Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Kia Carens I 1.8i 16V (126 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Carens:
The Kia Carens is a compact car manufactured by Kia since 1999, spanning over four generations, and was marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The initial three generations had an MPV body style and were marketed worldwide, with presence in its home country South Korea, in Europe, and North America since the second-generation. The fourth-generation model took a different approach in terms of design and targeted markets, as it was developed as a "strategic model" for the Indian market. It also adopts a crossover-inspired exterior design....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Kia Carens (I). With 162 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.2 l/100km). With a weight of 1462 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A multi-purpose vehicle designed to transport passengers with ample interior space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Kia Carens I generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Potential buyers should consider its age and the safety standards of its era.
1.8i 16V (126 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This is the most spirited petrol option, offering a good balance of power and acceptable acceleration for a family MPV.
Fuel Economy
Provides the best fuel economy among the 1.8i variants, making it a more sensible choice for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical 7-seater interior, ideal for families.
- • Generally good value for money on the used market.
- • Reliable and robust powertrains, typical of Kia.
- • Comfortable ride for long journeys.
Cons:
- • Modest performance across most engine options, especially automatics.
- • Some engine trims have higher than expected fuel consumption.
- • Interior design and materials are dated by modern standards.
- • Lack of advanced safety features and no Euro NCAP rating.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Carens |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8i 16V (126 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | MPV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70.3 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 162 Nm @ 4900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | T8D [Same engine] More details about the engine T8D |
| Engine displacement: | 1793 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.6 kg/Hp, 86.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 110.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1462 |
| Max. weight: | 1880 |
| Max load: | 418 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1632 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 422 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4493 mm [54mm more] |
| Width: | 1748 mm [39mm more] |
| Height: | 1609 mm [6mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm [5mm more] |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Show off your Kia Carens knowledge – drop a review below!