Kia Carens

The 2006 Carens is Kia's first really competitive attempt at a compact people carrier. Although the original Carens, launched in 2000, gave the manufacturer a presence alongside the likes of the Citroen Xsara Picasso and Renault Scenic, although it was relatively unsophisticated. The new model has been designed with European customers in mind and comes with a diesel engine from launch, as well as fold-flat seats in the second and (where specified) third rows. There are some clever storage solutions and the quality of the interior is much better than the old model.

GS, S, CRDI, LS

GS models come with air conditioning, electric windows, six airbags, remote central locking, 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, a CD player with MP3 player and four audio speakers. LS models upgrade air-conditioning to automatic climate control, and have an electric sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a trip computer, six audio speakers, rear parking sensors, cruise control and electric folding mirrors. Automatic transmission is offered as an option on the diesel model.

2.0