Kia Carens Clavis Launched At Rs 11.50 Lakh! Is It Value-for-money?

Quick Highlights

• Kia Carens Clavis launched for Rs 11.50 lakh for the base HTE variant with 1.5-litre NA manual.
• The top-end HTX+ turbo-petrol DCT is priced at Rs 21.50 lakh.
• The diesel AT top-end HTK+ is priced at Rs 18 lakh.
• It is offered with three engine options: 1.5-litre turbo petrol, 1.5-litre NA petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.
• Petrol is offered in 6 and 7-seater configurations, whereas the diesel is only offered in 7-seater configuration. 

The MPV market is growing, and the need for well-equipped people movers is quite evident. The Kia Carens has been a hit for the Korean marque, and its heavily refreshed version, the Carens Clavis, will look to improve sales even further. Launched at Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia MPV gets a tweaked design which makes it look more appealing now, and a fresh design for the interior featuring more premium amenities to keep you comfortable. 

Here’s a look at all the details of the Carens Clavis: 

Kia Clavis Price 

The regular Carens was priced from Rs 10.59 lakh to Rs 19.69 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Clavis ranges between Rs 11.50 lakh and Rs 21.50 lakh. This translates to a range of Rs 91,000 to Rs 1,81,000 premium over the Carens.

Kia Clavis Design: The Carens Gets A Makeover!

The Carens Clavis looks like a Carens with an enhanced and more modern design. Up front, it sports new 3-pod LED headlamps, a blanked-off grille that might remind you of the Syros and a neat-looking front bumper with silver skid plates adding a hint of ruggedness. Overall, the front looks have really matured and now look pleasing to the eye. 

The silhouette is identical to the regular Carens, but you do get larger 17-inch wheels that sport a new design. Kia has ditched the flush door handles that have become a trend on modern-day cars, and not having the premium element does not really feel like a miss. Roof rails add to the MPV's stance, giving it a taller look. 

The rear end has gotten sharper and looks smarter now. You get a new set of connected LED tail lights. A shark fin antenna and a roof-mounted spoiler give the MPV a sense of sportiness, while the skid plate adds a bit of bulk.  

The Clavis is offered in eight monotone hues that include Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey, Sparkling Silver and Ivory Silver Gloss.

Interior - Good Made Better!

Koreans are known for their plush interior, and the Clavis MPV also offers a very sophisticated and welcoming cabin. With the Clavis, Kia has offered a more premium cabin with features that you would expect from a modern-day MPV. Among other MPVs in the mass market, the Clavis arguably has one of the best cabins. 

As you step inside, the Clavis’ cabin welcomes you with a navy and beige dual-tone colour scheme. The layout of the dashboard is similar to the Carens, but it gets larger 12.3-inch displays that add to its modern appeal. The Clavis also sports a new two-spoke steering wheel, which has been borrowed from the Syros. 

You can either choose to get the 6-seater layout or the 7-seater configuration, depending on your needs. Smart features like one-touch electric second row seat folding function, trays for you in the second row and a smartly integrated air purifier add to the feel of the cabin. 

Features - Many Hits But A Few Misses! 

In the features department, the Clavis provides a package like no other in the mass market MPV segment. It gets dual 12.3-inch displays, a panoramic sunroof, front ventilated seats, a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, connected car tech, a powered driver’s seat and an 8-speaker Bose sound system. 

Safety features include Level-2 ADAS, six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, ESC, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and ISOFIX mounts. 

The misses? Well, we were expecting the Clavis to get Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, boss mode, rear ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate. 

Powertrain - Something For Everyone 

Here are the detailed specifications: 

There are no new engine options as such, but there are some changes in the transmission department. The NA petrol is now offered only with the manual, while the turbo-petrol now also gets a 6-speed MT. 

Rivals 

With the Clavis, Kia will further look to give a tougher competition to the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta, the Maruti Ertiga/ XL6 and the Toyota Rumion. It is also an affordable alternative to the Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross.

Verdict 

At Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kia Carens Clavis offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a more upmarket and stylish take on the Carens, with a sharper exterior, plusher interiors, and features that are a segment above, dual 12.3-inch screens, ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Sure, it misses out on niceties like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and rear seat ventilation, but those are small trade-offs for what is otherwise a well-rounded package.

If you’re in the market for a family-friendly MPV that looks good, feels premium, and is loaded with features, the Clavis should be high on your list.

What do you think about the Kia Carens Clavis prices? Let us know in the comments!