Kia Carens MPV (2012) first official pictures

Kia has taken its compact family wagon, the Carens back to the drawing board with the release of the all-new 2012 model, bringing it up-to-date with Kia’s current design direction.  

The Carens is the last model in Kia’s line up to receive the ‘tiger nose’ facelift under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the Mk 1 Audi TT.  

The revised Carens takes on a sharper, more ‘athletic’ shape than the former chunkier model, offering a more practical, cab-forward take on the sportier looking new Ceed on which it is based.

Kia appears to have opted for a sleeker, clutter-free cabin this time round, giving the Carens a higher-end appearance to match opposition such as the VW Touran, Vauxhall Zafira, and Toyota Corolla Verso.

Kia has announced ahead of the Paris motor show that it will be offering a five and a seven seat option to go on sale in the UK for spring 2013, so keep your eyes peeled.     

By Rory Smith