Kia India recently celebrated a significant milestone for the Carens MPV, surpassing 1.5 lakh units in sales within just 27 months of its launch in February 2022. This achievement reflects the growing popularity of the Carens among Indian families, offering a blend of style, comfort, and practicality.
Launched in February 2022, the Kia Carens quickly captured the interest of the Indian market. Positioned as an MPV, the Carens combines the spaciousness of a traditional people mover with the sleek design and advanced features that Kia is known for. It became Kia’s third-bestselling model in India, following the success of the Seltos and Sonet.

Sales Breakdown and Customer Preferences
Kia India reported that over 50% of Carens’ demand is for the petrol variant. With 57% of buyers choosing this powertrain. Meanwhile, the remaining 43% opted for the diesel version. Interestingly, a significant majority of customers—around 62%—prefer the manual gearbox, highlighting the continued popularity of manual transmissions in India.
Continuous Updates and New Variants
Kia has consistently updated the Carens to keep it competitive and appealing. The 2024 update introduced new features and a top-tier X-Line variant. Additionally, Kia reintroduced the manual gearbox option for the diesel models, which had been replaced by the iMT (a manual gearbox with an automated clutch) in 2023. These updates ensure that the Carens stays relevant and meets the evolving needs of customers.
Popularity and Market Position
The Carens competes with other popular MPVs like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, XL6, and Toyota Innova Crysta. Despite the stiff competition, the Carens has carved out a substantial share of the market. Kia’s strategic updates and focus on customer preferences have played a crucial role in this success.
Features and Variants
Kia offers the Carens in multiple variants, catering to a wide range of customers. Higher-end models come equipped with features such as sunroofs, ventilated seats, and advanced connected car technology. This variety allows buyers to choose a Carens that fits their specific needs and budget.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer of Kia India, commented on the milestone, stating, “Carens has become a favorite among Indian families, offering them style and peace of mind on every journey. It now accounts for approximately 15% of our monthly domestic sales, and we are confident that its popularity will only grow in the coming years. We remain deeply committed to bringing innovative and high-quality vehicles to our customers and are grateful for their continuous support.”
Purpose-Built Variants
Beyond regular consumer use, Kia has also tailored the Carens for specific purposes. For instance, it serves as a purpose-built police vehicle in Punjab, showcasing its versatility and reliability in various roles.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Kia India is optimistic about the continued success of the Carens. The company is committed to further enhancing the vehicle’s features and performance, ensuring it remains a top choice for Indian families. The milestone of 1.5 lakh units is just the beginning, with more innovations and improvements expected in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Kia Carens’ impressive sales milestone underscores its appeal and reliability. By continually updating the model and listening to customer feedback, Kia has created an MPV that meets the diverse needs of Indian families. As the Carens evolves, it maintains its strong position in the competitive Indian market, providing style, comfort, and peace of mind to its growing base of satisfied customers. Read more Celebrating World Bicycle Day
Source https://www.carandbike.com/