Kia Carens Prestige Variant Analysis: Is It The True Entry-level Option?

Modified On Feb 28, 2022 05:30 PM By Sonny for Kia Carens

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The one-above base variant comes with a touchscreen infotainment system

The price jump from the base-spec Kia Carens to the Prestige variant currently stands at just Rs 1 lakh. For the premium, it adds a host of functional features to make it a more complete package. Do the added features make it the right variant for you? Let’s find out.

Variant	1.5-litre petrol	1.4-litre turbo-petrol	1.5-litre diesel
Prestige	Rs 9.99 lakh	Rs 11.99 lakh	Rs 11.99 lakh
Stretch to Prestige Plus	N.A.	Rs 13.49 lakh	Rs 13.49 lakh
Difference	N.A.	Rs 1.5 lakh	Rs 1.5 lakh

Why consider Carens Prestige?

The Carens Prestige is a better package than the base-spec model as it comes with a rearview camera, front parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless connectivity). It is also the best-equipped variant you can have with the most affordable powertrain (1.5-litre petrol), making it a worthy option on a tight budget.

Here are the features on offer in this trim:

	Exterior	Interior	Comfort and convenience	Infotainment	Safety
Highlight features	Shark fin antenna Integrated roof rails	2nd row one-touch electric tumble	Keyless entry Power-adjustable ORVMs with LED turn indicators Driver-side one-touch auto up/down	8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 12.5-inch LCD cluster	6 airbags ESC, VSM Hill assist Downhill brake control ISOFIX Front parking sensors
Other features	Halogen lighting 15-inch steel wheels (1.5P) 16-inch steel wheels (1.4T and 1.5D)	Semi-leatherette upholstery Height adjustable driver’s seat 60:40 split fold 2nd row 50:50 split fold 3rd row Front armrest	Manual AC Roof integrated AC vents for 2nd and 3rd row seats 5 USB Type C ports	6 speakers Bluetooth and voice recognition	ABS Rear parking sensors Tyre pressure monitor Disc brakes all around
Upgrade to Prestige Plus if you want	LED DRLs LED taillamps 16-inch alloys	Rear door sunshade curtains	Auto AC Power-folding ORVMs Smart key with push button start Cruise control		Rear wiper and defogger

Why skip the Carens Prestige?

The Carens Prestige covers all the basics but does not offer a premium experience. Kia has a lot more to offer as a relatively premium brand and for those features, you need to look at the pricier variants of Carens MPV.

Variant	Verdict
Premium	Well-equipped for safety but lacks other basics, preferable to skip to the next variant.
Prestige	Best variant with the 1.5-litre petrol-manual, worth considering on a tight budget.
Prestige Plus	Recommended for premium features that add value for the price. It is also the entry-level petrol-automatic option.
Luxury	All the premium comforts you’d need but for a steep premium.
Luxury Plus	Buy for 6-seater layout and choice of diesel-automatic.