Hello car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Deciding on your next family car in India involves weighing many crucial factors. You are not just looking for a vehicle; you are looking for a reliable partner that fits your budget, ensures your family's safety, does not burn a hole in your pocket with monthly maintenance, offers the latest features to make every drive enjoyable, and comes with trustworthy company service. In this detailed blog post, we are taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick all these boxes: the new Kia Carens Clavis HTX Plus Turbo iMT 6Str. Is it the perfect fit for your garage? Let us find out!
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Kia Carens Clavis HTX Plus Turbo iMT 6Str variant comes with a powerful and refined engine that offers a good balance of performance and efficiency.
- Engine Type: 1.5-litre Turbo GDi Petrol
- Maximum Power: 160 PS at 5,500 rpm
- Peak Torque:
- Transmission: 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)
Design Overview
The Kia Carens boasts a distinct design philosophy that blends SUV ruggedness with MPV practicality.
- Exterior Design: It features a modern and bold stance with Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and headlamps. The muscular lines, roof rails, and stylish alloy wheels (16-inch for this variant) give it a sophisticated yet robust look. The rear design is equally appealing with connected LED tail lamps, making it stand out on the road.
- Interior Design: Step inside, and you are greeted by a premium and spacious cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (usually black and beige) adds to the airy feel. The dashboard layout is clean and user-friendly, with a large touchscreen taking center stage. The 6-seater configuration offers comfortable captain seats in the second row, providing easy access to the third row and a more luxurious experience for middle-row passengers. Quality materials and thoughtful touches are evident throughout the cabin.
Key Features
The Clavis HTX Plus variant is well-equipped with features that enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
- Infotainment System: 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with navigation
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wireless), Kia Connect (connected car technology)
- Sunroof: Single-pane Electric Sunroof
- Camera: Rear View Camera with dynamic guidelines
- Charging: Wireless Phone Charger
- Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
- Comfort: Air Purifier, Ambient Lighting, Rear Door Sunshades, Ventilated Front Seats (often available in higher trims, confirm for specific HTX Plus batches)
- Other: Digital Instrument Cluster, Cruise Control, One-touch Auto Up/Down Power Windows with Anti-pinch (driver)
What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Carens?
What is the Boot Space of Kia Carens?
- Boot Space (with all rows up): 216 litres
- Boot Space (with 3rd row folded): 645 litres
What is the Dimensions of Kia Carens?
- Length: 4,540 mm
- Width: 1,800 mm
- Height:
- Wheelbase:
Powertrain Options (Across Kia Carens Range)
While the Clavis HTX Plus variant focuses on the turbo petrol iMT, the Kia Carens range offers diverse engine and transmission choices:
- 1.5L NA Petrol: Paired with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.
- 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol:
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel:
Safety Features
Kia has made safety a priority in the Carens, offering a robust set of features as standard across all variants.
- Airbags: 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain) - Standard across all variants
- Braking: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), All Wheel Disc Brakes
- Stability Control: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
- Parking Assist: Rear Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera
- Other Safety:
NCAP Rating Table
Understanding a car's safety performance is crucial. Here is how the Kia Carens performed in Global NCAP tests:
| Rating Category |
Global NCAP Rating (Safer Cars for India) |
Bharat NCAP Rating |
| Adult Occupant Protection |
3 Stars |
Yet to be Rated |
| Child Occupant Protection |
5 Stars |
Yet to be Rated |
Note: Global NCAP ratings were conducted under the updated and stricter testing protocols.
Rivals of Kia Carens Clavis HTX Plus Turbo iMT 6Str
The Kia Carens competes in a popular segment, facing off against several strong contenders:
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
- Maruti Suzuki XL6
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Toyota Rumion
- Mahindra Marazzo
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Advantages (Pros)
- Spacious & Comfortable Interior: Excellent cabin space, especially the second-row captain seats in the 6-seater version, offering great comfort for long journeys.
- Feature-Rich Cabin: Comes loaded with modern features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen, connected car tech, sunroof, wireless charger, and more.
Refined Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.5L Turbo GDi engine offers strong performance, smooth acceleration, and good driveability, making city and highway drives enjoyable.iMT Convenience: The Intelligent Manual Transmission provides the convenience of an automatic (no clutch pedal) with the engagement of a manual gearbox, ideal for city traffic.Standard Safety Kit: With 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, and all-wheel disc brakes as standard across all variants, Kia prioritizes occupant safety.Attractive Design: Its modern and elegant design, with SUV-like elements, gives it a strong road presence.Kia Service Network: Kia has a rapidly expanding service network and a reputation for good after-sales support.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Fuel Efficiency (Turbo Petrol): While powerful, the turbo petrol engine can be quite thirsty if driven aggressively, impacting fuel economy.
Third Row Space: While usable, the third row is best suited for children or for adults on shorter trips, not ideal for long journeys.iMT Learning Curve: The iMT might take some getting used to for drivers accustomed to traditional manuals or full automatics. It is not a true automatic.Global NCAP Adult Safety: The 3-star rating for adult occupant protection, while not bad, could be a concern for some buyers looking for the absolute highest safety scores.Some Features Reserved for Top Trims: Features like a 360-degree camera or Bose sound system are available only in the top-end Luxury Plus variants.
Conclusion
The Kia Carens Clavis HTX Plus Turbo iMT 6Str emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian families seeking a versatile, feature-packed, and stylish vehicle. It strikes a fine balance between a comfortable family mover and a contemporary utility vehicle. With its strong turbo petrol engine, convenient iMT gearbox, extensive list of features, and standard safety equipment, it offers tremendous value. While there are a few areas where it could improve, its overall package makes it a formidable contender in the market. If you are looking for a car that offers space, modern tech, decent performance, and peace of mind from a trusted brand, the Carens Clavis HTX Plus Turbo iMT 6Str definitely deserves a test drive. Head to your nearest Kia showroom and experience it firsthand to see if it is the perfect companion for your family adventures!
