted below the Kia Carnival/Sedona in Kia's minivan lineup.

Rondo/Rondo7

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.

Available as a 5- or optional 7-passenger vehicle with either a standard 162 hp 2.4l 4-cylinder engine or an optional 182 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.

Standard features depending on market include: 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player, Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Door Locks, Front/Side/Full length Side Curtain airbags, 4-wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, LATCH, Child safety door locks, Tilt steering column, Front and Rear 12-volt outlets, Front and Rear Cupholders.

Options include: Moonroof, Leather interior, Heated front seats, Cruise Control, Keyless entry, Infinity 10-speaker stereo.

Although Kia calls the Rondo a crossover, it is more car than SUV and as such competes mainly against the micro-van Mazda5. However, unlike the Mazda5, the Rondo doesn't have sliding doors. The Rondo is the lowest-priced seven-seater sold in North America, with a starting price of US$16,995 (5 seats) and $17,495 for the three-row seven seater.

External links

* [http://www.kia.co.uk/carenshome.asp Kia Carens (Kia Motors UK)]
* [http://www.kia.com/rondo/index.php Kia Rondo (Kia Motors America)]
* [http://www.nazakia.com.my/citraRS_overview.html Naza Citra RS]