GYEONGJU, North Gyeongsang Province ― Kia Motors’ new Carens, significantly the last Kia car to benefit directly from the toughness of Peter Schreyer’s design philosophy, has made its Korean debut.

The All New Carens, the newest generation of Kia’s flagship seven-seat minivan, comes seven years since its previous model launched in 2006. The Hyundai affiliate poured 220 billion won ($196.7 million) and 51 months into its development.

Minivans are gaining popularity here with the rise in popularity of leisure activities, especially auto camping. But drivers’ options have been limited to the box-type cars that did nothing for their ego. To be honest, the Carens had belonged to that category, written off by auto lovers as yet another boring excuse for a car. 

The new Carens is eager to break away from this image as an old-school Kia brand.

“We wouldn’t call the new Carens a typical minivan. It appeals more with its sedan-like driving experience together with the spacious and practical interior,” said Kim Chang-sik, executive vice president of Kia’s domestic sales division.

In terms of design, the van has taken on the familiar “Tiger Nose” front grille, the signature look of Schreyer. Compared to its predecessor, it is shorter, narrower and lower, with a height similar to the Kia Soul compact.

The vehicle’s redesign may make it the most compact multipurpose vehicle in the market, but that isn’t necessarily a sacrifice of interior space.

Like most of its rivals, the new Carens has three full-size middle-row seats that can fold, slide and heat individually. Getting to the third row isn’t easy but the seats are still useable. The backrest of the front passenger chair also fold flat fully, allowing extra room.

The gadget-laden interior also takes on a smart look. In particular, the vehicle is equipped with a luxurious full-color head-up display system, which projects important information onto the windscreen to minimize the driver’s distractions.

The 1.7-liter diesel model that was offered for test driving on Wednesday lacked agility but its overall driving was comfortable enough to make the driver feel safe and assured ― what the minivan buyers would consider most.

Also impressive was the quiet diesel engine, which didn’t bother conversations onboard even when driving 150 kilometers per hour. Engine vibrations, however, might be a nuisance for second- and third-row passengers.

The car is supported by Kia’s Flex Steer system, which alters the steering weight between Comfort, Normal and Sport. The Normal mode offered more satisfying handling, while there were few characteristics of the Comfort and Sport settings.

The new Carens comes in two engines ― the 1.7-liter diesel generating 140 horsepower and a fuel economy of 13.2 kilometers per liter, and a 2.0-liter LPI producing 154 horsepower with a handling of 9 kilometers per liter.

The carmaker aims to sell 77,000 Carens cars globally, including 21,000 in Korea, this year. It predicted its annual sales would reach 105,000 vehicles from the full year 2014.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)