[divirokr]

Congratulations on being a proud Kia Carens owner. It looks beautiful, inside and out. I see you managed to cross the 12-13 lakhs budget you started with and got the Prestige Plus variant which in my opinion is the variant to go for in Carens. I wish they had the Prestige Plus variant with the 1.5 NA engine which could have been the most VFM variant if priced ~ 13 lakhs. 2 lakhs extra for the Turbo seemed a bit too much to me but apart from that, its a well-packaged car. I personally love the way it looks from the front.

I also considered Carens when I was out for my new car hunt just 2 months back. Loved its interior and the practicality it offered. The third row is actually usable in Carens with decent leg space and boot space. I couldn't take a test drive as it was not available when I visited the showroom. I heard about its bouncy ride and a bit of body roll which is expected in a car of this size hence decided to not go for it and chose City 5th gen instead. Long waiting for the Prestige variant, which was the best I could manage in my budget (12-13 lakhs post stretching), didn't help either.

Reading your review, I kind of got a feel of how it would have been like if I had also chosen Kia Carens. I also got insights on how to write an engaging and detailed initial ownership review which I am also working on. Wishing you many miles of enjoyable and hassle-free ownership.

[ptaneja]

Originally Posted by divirokr

I see you managed to cross the 12-13 lakhs budget you started with and got the Prestige Plus variant which in my opinion is the variant to go for in Carens.

I heard about its bouncy ride and a bit of body roll which is expected in a car of this size hence decided to not go for it and chose City 5th gen instead.

I also got insights on how to write an engaging and detailed initial ownership review which I am also working on.

Thanks buddy!
Yes, I had to cross that barrier of 13L, as I was not getting anything in that bracket unless I selected Ertiga or lower variants of XL6 probably. Even my booked Seltos was nowhere visible, so had to increase the budget.

So far, no major bouncy ride experienced. But we were using just the middle row - probably it will be at the last bench which will feel road undulations.
But that would be sparingly used by kid - else it would be just a boot or a space for dog to relax on the drive.

All the best for writeup !

#########

For the sake of accessories, got the following done so far -

1. Paint Protection -
Similar to what I did with my Ciaz ( Post No #5 , here _ https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/long-...60-000-km.html (Maruti Ciaz ZDi+ SHVS - Ownership Review at 60,000 km!) ), called in Waxoyl Paint Sealant at home, and he did an excellent job.
I am no way in favor of pasting PPF sheets on paint, then waiting for them to get yellow with time, peeling them off etc. For me, a normal routine - clay, polish and wax once a year is enough.

Cost - 5500/-










2. Car Mats -
Since I had denied Kia a charge of 9200+GST for 7D mats, got the following from a local shop. Gets the job done, will probably last for couple of years maybe.
2 pieces for front.
2 long pieces for both back rows.

Cost - 3500/-




3. Steering Wrap -
While I was getting the seat covers done, had them stich up leather/PU steering wrap too.
Looks good for now, not sure for how long this will last.

Cost - 500/-



Failed Attempt !

Since installing a PIN type gear lock risks loosing warranty, I did ordered steering-clutch rod type lock. The one's which are most common in Amazon are red colored ones ranging from 550 to 900 approx. ( for example this - https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B07...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

For those contemplating buying this - please Do NOT. It does not fit ! Atleast for Carens, the distance between Clutch and Steering on upright position is more than the rod length. I had to return this, as It was a hassle to bring down the steering column each time for locking it.

Alternate Steering Lock ordered - https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This has not been delivered yet, not sure if it would fit.


Finally, for Mileage Conscious folks,
Not sure if these MID numbers are correct,
as I am more inclined to believe tankful method, got the following mileage in 8AM NCR traffic run of about 15 kms.
This is turning out to be a game - beat the last score !

[Ayush_atish]

Originally Posted by ptaneja

Thanks buddy!
Yes, I had to cross that barrier of 13L, as I was not getting anything in that bracket unless I selected Ertiga or lower variants of XL6 probably. Even my booked Seltos was nowhere visible, so had to increase the budget.

So far, no major bouncy ride experienced. But we were using just the middle row - probably it will be at the last bench which will feel road undulations.
But that would be sparingly used by kid - else it would be just a boot or a space for dog to relax on the drive.

Hey buddy,

Nice review !

Just wanted to ask that you talked about getting the wax done and called Waxoyl Paint Sealant ?

Can you let me know where to find them in Delhi if they are their or did you DIY ?

[ptaneja]

Originally Posted by Ayush_atish

Hey buddy,

Nice review !

