Kia India is all set to introduce the much-awaited Kia Carens Clavis, a premium variant of its top-selling MPV. Arriving in stores on May 8, 2025, the Clavis promises a host of updates in terms of design, features, and safety. A leaked brochure that recently surfaced has provided a glimpse of what prospective buyers can expect from this new entrant. With a daring exterior design inspired by the global-spec Kia EV5, a loaded cabin with a host of features, and versatile powertrain options, the Carens Clavis is set to make its presence felt in the highly competitive MPV segment.
In this informative blog, we delve into information presented by the brochure, which includes information about design, features, variants, powertrains, prices, and how Carens Clavis fares against competitors.
Bold New Exterior Design
The Kia Carens Clavis features a new exterior design with a new appearance inspired by the globally acclaimed Kia EV5 electric SUV. The new design trend gives the vehicle a more aggressive and sharper appearance than the old Carens model.
- 3-Pod LED Headlights: The front is dominated by angular housings with thin LED daytime running lights (DRLs), giving the MPV its distinctive and modern appearance.
- Blanked-Off Grille: Avoiding the traditional grilles, the Carens Clavis boasts a blanked-off grille, which gives the car a futuristic and streamlined appearance.
- Blackout Bumper with Silver Skid Plate: The bumper includes a blacked-out section highlighted by a silver faux skid plate, complementing the aggressive, SUV-like appearance of the vehicle.
Side Profile
- 17-Inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels: The Carens Clavis is equipped with larger wheels with a new star-patterned design, which makes it sporty and premium in look.
- Shared Side Features: Black cladding on wheel arches, silver roof rails, and body-colored door handles preserve the consistency with the present Carens design.
Rear Design
- LED Tail Lights with Lighted Light Bar: The back end features new LED tail lamps with a lighted light bar for increased visibility and style.
- Updated Rear Bumper: The bumper features a silver faux skid plate, adding to the aggressive, SUV-styled appearance.
Interior: Advanced Cabin with Luxury Comfort
Inside, the Carens Clavis boasts several features that blend technology and comfort into a class of its own within its segment.
Dashboard and Instrumentation
- Two 12.3-Inch Screens: Atop the dashboard sit two massive 12.3-inch screens-one as the digital gauge cluster and the other as the infotainment system. The same is seen in Kia’s premium subcompact SUV, the Syros.
- 2-Spoke Steering Wheel: Following the design cues of the Kia Syros, the new 2-spoke steering wheel provides a modern and ergonomic feel.
- Physical Controls: Below the screens, physical controls operate air conditioning and infotainment functions for simplicity of use.
Seating and Layout
- 3-Row Seating: The Carens Clavis maintains the 3-row seating configuration of the Carens with the ability to be ordered in 6- or 7-seater forms.
- Comfort Features: The second-row seats are reclining and sliding, which contributes to passenger comfort on long drives.
Colour Options
The leaked brochure mentions that the Carens Clavis will come in eight monotone exterior colours and no dual-tone colours. The colours on offer are:
- Ivory Silver Gloss (Clavis only)
- Pewter Olive
- Imperial Blue
- Glacier White Pearl
- Gravity Gray
- Sparkling Silver
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Clear White
Notably, the extremely popular Intense Red from the current Carens range will not be offered in the Carens Clavis.
Safety and Advanced Features Technology
Kia has fitted the Carens Clavis with a range of features and safety technologies to make life more convenient, comfortable, and reassuring.
Key Features
- Tandem 12.3-inch touchscreen displays
- 4-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Ventilated front seats for added comfort
- Optional Premium 8-speaker Bose audio system
- Sliding and reclining second-row seats
- Panoramic sunroof (new feature for this model)
- Dual-view dashcam to record the inside and the outside
- Rear and front parking sensors
Safety Technologies
6 standard airbags across variants
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as:
- Front Collision Avoidance Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- 360-degree camera with blind spot detection
These safety features place the Carens Clavis among the best-equipped MPVs in its class.
Variant Lineup
The Kia Carens Clavis will be available in seven trim versions to suit various buyer tastes and price points:
- HT
- HTE (O)
- HTK
- HTK Plus HTK Plus (O)
Powertrain Options: Tried and True
The Carens Clavis will come with two engine choices, both of which are already familiar to us in the existing Carens range. Both of these provide excellent performance coupled with economy.
1.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 115 PS.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT
- Ideal For: Daily city driving and commuters
1.5-Litre Turbo Petrol
- Power: 160 PS
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT
- Best Suited For: High-performance drivers and highway cruisers
As yet, no confirmation of the diesel engine as an option for the Clavis.
Estimated Cost and Release Timeline
- Launch Date: May 8, 2025
- Expected Original Price: ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Top Variant Price: May reach up to ₹18 lakh
The Clavis will occupy a notch higher than the existing Carens range due to its enhanced styling, additional features, and ADAS safety package.
Competitors in the Marketplace
On its release, Kia Carens Clavis will compete with:
- Maruti Suzuki XL6
- Toyota Rumion
- Mahindra Marazzo
- Renault Triber (top variant overlap)
- Next-gen Tata MPV on Curvv platform
With its cutting-edge looks, luxury trimmings, and tech-loaded cabin, Carens Clavis is all set to provide stiff competition to its competitors in the premium MPV segment.
Conclusion
The Kia Carens Clavis appears to be a smart update that marries style, functionality, and technology. Whether you’re looking for a high-spec family car, an easy-going motorway cruiser, or a tech-focused city MPV, the Clavis has all the correct boxes ticked.
Wait for the official prices and variant-by-variant feature sheet after launch on May 8, 2025.
Would you choose the Carens Clavis as your next MPV? Tell us why in the comments below!
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