There was a time when choosing a family car meant choosing between function and flair – but not anymore! Thanks to the new Kia Carens Clavis.
By Team autoX
Photography By Team autoX
Indian families love a spacious vehicle. But that’s not where their expectations end. They want something more – a dash of design, a touch of tech, and a driving experience that feels a class above. Enter the Kia Carens Clavis – a fresh take on what an MPV can be. It builds on the Carens’ strengths – practical proportions, flexible seating, and thoughtful features – while adding a layer of improvement in terms of how it looks, drives, and feels inside. The result is a model that exceeds expectations, making it one of the most compelling offerings in the market today.
Design-wise, the Clavis nails the SUV look, with its tall, upright stance. Up front, the futuristic Digital Tiger Face is embellished by the Star Map LED DRLs and LED projector headlamps. Along the sides, squared-off arches and stylish 17-inch Crystal Cut dual-tone alloys give it a muscular appearance, while a connected LED light bar at the rear ties the look together.

The Carens Clavis is bold without being loud, which makes it equally at home parked outside a school gate or heading off on a weekend getaway.
Where many MPVs focus primarily on function, the Clavis raises the bar with comfort and convenience features you’d usually find in more premium segments. Up front, you get ventilated seats, with the driver’s seat offering four-way power adjustment. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the cabin, while ambient lighting and an air purifier enhance the ambience and the occupants’ well-being, respectively. The real showstopper, however, is the 26.62-inch connected panoramic display – a twin setup that includes a 12.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, along with an 8-speaker Bose sound system, complete the package.

The Carens Clavis is offered in both 6- and 7-seat layouts, with captain chairs in the former and a bench in the latter, and packs clever touches throughout. An electric one-touch tumble feature makes accessing the third row effortless, and it’s available in both 6- and 7-seater versions. Speaking of the third row, Kia has thoughtfully offered AC vents and two USB-C ports here.
In short, every detail in the cabin – from the dash’s design to the quality of materials and smart storage solutions – underscores the idea that this MPV is designed with the comfort, convenience, and everyday needs of families in mind.
The Carens Clavis is the first MPV in its class to feature Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), packing features like Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Add to that six airbags, ESC, Hill Start Assist, TPMS, and a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring, and you’ve got a package that offers a serious peace of mind, especially for families.
Under the hood, Kia now offers more choices than ever. There are three engine options: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol unit (113bhp and 144Nm), a 1.5L diesel engine (114bhp and 250Nm), and the star of the show – a 1.5L turbo-petrol unit (158bhp and 253Nm).

What makes this turbo-petrol particularly noteworthy is that it’s offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, available for the first time in this configuration. It offers keen drivers an even more engaging alternative to the already excellent 7-speed DCT. Whether it’s city commuting, spirited weekend drives, or long-distance family trips, this engine-transmission combo delivers excellent performance. Whichever way you go, you get performance, practicality, and strong fuel-efficiency figures to match.
By combining bold design, generous space, top-notch comfort, advanced safety tech, and flexible powertrain options, the Carens Clavis strikes a rare balance between aspiration and everyday usability.

It’s everything a practical family car should be – yet it’s also stylish, smart, and reassuringly safe. In short, it’s a family car that delivers everything you’d expect…and then some more.