About Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT

Hey there, car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new family car that ticks all the right boxes? When you are deciding on your next set of wheels, you likely think about a few key things: How much will it cost to buy? Is it safe for my family? What about monthly maintenance and running costs? Does it have the latest features I crave? And of course, how good is the company s service network?

Today, we are going to deep dive into a car that aims to answer these questions with a resounding yes: the new Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT. Kia has really made a mark in the Indian market with its stylish, feature-rich, and practical vehicles. The Carens, positioned as a Recreational Vehicle (RV), blends the best of an MPV s practicality with an SUV s assertive styling. The HTK Plus Turbo DCT variant, in particular, offers a compelling package for those seeking a powerful and convenient automatic family car without breaking the bank. Let s find out if this is the perfect car for your garage!

Engine Specifications

Under the bonnet of the Kia Carens HTK Plus Turbo DCT lies a capable heart designed for spirited drives and smooth city commutes.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Petrol
• Displacement: 1482 cc
• Maximum Power: 160 PS at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 253 Nm at 1500-3500 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

This turbocharged petrol engine delivers impressive performance, making overtakes effortless and highway cruising a joy, all while the DCT ensures seamless gear shifts.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Carens stands out with its modern and bold design language. It doesn t shy away from its MPV roots but cleverly incorporates SUV-like elements to give it a robust road presence.

• Front: Features Kia s signature Digital Tiger Face design, striking LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and a sleek grille. The distinctive Crown Jewel LED headlamps add a premium touch.
• Side Profile: The long wheelbase and clean lines give it a sophisticated appearance. Stylish alloy wheels (or wheel covers depending on exact sub-variant) enhance its visual appeal.
• Rear: Connective LED taillamps and a chunky bumper complete the contemporary look.

Interior

Step inside, and the Carens welcomes you with a spacious and well-thought-out cabin, designed for comfort and practicality for up to seven passengers.

• Layout: A dual-tone theme (typically black and beige) creates an airy feel. The dashboard is clean and modern, with easy-to-reach controls.
• Seating: Comfortable fabric upholstery in the HTK Plus variant. All three rows offer decent space, making it a true 7-seater. The second row gets a tumble function for easier third-row access.
• Practicality: Numerous storage spaces, cup holders, and charging points across the cabin ensure convenience for all occupants.

Key Features

The HTK Plus Turbo DCT variant of the Carens comes loaded with practical features to enhance your driving and passenger experience.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Connectivity: Kia Connect (telematics services) for enhanced convenience and safety.
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control for comfortable cabin temperatures.
• Convenience: Cruise Control, Rear View Camera with parking sensors, Power windows, Central locking.
• Comfort: Rear AC vents for second and third rows, Roof Mounted AC vents.
• Lighting: LED DRLs and positioning lamps.

Please note: Features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charger are typically reserved for higher-end Carens variants.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT?

The Kia Carens offers a healthy 195 mm of ground clearance, which is quite reassuring for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle speed breakers and uneven surfaces with confidence.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT?

The Carens is quite versatile when it comes to luggage carrying capacity:

• All Seats Up (7-seater mode): 216 litres
• Third Row Folded: 645 litres

This means you can carry quite a bit of luggage even with all seats occupied, and a massive amount if you fold down the third row for longer trips or airport runs.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT?

Understanding a car s dimensions helps in judging its maneuverability and cabin space:

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

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the 1.5L Turbo Petrol DCT, it is good to know that the Kia Carens also comes with other engine and transmission choices to suit different needs:

• 1.5L Smartstream Petrol (NA) with 6-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Petrol with 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or 7-speed DCT (our focus today)
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel with 6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Safety Features

Kia has made safety a top priority in the Carens, offering a strong package as standard across all variants.

• 6 Airbags: Driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
• ESC: Electronic Stability Control.
• HAC: Hill-start Assist Control.
• VSM: Vehicle Stability Management.
• All Wheel Disc Brakes: For superior stopping power.
• TPMS: Highline Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor for many buyers. Here s how the Kia Carens fares:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Remarks
Global NCAP	3 Stars	3 Stars	Tested a model with 2 airbags. The current Carens comes standard with 6 airbags, which is expected to offer better protection.
Bharat NCAP	Rating Pending	Rating Pending	Yet to be tested by Bharat NCAP. Expected to perform well given standard safety features.

It is important to note that Global NCAP s test was conducted on an older variant with fewer airbags. With 6 airbags now standard, the real-world safety performance is likely to be significantly enhanced.

Rivals of Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT

In the highly competitive Indian market, the Kia Carens faces off against several worthy opponents in the 7-seater segment.

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Maruti Suzuki XL6
• Hyundai Alcazar
• Toyota Rumion
• Mahindra Marazzo

The Carens uniquely bridges the gap between traditional MPVs and compact 3-row SUVs, offering a distinctive proposition.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let s sum up the Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT with a balanced view of its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Powerful and Refined Engine: The 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine offers excellent performance for both city and highway driving.
• Smooth DCT Transmission: The 7-speed DCT provides a seamless and comfortable driving experience, perfect for urban traffic.
• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Genuine 7-seater capacity with good comfort for all rows, even on longer journeys.
• Loaded with Safety Features: Standard 6 airbags and a host of active safety features provide peace of mind.
• Modern Design: Its unique blend of MPV practicality and SUV styling makes it stand out.
• Good Ground Clearance: 195 mm is adequate for varied Indian road conditions.
• Value for Money: Offers a compelling package of features, performance, and space at its price point.

Cons

• Fuel Efficiency: The Turbo Petrol DCT might be a bit thirstier than some naturally aspirated or diesel rivals, especially with aggressive driving.
• Feature Omissions: While well-equipped, some premium features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or ventilated seats are missing in this variant.
• Third Row Comfort: While spacious, the third row might be a bit cramped for large adults on very long journeys.
• Ride Quality: While generally good, the suspension can feel a tad firm over sharper bumps.

Conclusion

The Kia Carens Clavis HTK Plus Turbo DCT emerges as a strong contender for anyone seeking a versatile, safe, and modern 7-seater family car in India. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, comfort, and features, especially for its price. If you are looking for an automatic, petrol-powered vehicle that can effortlessly handle both your daily commutes and weekend family trips, with robust safety features and a spacious cabin, the Carens HTK Plus Turbo DCT deserves a serious look. It s a car that truly understands the needs of an Indian family, offering practicality wrapped in a stylish package. Drive it to believe it!