Kia Carens Clavis Vs Kia Sonet: A Detailed Spec Comparo!

The Kia Carens Clavis is set to become the Korean automaker’s newest entrant on our shores, offering a more premium package than the regular Carens, which is currently on sale in a single trim. On the other hand, we have the Sonet, which needs no introduction as the subcompact has become a very popular choice in its segment. Pricing for the Clavis will be out soon, but before that, we would like to take you through its specifications, in comparison to those of the Sonet: 

Let’s begin! 

Carens Clavis Vs Sonet: Price

Kia will be revealing the prices of the Clavis on May 23, however, we expect it to start from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). The Sonet’s base price will undercut that of the Clavis by a huge margin, but its top-spec variants are expected to be similarly priced to the mid-spec trims of the Clavis. So here’s why the Clavis is expected to be the pricier option between the two: 

Carens Clavis Vs Sonet: Dimensions

Parameter	Kia Carens Clavis	Kia Sonet
Length	4550 mm (+555 mm)	3995 mm
Width	1800 mm (+10 mm)	1790 mm
Height	1708 mm, with roof rails (+66 mm)	1642 mm
Wheelbase	2780 mm (+280 mm)	2500 mm

The Kia Carens Clavis is the larger one, being an MPV, offering greater road presence. It is significantly longer, marginally wider, taller and has a much larger wheelbase. Its larger wheelbase and length helps accommodate a third row making it suitable for larger families. The Sonet has a smaller footprint, ideal for families of up to 4 members. So for the Clavis’ extra price, you clearly get a larger car with more space on the inside.

Carens Clavis Vs Sonet: Features

Equipment	Kia Carens Clavis	Kia Sonet
Lighting setup	LED headlights with DRLs and LED taillights	LED headlights with DRLs and LED taillights
Alloy wheels	17-inch alloy wheels	16-inch alloy wheels
Infotainment System	12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay	10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto/ Apple CarPlay
Digital Driver’s Display	Yes, 12.3-inch	Yes, 10.25-inch
Sound System	8-speaker Bose sound system	7-speaker sound system
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes
Sunroof	Yes, panoramic	Yes, single-pane
Seat Ventilation	Front ventilated seats	Front ventilated seats
Powered Seats	Yes, driver only	Yes, driver only
Climate Control	Yes, automatic	Yes, automatic
Wireless Phone Charging	Yes	Yes
Ambient Lighting	Yes	Yes
Connected Car Tech	Yes	Yes
Airbags	6 (standard)	6 (standard)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	Yes	Yes
ADAS	Yes, level-2	Yes, level-1
Parking Sensors	Front and rear parking sensors	Front and rear parking sensors
360-degree Camera	Yes	Yes
Electronic Parking Brake	Yes	No

As you can see in the table above, the Clavis provides  a more premium package, but the Sonet too offers more than plenty for its pricing. The Clavis comes with larger displays, an extra speaker, a panoramic sunroof, and an electronic parking brake over the Sonet. These are not features that would be a dealbreaker for most, but are mere feel-good amenities that make the cabin of the Clavis more appealing. 

Powertrain 

Here’s a detailed look at their powertrain specifications: 

Both Clavis and Sonet share the 1.5-litre diesel engine, the only difference being that the Sonet also gets an iMT option with the same option. If you compare the petrol options, the Clavis gets the larger NA petrol and turbo-petrol engines. The larger engines also make a greater output. So, if you are looking for more power and torque, then it is the Clavis that will satisfy your needs. 

Verdict 

Based on specifications and pricing, the Clavis clearly offers more, whether it is in terms of being the larger car, features, powertrain specifications or a more premium cabin. However, the decision depends on the number of people in your family and your use case. The Sonet is for smaller families that need a compact SUV, while the Carens Clavis is for larger families of up to 7 members. 

The Carens used to fall short in terms of equipment when compared to the Sonet, but that is not the case with the Clavis which is better packaged. So if some extra features, a more spacious cabin and powerful petrol options are what you are looking for, then the Clavis would be worth the extra price.

Which Kia would you pick? Let us know in the comments section. And also stay tuned for a detailed comparison between the Seltos and Clavis.