Kia Carens Clavis Launch Tomorrow: What To Expect

Kia India will launch the more premium version of the Carens MPV tomorrow, which will be called the Carens Clavis. Kia India will sell the Carens and Carens Clavis together. While more about the Carens Clavis will be known on May 8, here’s what we know and expect it to come with. 

The brand is playing a two-product strategy in the same segment but it isn’t a new approach for Kia. Earlier this year, Kia India launched the Syros in the subcompact SUV segment which already had the Sonet. The Sonet was repositioned as the more affordable alternative while the Syros became a more premium, tech-laden choice. 

While the overall design of the Carens Clavis is the same as the Carens, there will be a few changes to the design details in the Clavis. It will get a new LED DRL and headlamp design with a revised front end. The overall profile will remain roughly the same too but expect it to get a new design for the alloy wheels. The rear is also likely to see a fresh design language. 

In terms of features, expect the Carens Clavis to continue with two 10.25-inch screens with one for the infotainment and one for the instrument cluster. It might also get with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, ventilated seats, air purifier and is confirmed to now come with a panoramic sunroof and ADAS. Safety features will likely include six airbags, ESC, hill-hold, three-point seatbelts with reminders, ISOFIX and more. 

Powertrain-wise, expect the Carens Clavis to only come with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. It might not come with the 1.5-litre petrol engine since Kia will position the Clavis as a more premium alternative. Gearbox options are likely to include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

The Carens currently rivals the Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki XL 6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and is priced between ₹10.60 - 19.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Expect the Carens Clavis to have a higher starting price.