While the Kia Carens Clavis has the same engine options as the standard model, it gains a 6-speed manual gearbox option with the turbo-petrol version.
Kia has unveiled the Carens Clavis in India and opened its bookings for a token amount of Rs 25,000. While the exact launch date remains undisclosed, the Clavis is expected to arrive on the roads by June and will likely carry a higher price tag than the standard Carens. As the name suggests, the Clavis builds on the Carens platform but brings a more premium package to the table. Positioned above the Carens in Kia’s lineup, it comes with noticeable upgrades in both design and features. Let’s take a closer look at how the Clavis sets itself apart.
The front of the new Carens Clavis distinguishes itself with triangular LED headlights and inverted-L LED daytime running lights, a departure from the horizontal headlights and eyebrow DRLs seen on the standard model.
The lower bumpers are black on the models, but the Clavis stands out with horizontal air vents and a bold silver skid plate. Meanwhile, the Carens sticks with a chrome-trimmed honeycomb grille and integrated LED fog lights.
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The Clavis also rides on larger 17-inch dual-tone alloys, while the Carens has 16-inch wheels. At the rear, the Clavis ditches the simpler styling of the Carens, featuring sharper taillamps connected by a full-width LED light bar. Other highlights include a redesigned, more robust rear bumper and repositioned reverse light below the number plate.
Inside, the Clavis and Carens differ significantly. The Clavis gets a redesigned, more minimalist cabin with a new Triton Navy & Beige dual-tone scheme.
A notable upgrade is the replacement of the Carens' dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and one for the driver's instrument) with a single, and bigger 26.62-inch freestanding panoramic display.
The Clavis boasts several fresh features that give it an edge over the Carens. For instance, it comes with a panoramic sunroof, a premium upgrade over the single-pane option found on the Carens. A powered one-touch double-folding second-row seat for easier access to the third row is also available with the Clavis, which the standard Carens lacks. However, both models share several key features, such as auto climate control, ventilated front seats, a 4-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and ambient lighting.
In terms of safety, the Clavis pulls ahead with features like a Level-2 ADAS suite and 360-degree cameras—both absent in the Carens. That said, the Carens counters with a rear-seat entertainment screen offered in its Luxury Plus and X-Line variants, a feature not available in the Clavis.
The Clavis uses the same engine options as the Carens: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (113bhp/144Nm), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (158bhp/253Nm), and a 1.5-litre diesel (114bhp/250Nm).
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Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, iMT, a 7-speed DCT, and a torque converter automatic. The turbo-petrol version now also offers a 6-speed manual option.