2012 Paris: Kia unveils all-new 2013 Carens for Europe

Kia pulled the sheets off of its latest crossover today, called the 2013 Kia Carens. The Carens was actually sold as the Rondo here in the United States for a brief three years between 2007 and 2010. However, because of declining sales that never recovered, Kia pulled the Rondo from the US Domestic Market and instead pitched the redesigned Sportage in 2011 instead.

The Rondo continued production and sales for other markets, including Canada, and Europe, where it still carried the Carens nameplate. Though because the last generation was due for a replacement from being in production since 2006, Kia had unveiled their latest generation.

“The new Carens builds on the family-friendly versatility and functionality of its predecessor, and features more athletic and visually dynamic design,” saids Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman and CEO, Kia Motors Corporation in a press statement. “This marks a dramatic shift forward for our MPV contender and brings the model in line with Kia’s distinctive current design direction.”

Check out the new 2013 Carens in our photo gallery and Kia’s press release after the jump.

PARIS MOTOR SHOW WORLD PREMIERE FOR ALL-NEW KIA CARENS

– All-new third-generation Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia Showrooms

– World premiere for new pro_cee’d and European premier for 2.0-litre Optima Hybrid saloon and new Sorento SUV

Matching dynamic style with multi-functionality, Kia will reveal its all-new Carens compact MPV for the first time at the Paris Motor Show on 27 September before going on sale in the UK in Spring 2013.

Completely new from the ground up, the new Carens is designed and engineered to meet the needs of modern families. Built on an all-new platform, it delivers stylish, spacious practicality, with sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, long wheelbase and up to seven seats.

“The new Carens builds on the family-friendly versatility and functionality of its predecessor, and features more athletic and visually dynamic design,” says Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman and CEO, Kia Motors Corporation. “This marks a dramatic shift forward for our MPV contender and brings the model in line with Kia’s distinctive current design direction.”

Appealing to families with an active lifestyle who don’t want to compromise between style and practicality, Kia is confident that the all-new third-generation Carens will attract a new group of consumers to Kia showrooms around the world.

Alongside the new Carens on the Kia stand will be the all-new pro_cee’d, also making its world premiere. They are joined by two models making their European debuts in Paris – the new 2.0-litre Optima Hybrid saloon promising a unique blend of performance and economy, and the new Sorento SUV with an all-new 2.4-litre 192 ps GDI engine option.

– By: Chris Chin