Although a shrinking segment in recent years, against the rise of the compact SUV, the compact MPV arena is still a seriously important one, writes Brian Byrne from the international launch of the new Kia Carens.
Worth in excess of 3,100 units last year, there are no less than 19 contenders in the compact MPV contest. More than half of these are accounted for by Ford's C-MAX, Opel's Zafira, Renault's Scenic, Peugeot's 5008 and Ford's S-MAX. Ford has a quarter of the business with its two models in the top five.
Kia Ireland didn't have the old Carens last year, and the distributor is hoping to wrest a 10 percent share of the business with the new vehicle, counting on the sporty looks, the now-established quality and reliability demonstrated by all the brand's nameplates over recent years, and the unrivalled 7-year factory warranty.
James Brooks, MD of Kia Ireland, says some 350 units should be sold in a full year.
