The cars we use for our tours are extremely important to us as a tour operator. The types of cars we've used have changed and improved over the past 15 years as better upgrades have become available.
The Tata Indica and Indigo cabs were once the primary options, then for larger vehicles it was the Toyota Qualis and Chevrolet Tavera, and later the Innova and Innova Crysta. Hatchbacks, initially popular, were phased out in favor of the Toyota Etios, Maruti Suzuki Dezire, and Honda Amaze; some of which are no longer produced or have transitioned to petrol versions.
The Kia Carens is the only affordable car that meets almost all the requirements. As a company, we own a few of them, and guests who have been on 12 to 15-day tours have specifically mentioned the car. Book our Kia Carens cab for your Kerala tour here.
The Kia Carens, a 1500 cc 7 seater diesel cab with a monocoque chassis, is an excellent choice for navigating the mountainous terrain and winding roads often encountered in Kerala tours, such as those through the tea county of Munnar and the Cardamom hills of Thekkady. The monocoque chassis provides superior body roll control, ensuring a comfortable journey even on hilly routes. Compared to the Ertiga, which is smaller, and the Innova Crysta, which has a ladder-on-frame chassis and inherently higher body roll, the Kia Carens offers a smoother and more comfortable ride.
The last row of our Carens cabs is used exclusively for luggage, as we do not have carriers. Carriers are dangerous and can lead to unwanted hassles. They are also technically illegal, and you could be charged by the motor vehicle department for using one.
Innova Crysta may be a cost-effective option for groups of 5-6 passengers if luggage is stored on a carrier. However, this method is not ideal as it increases loading time and poses a safety risk. Luggage carriers, which are fastened with unreliable clamps, have been known to detach and fall onto the car's hood, potentially causing damage and giving way to very dangerous incidents.
The Kia Carens, with an average fuel efficiency of 15 kilometres per litre, is suitable for 4 guests with luggage and a driver, even on high-altitude terrains. For larger groups, we recommend the 6-seater tempo traveler with reclining seats or a short chassis Urbania mini van.
The Kia Carens has received high praise for its performance in key areas that are essential to our guests traveling in Kerala. These areas include a strong emphasis on safety features, dependable performance and build quality, a comfortable ride and interior, and a price point that offers excellent value for the money.
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