Upgrades create new flagship Kia Carens

THE RANGE-TOPPING Kia Carens has been upgraded with satellite navigation and a better stereo following customer demand.

The Carens 3 is the basis for the new technology to create the Carens 3 Sat Nav, which uses a seven-inch touch-screen on the centre console. There will now be seven higher-quality speakers spread throughout the cabin, too.

Kia can add the specification upgrades to the pre-existing leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a full-length panoramic glass roof panel and a raft of safety features that have recently helped the Carens to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The navigation software includes European mapping and Traffic Management Channel, which monitors traffic on the planned route and adjusts it if necessary to avoid jams.

The uprated eight-channel hi-fi includes a subwoofer for more powerful bass notes. As with the ordinary Carens 3, USB, aux and dedicated iPod connectivity is standard.

Prices for the new model will start at £24,845, with metallic paint a £495 extra. Orders can already be placed at any Kia dealership.

By Press Association reporter