Imagine cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in an MPV that combines sophisticated styling, cutting-edge safety tech, and spacious luxury for you and your guests. The Kia Clavis delivers just that, marking Kia’s foray into the premium MPV segment in India and potentially beyond. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Clavis—from its teaser reveal and launch timeline to its array of segment-first features, interior comforts, and how it stacks up against rivals.
Kia Clavis: Overview and Launch Details
Name & Positioning:
Kia India has confirmed its upcoming MPV will be called the Clavis, positioned above the Carens in the lineup to serve a more premium audience.
Launch Date:
Officially slated for May 8, 2025, the Clavis teaser dropped on May 1, 2025 at 10:51 am IST.
Sales Strategy:
Unlike a replacement model, the Clavis will be sold alongside the Carens, enabling Kia to cater to both value-focused and feature-led buyers.
Pricing Outlook:
Expected to start around ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom), it sits above the Carens’ ₹10.60–19.50 lakh range, mirroring Kia’s tiered approach seen with the Sonet/Syros duo.
kia clavis Design and Styling
Exterior Highlights
- Front Fascia: A bold, blanked-off grille akin to the Syros, flanked by inverted L-shaped triple-pod LED headlights with LED DRLs gives the Clavis an SUV-inspired look.
- Silhouette: While sharing underpinnings with the Carens, the Clavis sports a more upright stance, rugged bumper cladding, and fresh alloy-wheel designs.
- Roofline: A full-width panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, enhancing the sense of space and luxury.
Interior & Materials
- Dashboard: Dual 10.25″ digital screens (instrument cluster + infotainment) create a widescreen cockpit feel, paired with a revamped center console and premium upholstery.
- Seating: Ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and high-grade materials throughout underscore its premium positioning. Rear passengers benefit from captain-seat options and dedicated climate vents.
Powertrain and Performance
- Engine Lineup: The Clavis retains the Carens’ proven 1.5 L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 L turbo-petrol, and 1.5 L diesel engines. Transmission choices include manual, iMT, DCT, and torque-convertor automatic.
- Driving Dynamics: Tuned suspension and steering calibrations aim to balance comfort with composed handling—ideal for long highway hauls and winding mountain roads.
- Fuel Efficiency: Expect figures on par with the Carens, which delivers up to 17–21 km/l depending on the powertrain.
kia clavis Safety and ADAS
- Level-2 ADAS: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control bring the Clavis up to segment-best safety standards.
- 360° Surround-View Camera: Offers a bird’s-eye view for precise parking and low-speed maneuvers.
- Passive Safety: Six airbags, reinforced body structure, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, and electronic stability control round out its safety suite.
kia clavis Technology and Connectivity
- Infotainment: The dual-screen setup runs the latest Kia Connect OS, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
- Premium Audio: An optional 10-speaker Bose system immerses occupants in rich sound.
- Smart Features: Wireless charging pad with cooling, remote start via smartphone app, and connected-car services ensure a seamless digital experience.
Competition: How Clavis Stands Out
| Model | Starting Price (₹ ex-showroom) | Key Features | Segment Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Clavis | 11 lakh | Level-2 ADAS, panoramic sunroof, dual screens | Premium MPV parallel to Carens |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 18.10 lakh | Hybrid powertrain, JBL audio, ventilated seats | Established family premium MPV |
| Maruti Invicto | 14.99 lakh | CNG option, touchscreen infotainment | Value-biased MPV |
The Clavis undercuts the Innova Hycross on price while matching many of its premium features. Against the Invicto, it offers more advanced ADAS and luxury appointments.
kia clavis Pricing, Booking, and Availability
- Booking Opens: Dealers have begun unofficial bookings; formal bookings start May 8, 2025.
- Variants: Likely to be offered in Premium, Prestige, and Signature trims, mirroring Carens’ lineup.
- Deliveries: Expected from late May 2025.
- Warranty: Standard 3-year/100,000 km Kia warranty with optional extended plans.
FAQs About kia clavis
- Will the Clavis replace the Carens?
No—it will be sold alongside the Carens, serving buyers seeking a more premium offering. - What engines power the Kia Clavis?
It uses the 1.5 L petrol (NA & turbo) and 1.5 L diesel engines from the Carens, with manual, iMT, DCT, and automatic transmissions. - Does the Clavis offer ADAS features?
Yes—Level-2 ADAS including AEB, Lane-Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control are standard on higher trims. - How does the Clavis compare to the Innova Hycross?
The Clavis undercuts the Hycross on price (≈₹11 lakh vs. ₹18.10 lakh) while offering similar luxury and tech features.
Conclusion
The Kia Clavis ushers in a new era for Kia’s MPV lineup—blending premium design, advanced safety, and connectivity in a package tailored for discerning families and affluent travelers. With its competitive pricing, feature-rich variants, and global-inspired styling, the Clavis is poised to redefine the segment and deliver exceptional value for money. Stay tuned for our full test-drive review following its May 8 launch!
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