The Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia used to be the butt of many jokes, much like Skoda was in the early 90s never taken seriously. Kia was all over the place with a model range seemingly thrown together at random. However, after bankruptcy and takeover by Hyundai, Kia has emerged as one of the European industry's biggest threats.
The Carens is a typical example of that change - it shows a company still in the evolutionary process, but well on the way to deserved credibility. There are none of the tasteless flourishes or bizarre styling details that blighted previous cars. Whilst it might look bland and inoffensive, that is actually a tremendous step forward.
Dynamically the car feels capable enough - it goes through corners with minimal body roll but it's categorically not a driver's car. And you won't have much fun sat inside the car either. The interior is workmanlike - there are respectable plastics that make up the dashboard, but the rest of the cabin can feel somewhat on the cheap side.
The standard equipment list isn't as extensive as you'll perhaps find on the equivalent Hyundai, but the price does compare favourably to the more capable competition. That said, if you spend the difference you'll be sitting in a Volkswagen. So the choice is yours.
Engine-wise, the petrol motor is hardly worth bothering with - it is underpowered and can barely get the heavy seven-seater car going, but the diesel engine is much better suited. It is reasonably economical and flexible enough to cope around the city streets and at a motorway cruise.
Ultimately the Kia is a good choice for a budget family car. The third row of seats folds flat into the floor and the second row almost manages to fold flat, leaving a cavernous load bay that will carry more than the car looks capable of.
There is something earnest about the Carens that we have warmed to - it doesn't have ideas above its station, but for a fairly low price it will do all you ask of it without such flippant concerns as fashion and style. If you can rise above the styling and the badge we think you'll have a decent enough car.