Kia India Unveils Carens Clavis; More Premium and Feature Loaded

• A new-age premium recreational vehicle (RV) that carves a unique niche between an MPV and SUV
• Equipped with 20 best-in-segment-autonomous ADAS Level 2 features, and a robust safety package consisting of 18 advanced features
• Offers best-in-segment 67.62 cm (26.62”) Dual Panoramic Display Panel
• Carens Clavis to offer new 6MT gearbox option with Smartstream G1.5 turbo GDI engine to further enhance its performance quotient

Compared to the MPV it is based on, the Carens Clavis sports Kia’s new design language, more features and tech on the inside, mildly tweaked interior, and more safety kit in the form of an ADAS suite. The Clavis MPV will go on sale with six powertrain options, and be available in seven variants – HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX and HTX+.

The front and rear bumper design is more angular, and silver bash plates add some contrast. While the silhouette is unchanged from the Carens, the Clavis does get new-design dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear is familiar, but the central LED light band is thicker in the middle.

Kia will offer eight exterior colour options with the Carens Clavis: Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and Clear White.

While the overall layout of the Carens Clavis is the same as the MPV it is based on – both are available in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations – there are updates to the seat upholstery and door trim – lighter coloured materials have been used. The biggest changes are up front, as the Clavis features the 22.62-inch dual-screen set-up seen on the seltos which is made up of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Carens Clavis also features new-design AC vents and controls for the Auto AC, and the MPV shares its flat-bottom steering with the syros.

In range-topping Carens Clavis HTX+ form, the features list includes a 4-way powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, the aforementioned 10.25-inch screens, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, connected car tech with a few remote functions, and a panoramic sunroof. This top-spec trim also features a 360-dgree camera and a Level 2 ADAS suite that brings functions like adaptive cruise control, front collision assist, lane keep assist, and more.

Unlike the Carens, the Clavis gets one additional engine and gearbox option: the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed manual. The 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol and 6-speed manual; 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with 6-speed iMT and 7-speed dual-clutch auto; and the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic continue as is.

Considering the Carens is currently priced between Rs 10.60 lakh and Rs 19.70 lakh, the Carens Clavis will cost a marginal premium.