Kia Carens Clavis

Finding the perfect family car in India can be quite a quest, right? You're juggling a lot of factors: how much it costs, how safe it is (top priority, always!), what your monthly maintenance will look like, if it has all the cool new features, and of course, how reliable the company service is. It's a big decision, and you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck, especially when you're thinking long-term.

Well, what if there was a car that tried to tick most, if not all, of those boxes? Something that blends the rugged looks of an SUV with the practicality and comfort of an MPV? Enter the new Kia Carens Clavis variant. Kia has been making waves in India, and the Carens has carved out a unique space for itself. Now, with the introduction of the Carens Clavis, it's time to dive deep and see if this model is the answer to your family's automotive needs. Let's break down everything you need to know about this exciting new offering from Kia.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Carens Clavis offers a choice of two refined petrol engines, giving you options based on your driving style and needs:

• 1.5-litre Smartstream Naturally Aspirated Petrol: This engine is known for its smooth and linear power delivery, perfect for city commutes and comfortable cruising.
• Power: 115 PS
• Torque: 144 Nm
• 1.5-litre Smartstream Turbo Petrol with GDi: If you crave more spirited performance and effortless highway overtakes, the turbo petrol variant is for you. It offers a punchier drive without compromising too much on efficiency.
• Power: 160 PS
• Torque: 253 Nm

Design Overview

The Kia Carens Clavis maintains the distinctive design philosophy of the Carens, blending SUV-like robust appeal with an MPV's practical stance.

• Exterior: It boasts Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, flanked by sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and headlamps that give it a sophisticated, modern look. The body lines are sharp, and the cladding around the wheel arches adds to its rugged character. Roof rails are present, enhancing its utility and adventurous spirit. The Clavis variant is expected to receive specific design elements or alloy wheel designs that differentiate it.
• Interior: Step inside, and you're greeted by a premium and spacious cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (likely black and beige or black and tan, depending on the variant) creates an airy feel. The dashboard layout is ergonomic, with a focus on driver convenience. Seating is designed for comfort, offering flexible 6-seater (captain seats in the middle row) or 7-seater (bench seat in the middle row) configurations, making it a truly versatile 7-seater car India families will appreciate.

Key Features

Kia is known for loading its cars with features, and the Kia Carens Clavis is no exception. Here are some notable features you can expect:

• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Electric Sunroof (expected in Clavis variant)
• Kia Connect (Connected Car Technology)
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear Door Sunshades
• Ventilated Front Seats (might be exclusive to higher trims, check exact Clavis specs)
• Air Purifier
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Rear View Camera with dynamic guidelines

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Carens Clavis?

The Kia Carens Clavis offers a healthy 195 mm of ground clearance, which is quite good for Indian road conditions. This helps in navigating rough patches and speed breakers with ease, making it a practical family car for varied terrains.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Carens Clavis?

Even with all three rows in use, the Kia Carens Clavis provides a decent 216 litres of boot space. Fold down the third row, and this expands significantly to 645 litres, offering ample room for luggage on those long road trips.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Carens Clavis?

• Length: 4540 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1708 mm
• Wheelbase: 2780 mm

The generous wheelbase contributes to the spacious interior and stable ride quality.

Powertrain Options

Beyond the engines, the Kia Carens Clavis provides flexible transmission choices to suit different preferences:

• 1.5L NA Petrol: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Safety Features

Kia has made safety a cornerstone of the Carens, offering an impressive suite of features as standard across all variants, including the new Clavis variant:

• 6 Airbags: Driver, Passenger, Side, and Curtain Airbags.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All Wheel Disc Brakes
• Rear Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a critical factor for Indian buyers. Here's how the Carens performs:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP (2022)	3 Stars	3 Stars	Tested under previous protocols for a base variant (without ESC as standard). Kia now offers 6 airbags and ESC as standard across all variants, which significantly enhances safety beyond this rating.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated	A test under the new Bharat NCAP protocols with the current standard safety features is awaited and expected to yield improved results.

Rivals of Kia Carens Clavis

The Kia Carens Clavis competes in a fiercely contested segment. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Maruti Suzuki XL6
• Hyundai Alcazar
• Toyota Rumion
• Mahindra Marazzo
• And indirectly, some compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos for buyers seeking a spacious family vehicle.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Carens Clavis to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: One of its biggest strengths is the generous space, especially in the first two rows, making it ideal for families.
• Premium Interior and Features: The cabin feels upmarket, and the feature list is extensive, offering great value for money.

Refined Engine Options: Both petrol engines are smooth, and the turbo-petrol offers commendable performance for highway drives.Excellent Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and undulations, providing a comfortable ride for all occupants.Standard Safety Kit: With 6 airbags and ESC as standard across all variants, Kia has prioritized passenger safety.Stylish and Unique Design: It stands out with its SUV-like stance, making it look more appealing than traditional MPVs.Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.

Disadvantages

• Third-Row Space: While present, the third row might be a bit cramped for adults on very long journeys. It's best suited for children or short trips for adults.

Fuel Efficiency: The petrol engines, especially the turbo-petrol, might not deliver class-leading fuel economy figures compared to some rivals.No Strong Hybrid Option: In an era of rising fuel prices, the absence of a strong hybrid powertrain might deter some environmentally conscious or budget-focused buyers.Global NCAP Rating Caveat: While the standard safety kit is excellent now, the existing 3-star Global NCAP rating (from an older test protocol) might still be a concern for some, despite Kia's current safety offerings.Design Perception: Despite its SUV-ish elements, some buyers might still perceive it more as an MPV than a true SUV.

Conclusion

The Kia Carens Clavis emerges as a compelling option for Indian families seeking a versatile, feature-packed, and safe vehicle. It successfully bridges the gap between a traditional MPV and an SUV, offering the best of both worlds. With its spacious cabin, premium features, refined engine options, and a comprehensive standard safety package, it represents a strong value proposition in its segment. While a few minor drawbacks exist, the overall package makes the new Kia Carens a truly attractive choice.

If you're in the market for a 7-seater car India that promises comfort, convenience, and peace of mind, the Carens Clavis definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it aligns perfectly with your family's needs. Happy car hunting!