Just wanted to ask that you talked about getting the wax done and called Waxoyl Paint Sealant ?

Can you let me know where to find them in Delhi if they are their or did you DIY ?

It can be done in their office as well, or they can do it at your premises. They would need water and electricity point.

The product is Waxoyl 100 Plus Paint Sealent - details are available here -
https://www.waxoyl-usa.com/products/...nt-sponge.html

If you are from NCR, ping me one to one, and I'll share the contact info of their manager.

[Ayush_atish]

Originally Posted by ptaneja

It can be done in their office as well, or they can do it at your premises. They would need water and electricity point.

The product is Waxoyl 100 Plus Paint Sealent - details are available here -
https://www.waxoyl-usa.com/products/...nt-sponge.html

If you are from NCR, ping me one to one, and I'll share the contact info of their manager.

Hi Dear,

Thanks for quick reply, i reside in Delhi. So yes you can share their number to me.

[Ayush_atish]

Originally Posted by ptaneja

It can be done in their office as well, or they can do it at your premises. They would need water and electricity point.

The product is Waxoyl 100 Plus Paint Sealent - details are available here -
https://www.waxoyl-usa.com/products/...nt-sponge.html

If you are from NCR, ping me one to one, and I'll share the contact info of their manager.

Yes please! Thanks in advance for your help .

[ptaneja]

Originally Posted by Ayush_atish

Hi Dear,

Thanks for quick reply, i reside in Delhi. So yes you can share their number to me.

Can you pls ping me your phone number or mail me - I am not able to send an email within TBHP as probably you have disabled it? Will loop my known in the company in that mail for a discount if possible.

[Ayush_atish]

Hi,
you can please email me at atishaydesign@gmail.com.

Thanks

[anbaras]

A well written initial ownership review. Congrats .

My dealer offered me silver grey colour(I have booked blue) in the month of March. But my wife and kids were particular about the Blue and I had to skip it.

After seeing your pics, I am feeling sorry for my decision. The colour is nice. I would have saved over 50000, if I have opted for dealer's offering. Hoping to get my Carens in this month,as assured by the Dealer.

On a lighter note would like to share with you that on the way to Manali, in the year 2018, had a great food at Visco resorts, Mandi. A beautiful place.

[SujithAlwyn V]

Congratulation on your New car!! Happy and safe driving!! Cheers

[vivekarora]

Great review.

Please do share contact details of waxoyl manager.
Will use for my awaited xuv 700

[ptaneja]

Originally Posted by vivekarora

Great review.

Please do share contact details of waxoyl manager.
Will use for my awaited xuv 700

Please share your email address, will send him an email with you in cc.

[ptaneja]

Update ::

1. Finally, found the perfect steering - clutch lock which fits perfectly for Carens.

Can be ordered online - a bit costly than the previous one, but gets the job done.




Amazon Link -
https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B09...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


2. Also ordered a dashcam. This one is from Hero Group - price wise is almost similar to 70PAI or DDMAI Chinese one's.

Today is the last date for pre-order. Expected delivery in 4/5 days.
( Supports Class 10 Micro SD Card - upto 256GB )



Link - https://www.quboworld.com/qubo-dashcam-pro.html

[niteshsharmab]

Hearty congratulations. Silver and white looks best colour on Carens.

Can u compare rear seat comfort of ciaz to your carens 2nd row. Also hows the ride quality on bumpy city roads in comparison to Ciaz.

I own XL6 and looking at Carens or Innova or an upgrade per se. Thanks for your write up it has been very helpful, because of your experience I went to see carens in 1st place ��

[ptaneja]

Originally Posted by niteshsharmab

Hearty congratulations. Silver and white looks best colour on Carens.

Can u compare rear seat comfort of ciaz to your carens 2nd row. Also hows the ride quality on bumpy city roads in comparison to Ciaz.

Thanks !!
It's all praises from rear seat occupants for now.
No major potholes experienced, super smooth and comfortable.
Added advantage being that in Ciaz they had to get "into" - where as getting on and off from Carens is comparatively easy.
Of course cant compare with Innova, but spending 20L+ for a petrol engine which doesn't give even double digit mileage is useless.


##################

A small update :

Dashcam is delivered.
Tested it out at home itself, did not install it in car for now as it has to go in for first service. Will install it in car after the first service.

Clarity is decent enough, but real test will be when installed in vehicle. Will share a sample video when I am done installing it.

One more positive being that it's Made in India.








And a few misc photos. Though initially I was not too fond of silver color, but when I see it without washing/cleaning after a week, which includes highway travel, It feels so relaxing !!