Kia Carens Base To Top Conversion Is Luxury On A Budget [Video]

The ex-showroom price of the Kia Carens starts at Rs. 10.52 lakh and goes up to Rs. 19.67 lakh. This translates to a price difference of Rs. 9.15 lakh between the base premium trim and the top end X Line trim. Due to this huge price gap, buying a base model Carens and converting it from base to top makes much more sense and saves a lot of money. Today, we will cover one such example of a base to top converted Kia Carens.

The work is done and showcased by Vig Auto Accessories on their own YouTube channel. The video starts with the before look of the MUV which is the base trim. Now, let’s talk about the modifications.

The host starts with explaining the changes made to the side profile of the car. He specially highlights the alloy wheels of the car which are the same as the ones offered by Kia in the X Line trim.

A functional upgrade includes ORVMs with electric adjustment and folding functionality along with integrated turn signals. The fender mounted indicators were replaced by the Carens gloss black badge. Other additions include chrome door handles, C Pillar chrome, waistline chrome, cladding with silver lining, side foot step and rain visors with chrome inserts.

The roof and the ORVMs are wrapped in black to complete the X Line look. From the side profile, no one can identify that this is the base trim. Active DRLs are installed in the front profile which can change colors.

The headlights have been upgraded to LED projector units. Additionally, a chrome garnish is added in the front which is offered in the luxury line. The taillights have been kept stock. The rear bumper chrome garnish is also installed. Now, let’s talk about the changes done to the cabin of the car.

The doors are leather wrapped in dark gray with copper stitching to add to the premium-ness of the cabin. The host adds that this is the first time they have done this theme on a Kia Carens. The seat covers installed in this car follow the same theme and they are of the same design as the luxury line. The host mentions that they have replaced the door trims to accommodate the buttons for ORVMs.

A major highlight of the interior is the steering wheel which has been replaced to a muscular steering wheel with flat bottom and glossy black elements. Additionally, the buttons for cruise control and multimedia controls are added. The host mentions that the cruise control is functional.

The dashboard in the base trim of Carens is finished in black. The host has replaced the dashboard with the techno print dashboard which is offered in the top trims only. This dashboard comes with coin holder and cup holders on both the side.

Active ambient lighting which can be controlled with the app on mobile phone is added to all four doors and the dashboard. The infotainment system is upgraded to a 9-inch system with wireless connectivity.