Kia Carens Clavis: A Premium MPV Redefining Family Travel in India

The Kia Carens Clavis, unveiled on May 8, 2025, in India, introduces a refreshed and upscale version of the popular Kia Carens MPV. Positioned as a premium MPV, the Clavis blends SUV-inspired styling, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features, setting it apart from its sibling while sharing the same reliable platform. With bookings open from May 9, 2025, and prices expected by June 2, 2025, the Clavis aims to capture the attention of families and tech-savvy buyers. This article dives into the Clavis’s standout features, specifications, and how it differs from the standard Carens, offering a clear guide for potential buyers.

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Launch and Availability

The Kia Carens Clavis made its virtual global debut on May 8, 2025, with Kia positioning it as the “Golden Key” to family happiness, derived from the Latin phrase Clavis Aurea. Bookings began at 12:01 AM on May 9, 2025, for a token amount of Rs 25,000 through Kia’s official website or authorized dealerships. The Clavis will be sold alongside the existing Carens, with an expected price range of Rs 11 lakh to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), reflecting its premium positioning. Deliveries are slated to start post the price announcement on June 2, 2025.

Key Features and Specifications

Kia Carens Clavis

Design and Styling

The Carens Clavis embraces Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, featuring a bold Digital Tiger Face with Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, Starmap LED DRLs, and a diamond-finish grille. Its rear showcases connected Starmap LED taillights and a revised bumper with a silver faux skid plate, enhancing its modern appeal. The Clavis rides on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, compared to the 16-inch wheels on the standard Carens, and offers eight vibrant color options: Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Gray, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and Clear White.

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Interior and Technology

Inside, the Clavis elevates the cabin experience with a 26.62-inch dual panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. This is a significant upgrade from the Carens’ 10.25-inch touchscreen and 12.5-inch cluster. Other premium touches include:

Kia Carens Clavis

  • Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a segment-first feature.
  • Ventilated front seats and a 4-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
  • 8-speaker Bose audio system for immersive sound.
  • 64-color ambient lighting for a customizable cabin vibe.
  • One-touch double-folding second-row seats for easy third-row access.
  • Sliding and reclining second-row captain seats with foldable trays.

The Clavis is available in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations, with the top HTX+ variant offering both layouts, while lower trims are 7-seater only. Lighter-colored upholstery and updated door trims further enhance its premium feel.

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Powertrains

The Clavis retains the Carens’ proven engine lineup but introduces a new 6-speed manual transmission for the turbo-petrol variant. The options include:

  • 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: 113 bhp, 144 Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual.
  • 1.5L Turbo-Petrol: 158 bhp, 253 Nm, available with 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, or 7-speed DCT.
  • 1.5L Diesel: 116 bhp, 250 Nm, offered with 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, or 6-speed automatic.

These powertrains ensure flexibility for buyers, catering to both fuel efficiency and performance needs.

Safety and ADAS

Safety is a cornerstone of the Clavis, which features a Level 2 ADAS suite with over 20 autonomous features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. Additional safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, rear occupant alert, and a dual-view dashcam. These upgrades make the Clavis one of the safest MPVs in its segment.

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Variants

The Clavis is offered in seven trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+, with over 20 variant combinations to suit diverse budgets and preferences. The top-spec HTX+ includes premium features like the panoramic sunroof and Bose audio, while entry-level trims focus on affordability.

Kia Carens Clavis

Key Differences: Kia Carens Clavis vs. Kia Carens

The Clavis introduces significant upgrades over the Carens, as outlined in the table below:

FeatureKia Carens ClavisKia Carens
Front DesignDigital Tiger Face, 3-pod LED headlamps, blacked-out grilleConventional grille, halogen/LED headlamps
Rear DesignConnected Starmap LED taillights, silver skid plateStandard LED taillights, simpler bumper
Wheels17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels16-inch alloy wheels
Infotainment26.62-inch dual panoramic display (12.3-inch touchscreen + 12.3-inch cluster)10.25-inch touchscreen + 12.5-inch cluster
Premium FeaturesPanoramic sunroof, Bose audio, ventilated seats, powered second-rowNo sunroof, standard audio, manual seats
SafetyLevel 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, dual-view dashcamBasic ADAS, rear camera, no dashcam
Transmission (Turbo-Petrol)6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT (no manual)
Price (Estimated, Ex-Showroom)Rs 11 lakh to Rs 22 lakhRs 10.59 lakh to Rs 19.70 lakh

Despite sharing the same engine options and seating configurations, the Clavis’s premium styling, advanced tech, and enhanced safety features position it as a more luxurious option.

Pricing and Market Impact

Although official prices are pending, the Clavis is expected to range from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), compared to the CarensRs 10.59 lakh to Rs 19.70 lakh. A leaked price list suggesting Rs 11.60 lakh to Rs 20.40 lakh was debunked due to mismatched variant names, confirming the need to await Kia’s official announcement on June 2, 2025. The Clavis will compete with rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Hyundai Alcazar, leveraging its premium features and modern design to stand out in the MPV segment.

Kia India reports that the Carens has sold over 2 lakh units in three years, with 58% petrol and 42% diesel buyers, and 32% opting for automatic or iMT variants. The Clavis is poised to build on this success, appealing to buyers who prioritize luxury, safety, and technology.

Future Prospects: Electric Variant

Kia has confirmed an electric variant of the Carens Clavis, expected to launch in 2026, aligning with the brand’s push toward sustainable mobility. While details are scarce, it could share technology with the Kia Syros EV, further expanding Kia’s EV portfolio in India.

Conclusion

The Kia Carens Clavis redefines the MPV segment with its bold design, premium features, and advanced safety tech, offering a compelling alternative to the standard Carens. From its 26.62-inch dual display to Level 2 ADAS and panoramic sunroof, the Clavis caters to families seeking comfort and modernity. While it shares engines with the Carens, its enhanced styling and technology justify its higher price point. As bookings gain momentum and the June 2, 2025, price reveal approaches, the Clavis is set to unlock a new chapter for Kia in India’s competitive MPV market.

Kia Carens Clavis: FAQS

1. When was the Kia Carens Clavis launched?

Ans: The Kia Carens Clavis was unveiled on May 8, 2025, in India, with bookings starting May 9, 2025, and prices expected by June 2, 2025.

2. How does the Carens Clavis differ from the Kia Carens?

Ans: The Clavis features a Digital Tiger Face, 17-inch alloys, 26.62-inch dual display, Level 2 ADAS, and a panoramic sunroof, unlike the standard Carens’ simpler design and fewer premium features.

3. What are the engine options for the Carens Clavis?

Ans: It offers a 1.5L petrol (113 bhp), 1.5L turbo-petrol (158 bhp) with a new 6-speed manual, and 1.5L diesel (116 bhp), with manual, iMT, or automatic transmissions.

4. What is the expected price of the Carens Clavis?

Ans: The Clavis is estimated to cost Rs 11 lakh to Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), higher than the CarensRs 10.59 lakh to Rs 19.70 lakh.

5. What safety features does the Carens Clavis include?

Ans: It has Level 2 ADAS with 20+ autonomous features, six airbags, 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, and a dual-view dashcam.

Sources:

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