Manufacturer Kia Motors Class Mid-size SUV Layout AWD | Production 1999–present Body style 5-door SUV | |
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The Kia Carens is a mid-size SUV launched in 1999 by the Korean manufacturer Kia, now in its third generation, and marketed worldwide under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Rondo.
Contents
- First generation RS 19992006
- Second generation UN 20062013
- Third generation RP 2013present
- Marketing
- References
In 2006, Kia presented a second generation Carens for model year 2007. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia's introduction at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S, essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form — the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model only its inclusion of a dual-panel sunroof running the length of the roof.
The origin of the name Carens is unclear, but no investigations of any negative connotations would seem to have taken place before launch, as it means lacking or being without in Latin. Carens is the present participle of the verb careo.
The name Rondo derives from the musical term Rondo.
First generation (RS; 1999–2006)
Kia debuted the first generation model of Carens, the RS series in May 1999. A facelift was issued in 2002.
The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for a new model which was launched in 2002.
Second generation (UN; 2006–2013)
The second generation Carens, known as the UN series launched in 2006. In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively. The Rondo made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Rondo began sales in early 2007 as a 2007 model year vehicle in the United States, while in Canada it went on sale in December 2006. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008. In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and never recovered.
Available as a 5- or optional 7-passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7L V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a 7-passenger vehicle with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. The V6 can be noted as being Kia's last generation engine to use a timing belt rather than chain.
Standard features depending on market include: 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Door Locks, Front/Side/Full length Side Curtain airbags, 4-wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, LATCH, Child safety door locks, Tilt steering column, Front and Rear 12-volt outlets, Front and Rear Cupholders.
Options include: moonroof, leather interior, heated front seats, cruise control, keyless entry, Infinity 10-speaker stereo.
As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States, however the model year 2011 Carens/Rondo facelift (adopting Kia's new grille) continued to be sold in Canada.
Third generation (RP; 2013–present)
Kia debuted the third generation model of Carens, the RP series in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show. Sales began in March 2013 in South Korea. North American sales are in the unusual situation of being sold in Canada but not being re-introduced in the US. It is sold solely with a 2.0 164hp DI gas engine with 6 speed manual or 6 spd automatic, as the V6 option of the previous generation has been dropped.
Marketing
In 2013, Kia Motors collaborated with DreamWorks Animation to cross-promote the Carens with the film The Croods.