About Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing the perfect family car in India is no small feat. You are juggling many questions: Will it fit my budget? Is it safe enough for my loved ones? What about monthly maintenance? Does it come with the latest features? And importantly, how reliable is the company service? These are all valid concerns, and today, we are going to dive deep into a car that aims to answer many of them: the new Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo.

Kia has made quite a splash in the Indian market, and the Carens, with its unique blend of MPV practicality and SUV styling, has quickly become a favourite. But today, we are shining the spotlight on a specific variant – the HTK Plus Turbo. This version promises a blend of power, features, and value. Let us see if it lives up to the hype.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The star of the show for this variant is its engine. The Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo is powered by a:

• 1.5-litre T-GDi Turbo Petrol Engine: This peppy engine delivers a robust 160 PS of power and a healthy 253 Nm of torque. It is designed to offer a spirited driving experience, whether you are navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway. This engine is mated to either a 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or a super smooth 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), giving you flexibility in your driving style.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Carens carries a distinctive 'Connected Car' design philosophy. It is not exactly an SUV, nor is it a traditional MPV; it is a clever blend of both. For the HTK Plus Turbo, you get:

• Bold Front: Featuring Kia signature Tiger Nose grille, Crown Jewel LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and LED position lamps that give it a premium and modern look.
• Sleek Profile: The car has a streamlined silhouette with sharp character lines. Depending on the variant, you will find stylish alloy wheels that complement its stance.
• Unique Rear: The rear boasts stylish LED taillamps and a robust bumper design that adds to its contemporary appeal.

Interior

Step inside the Kia Carens HTK Plus Turbo and you are greeted with a cabin designed for comfort and practicality.

• Spacious Cabin: The Carens is known for its generous cabin space, especially in the first two rows, making it a comfortable 7-seater car for families.
• Quality Finish: The interior uses good quality materials, and the layout is ergonomic. The colour scheme is practical yet pleasing.
• Practical Layout: Thoughtful storage spaces and easy access to controls make it a user-friendly environment.

Key Features

The HTK Plus Turbo trim of the Kia Carens offers a balanced set of features:

• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Audio System: 4 speakers for a decent audio experience.
• Convenience: Steering mounted audio controls, all four power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), rear AC vents for passenger comfort.
• Lighting: Follow-me-home headlamps, LED DRLs and LED position lamps.
• Parking Aid: Rear parking sensors are standard.
• Connectivity: USB Type-C charging ports for all three rows are a thoughtful touch.
• Please Note: While the Carens lineup offers premium features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control, these are generally reserved for higher variants and are NOT present in the HTK Plus Turbo trim. This variant comes with manual AC.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Carens?

The Kia Carens offers a healthy ground clearance of 195 mm, which is quite good for Indian roads, helping you tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Carens?

Storage is crucial for a family vehicle. The Kia Carens offers:

• 216 litres with all three rows in use.
• 645 litres with the third row folded down, providing ample space for luggage.

What is the Dimensions of Kia Carens?

The generous dimensions contribute to its spacious interior:

• Length: 4540 mm
• Width: 1800 mm
• Height: 1708 mm
• Wheelbase: 2780 mm (This long wheelbase is key to its interior roominess)

Powertrain Options

Beyond the 1.5L Turbo Petrol, the Kia Carens is available with other engine and transmission choices across its variant lineup:

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: 115 PS, 144 Nm, paired with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: 160 PS, 253 Nm, available with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT. (This is the engine in focus for the HTK Plus Turbo).
• 1.5L Diesel: 116 PS, 250 Nm, available with 6-speed iMT or 6-speed Automatic Transmission.

Safety Features

Kia has prioritised safety in the Carens, offering a strong package as standard across all variants, including the HTK Plus Turbo:

• 6 Airbags: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control.
• VSM: Vehicle Stability Management.
• HAC: Hill-start Assist Control.
• DBC: Downhill Brake Control.
• BAS: Brake Assist System.
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes: For superior stopping power.
• Highline TPMS: Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
• Rear Parking Sensors: For easier manoeuvring.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a major concern for Indian families, and the Kia Carens has been put to the test:

NCAP Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Older Protocol)	3 Stars	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP (Feb 2024)	3 Stars	5 Stars

The Kia Carens Bharat NCAP rating of 3 stars for adult safety and a strong 5 stars for child safety reflects a decent baseline for protection, especially for child occupants.

Rivals of Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo

The Kia Carens competes in a segment with several strong contenders, often cross-shopping with both MPVs and some compact SUVs:

• Maruti Suzuki XL6
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Toyota Rumion
• Mahindra Marazzo
• Hyundai Alcazar (as an SUV alternative)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Powerful Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.5L T-GDi engine offers excellent performance, making highway overtakes and city driving a breeze.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: One of the biggest advantages is its roomy interior, especially for first and second-row passengers. It is a genuine 6 or 7-seater car.
• High Standard Safety Features: 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, and a suite of electronic safety aids are standard across all variants, which is commendable.
• Practicality: Ample boot space with the third row folded, numerous storage compartments, and versatile seating make it a very practical family vehicle.
• Modern Design: The exterior styling is fresh and eye-catching, standing out from traditional MPVs.
• Kia Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.

Cons

• Third Row for Short Journeys: While it is a 7-seater, the third row can feel cramped for adults on longer journeys. Best suited for children or short trips.
• Missing Premium Features in this Trim: The HTK Plus Turbo misses out on features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging, which some rivals offer even at similar price points or are expected in a car of this segment.
• Fuel Efficiency: While the turbo petrol engine is powerful, it might not be the most fuel-efficient option, especially if you have a heavy foot.
• Ride Quality: The ride can feel a bit firm over sharper bumps at lower speeds, though it handles highway cruising well.

Conclusion

The Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo emerges as a very strong contender for anyone looking for a versatile, safe, and powerful family car in India. It strikes a great balance between a practical MPV and a stylish SUV. If you prioritise a powerful and refined driving experience, top-notch standard safety features, and a spacious cabin for your family, and you are okay with skipping some of the premium creature comforts found in higher trims, then this variant of the Carens should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a car that truly offers a lot for its segment and price, making it a trustworthy choice for your next family adventure. Go ahead, take a test drive, and experience the Kia Carens for yourself!