2001 Kia Carens SX 6 seat review from UK and Ireland

Nothing yet.

You may think it a little early days to post a review of a car that I have only owned for three months, but I will update the review on a regular basis.

The car is offered by dealers in the UK for £7,995, £2000 less than the list price. I paid £300 extra for the six seat version and £80 extra for metallic paint.

Where else could I get with six seats for the same price? I spent months looking. The Picasso and the Scenic have only five seats and new prices were above my budget so they were off my list.

Three to four year old Mitsubishi Space-wagons, Renault Espaces, Toyota Picnics even estates with additional seats like the Peugeot 406 and Renault Lagunas were not so appealing when the average mileage of 40 to 60 thousand is considered.

I read all the reports that I could, there are many on the 'net, before arranging a test drive of the Carens. Expectations were not high, but after an extended test drive that the dealer kindly offered I was pleasantly surprised.

It is much quieter than my previous Citroen ZX diesel and although the handling is no match, the

car as an overall package is excellent value.

It may not be 'cutting edge' hardware, but the use of well proven mechanicals and a three year warrantee and breakdown cover are a comfort.

Considering a Fiat Multipla of Vauxhall Zafira? Save yourself £4K to £5K and ignore the badge snobs.