The new generation of the Kia Carens 7-seat MPV goes on sale in the UK from next month, boasting brand-new looks, upgraded materials and equipment, and three efficient engines. Prices for this family-friendly minivan starts from £17,895.

The choice of engines include the 1.6-litre Gamma GDi direct-injection petrol with 133bhp and 165Nm of torque, and two versions of the European-designed 1.7-litre CRDi manual transmission turbodiesel engine, developing either 114bhp and 260Nm of torque or 134bhp and 330Nm. The petrol model can also be had with an automatic transmission.

The new Carens comes in three easy to understand 1,2, and 3 trim levels. The basic model features seven seats, projection headlights with cornering lamps, LED daytime running lamps, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift, a centre console armrest, air conditioning, rear air ventilation, steering wheel-mounted controls, front and rear electric windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, remote central locking, a six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with iPod connectivity, MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming.

So even in its base model the Carens is very well-equipped. Higher spec versions will add more luxury to the mix, with trim level 2 offering 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, chrome window trim, fog lights, roof rails, automatic headlight control, rain-sensing front wipers, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators and kerbside lamps, dual-zone air conditioning, a luggage net, a portable LED luggage light and reversing sensors.

Trim level 3 meanwhile comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, 10-way driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, aero blade-type front wipers with a deicing system, second-row sun blinds and LED reading lights, and a colour reversing camera integrated into the centre fascia screen.