Kia Carens

Our verdict

The Kia Carens is a worthy but dull small MPV. Better than before in the latest generation, but still a purchase authorised bythe wallet rather than by the heart.

Comfort

The Carens is pretty comfortable, softish suspension helps keep the cabin composed and it feels airy enough, just don't expect too much for your cash and you'll be happy.

Performance

Moderate your expectation by looking at the badge. The Carens mixes it with the mid-table pack in the segment, but has no tricks up its sleeve. There are two 2.0-litre motors, one diesel, one petrol. The petrol gives 142bhp, 0-62mph in 11.0seconds and 118mph, but by far the better is the 138bhp diesel, with more torque and similar performance.

Cool

Are skirting boards cool? Exactly.

Quality

Here's a bit of faint praise with which to damn the Kia: the quality is better than it used to be. True, but the Carens appears not to have noticed the recent trend for on-the-pace interiors from the East. Hence the swathe of grey plastic. Dull.

Handling

Average to average handling. If you could give handling a colour, the Carens would be magnolia. Inoffensive but bland and forgettable.

Practicality

As far as family transport goes the Carens is decent enough, but there are more versatile and better designed sprog-transporters on the market that also drive with more verve. The boot is relatively small at 414litres with the seats up, a more cavernous 2106litres with them folded, thanks to the boxy dimensions.

Running costs

Decent mpg figures (35mpg for the petrol and 45.6mpg for the diesel) and low insurance (group 10 all round) make for skinflint running costs. But residuals are Stuka-class dive-bombers.