Kia Carens

Kia Carens
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Production	1999–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Body style	4-door wagon
Layout	FF layout

The Kia Carens is a compact 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,^[1] 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.^[1]

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 careo.

The name Rondo derives from the musical term Rondo.^[2]

First generation (RS; 1999–2006)

First generation (RS)
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	1999–2006
Assembly	Hwasung Plant, Hwasung, South Korea Cikarang Plant, Indonesia (closed) 2004-2007 (facelift) Chu Lai Plant, Quang Nam, Vietnam (facelift)
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L FP 2.0 L FS-DE
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)

First generation facelift

First generation pre-facelift rear view

Kia debuted the first generation model of Carens, the RS series in 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.

Second generation (UN; 2006–2013)

Second generation (UN)
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 Plant, Gwangju Russia: Kaliningrad[3] Vietnam: Chu Lai Plant, Quang Nam
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)

Pre-facelift Kia Rondo7 (Australia)

Facelift Kia Rondo7 (Australia)

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.

North America

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.

Standard features depending on market include: 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, 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.

As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States, however the model year 2011 Carens/Rondo facelift (adopting Kia's new grille) continued to be sold in Canada.

Third generation (RP; 2013–present)

Third generation (RP)
Overview
Also called	Kia Rondo
Production	2013–present
Assembly	South Korea: Gwangju Plant, Gwangju Malaysia: Kulim Taiwan: SYM Motors[4]

Kia debuted the third generation model of Carens, the RP series in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show. Sales began in March 2013 in South Korea. North American sales are in the unusual situation of being sold in Canada but not being re-introduced in the US. ^[5] It is sold solely with a 2.0 164hp DI gas engine with 6 speed manual or 6 spd automatic, as the V6 option of the previous generation has been dropped.

Marketing

In 2013, Kia Motors collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to cross-promote the Carens with the film The Croods.^[6]

References

1. "Kia Multi-S Crossover". Babez.de, Sept, 14, 2005.
2. "Kia: Leapfrogging in Innovation with Len Hunt". Edmunds.com, Dec 6, 2006.
3. "Группа компаний Автотор :: Автомобили KIA" (in Russian). Avtotor.ru. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
4. http://m.appledaily.com.tw/appledaily/article/finance/20131128/35468356/
5. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/reviews/new-cars/family-hauler-sells-well-in-canada---but-not-in-the-us/article629589/
6. Welsh, Jonathan (2013-03-21). "Kia Taps ‘The Croods’ to Help Pitch New Carens Family Car (Video)". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2014-12-16.

External links

• Kia Carens (Kia Motors UK)
• Kia Rondo (Kia Motors America)
• Naza Citra RS