Kia Carens Clavis

Kia has introduced the Carens Clavis in India. Like all other Kias, this car is no different in terms of features and new age technology. The Clavis is a technology packed wonder in all aspects. The price of the car is not yet announced but the pre booking is allowed in the website.

Exterior

The Clavis comes with a bold and refreshed exterior design, positioning it as a more premium and SUV-inspired version of the popular Carens MPV. It aims to turns heads with a futuristic stance while retaining its family friendly practicality.

The Clavis greets onlookers with Kia's signature 'Digital Tiger Face,' which has been updated for a more assertive look. A key highlight is the redesigned front end featuring striking triangular, three-pod LED headlamps, in some variants referred to as 'Ice Cube MFR LED Headlamps.' These are complimented by distinctive angular or inverted L-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) dubbed 'Star Map LED DRLs,' that lend aggressive edge. The grille takes inspiration from Kia's newer electric models like the EV5 and Syros, appearing largely blanked-off. A redesigned front bumper incorporates a contrasting black section and a robust faux silver skid plate, enhancing its rugged appeal.

While maintaining a silhouette similar to the existing Carens, the Clavis boasts several upgrades. Prominent black body claddings along the wheel arches and side sills emphasizes its SUV-like character. It rides on newly designed larger  wheels, available in 16-inch or 17-inch sizes, often featuring a crystal-cut dual-tone finish. Body coloured outside rear view mirrors with integrated turn signals, sleek black roof rails (integrated on certain trims), and conventional pull type door handles complete the side view. Subtle silver inserts add a touch of premiumness. Dimensionally, the Carens Clavis is slightly longer than the standard Carens by approximately 10mm, with the overall length of  4550 mm, width of 1800 mm, height of 1708 mm, and a wheelbase of 2780 mm.

The rear of Carens Clavis has undergone a significant transformation. It now features eye-catching connected LED taillights, referred to as 'Star Map LED Connected Tail Lamps,' which are linked by an illuminated light bar spanning the width of the tailgate. A redesigned rear bumper, also featuring a chunky silver skid plate, mirrors the ruggedness of the front. A 'Clavis' badge, a roof-mounted spoiler and a shark-fin antenna round off the modern rear aesthetics.

Interior

Step inside the new Kia Carens Clavis, and you are greeted by a significantly revamped and more premium interior compared to the standard Carens. Kia has focused on enhancing the ambiance, technology, and comfort levels, aligning with the Clavis's upmarket positioning.

The most striking change in the all-new layered dashboard design. It prominently features a dual-screen setup on higher variants, compromising  a large 12.3-inch floating touch screen infotainment  system  and an equally sized 12.3-inch fully digital driver's side display, reminiscent of the  setup in the Kia Syros. Lower trims are expected to feature an 8-inch touchscreen, often with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A new two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, also borrowed from the Syros, adds a contemporary touch. Below the central screen, a sleek touch-enabled panel with physical knobs allows for intuitive control over both the climate control and media systems, featuring an "infotainment/temperature swap switch" for dual functionality. The center console has also been redesigned with contrasting silver accents and houses the gear selector, wireless phone charger, and cup holders.

The Carens Clavis retains its versatile three-row seating configuration, available in both 6-seater (with captain's chairs in the second row, typically on the top-spec HTX+ variant) and 7-seater (with bench seats) layouts. Kia has introduced new upholstery options to elevate the cabin feel. These include dual-tone themes like black and beige for entry to mid-level variants, and a sophisticated navy blue and beige combination for higher trims. Some variants feature an indigo-coloured dashboard with black metal trim, paired with the beige and navy leatherette seats, while others offer premium fabric with semi-leatherette seats in black. A vertical line design on the seats further enhances the premium look.

Passenger comfort is a key focus in the Clavis. A major highlight is the introduction of the panoramic sunroof, with higher turbo-petrol trims receiving a dual-pane version, while other variants get a single-pane electric sunroof. Front occupants benefit from ventilated seats and a 4-way powered driver's seat (though height adjustment often remains manual).

The cabin experience is further enriched by 64-colour ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, and thoughtful additions like retractable seat back tables with integrated cup and IT device holders. Rear door sunshades are standard fitment from the base variant, and the second row seats feature a convenient one-touch electric tumble function for easy access to the third row. Practicality is maintained with roof-flushed second and third-row diffused AC vents, multiple USB Type-C charging ports, a smart key with push button start and remote engine start, auto dimming IRVM with Kia Connect controls, telescopic steering adjustment, cooled cup holders and even a cooled can holder for the second-row passengers.

Beyond infotainment, the Clavis's interior is packed with technology. Higher variants boast an 8-speaker Bose premium sound system and Kia Connect for connected car features with Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

For safety and driver assistance, a Level 2 ADAS (Advance Driver Assistance Systems) suite is available on the top-spec DCT variant. Other notable interior safety and convenience features include a 360-degree camera system, Blind View Monitoring System in the instrument cluster, a factory installed dual-camera dashcam (on HTX and HTX+ variants), a Smart Pure Air Purifier with an AQI display, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and front and rear parking sensors. As standard, the Clavis comes with six airbags.

While offering a more luxurious environment, the Carens Clavis doesn't compromise on the practicality that the Carens is known for. It continues to offer a spacious three-row layout with good headroom and legroom, particularly in the first and second rows. The third row remains usable, especially for short journeys. With all three rows in place, the boot space is a practical 216 liters.

Overall, the interior of Kia Carens Clavis represents a significant step up, with a clear emphasis on a more premium design, enhanced material quality, a wealth of new technology, and improved comfort and convenience features, making it a more sophisticated and inviting space for families.

The Kia Carens Clavis  will be offered with three distinct engine choices:

• 1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: This unit is tuned to produce approximately 115PS of power and 144Nm of torque is  available  with a manual transmission and potentially an automatic option, focusing on smooth city drivability and efficiency.
• 1.5-liter Turbo-Petrol Engine: For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, this engine delivers a robust 160PS and 253Nm torque. It will likely be paired with multiple transmission choices, including a 6-speed (intelligent Manual Transmission) and a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), offering a blend of performance and convenience.
• 1.5-liter Diesel Engine: A staple for long-distance cruising and fuel economy, this engine generates around 116 PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Buyers can expect this engine to be mated with both manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The turbo-petrol variant is the most performance-oriented of the lot, providing brisk acceleration suitable for both urban commutes and highway journeys. The diesel variant will continue to be a strong choice for its torque delivery and fuel efficiency, while the naturally aspirated petrol will serve as an accessible entry point into the Carens Clavis range.

 Kia Carens Clavis aims to elevated overall ownership experience with an updated design, enhanced interior features and the inclusion of  Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in higher trims, positioning it as a more upmarket offering compared to the standard Kia Carens.

Note: All images used in this blog has been taken from Manufacturer's website for a general information.