Few manufacturers have improved their lot more than Kia has in recent times.
Its cheap ‘n’ cheerful cars were once the butt of jokes.
But over the past few years, the South Korean company has overhauled almost every single one of its models, replacing the unloved old ones with cars that challenge the best in their class.
Or, in the case of the former Scottish Car of the Year winning Sportage, are the best in their class.
The only sad reminder of the bad old days was the Carens people carrier. “Functional” was about the best that could be said of the boxy MPV with the hard, plastic interior.
Now, the last remnant of Kia’s low-budget past has been swept away. The new Carens is based on Kia’s cee’d hatchback and, like the rest of the range, has much-improved looks, including the distinctive “tiger nose” grille by former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.
Prices are competitive, starting at £17,895 for the 133bhp 1.6 petrol in entry level ‘1’ trim, rising to £23,895 for the range-topping 1.7 CRDi diesel in 3 spec.
This engine comes with either 114 or 134bhp.
I drove the lower powered 1.7 diesel in mid-range 2 spec, costing £20,595. Equipment levels are high across the range. Even basic models have air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and a USB socket.
Step up to 2 trim and you also get alloys, climate control and automatic lights and wipers, while 3 adds a colour touch-screen, reversing camera and a panoramic glass roof.
Like the best of its rivals, the Carens has three full-size middle-row seats that slide and recline independently, giving excellent versatility.
All UK versions have seven seats and space in the rearmost two perches isn’t bad. Children will fit nicely and so will smallish adults, as long as those in the middle row are willing to slide forward a little.
With the rear two seats folded flat to the floor, there is a large 492-litre boot. If you fold down the middle row as well that expands to 1,650 anyone who needs more than that should buy a van.
There are also lots of cubbyholes for stowing smaller stuff, including one beneath the boot floor that also doubles up as storage for the luggage cover when it’s not needed.
Kia has decided to go for comfort over agility. The Carens rides well and is a composed, quiet motorway car.
The flipside is that if you try and hustle it through a bend, the body rolls and the wheels run wide. But who buys a Kia people carrier for its handling?
With 114bhp pulling quite a tall vehicle, the Carens doesn’t set the tarmac ablaze. Zero to 62mph takes 12.6 seconds. Most of the power comes low down the rev range, though, and there is a bit of grunt for overtaking.
Official economy is an excellent 60.1, although in real-world driving conditions, I only just got the car to return 50mpg. That’s still pretty acceptable though.
The Carens is the last piece in the Kia puzzle from the Rio to the Sportage and even the Sorento, the South Korean car maker can be proud of all its models.
It’s smart-looking, well-equipped and comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty.
Yes, it’s a little dull to drive but so are virtually all people carriers.
Price: £20,595
0-62mph:12.6 seconds
Top speed: 112 mph
Economy:60.1mpg
CO2 emissions:124g/km