Kia Clavis Spotted Testing in South Korea; Shows Classic SUV Boxy Silhouette, Panoramic Sunroof and More

With the Seltos, Kia made its debut in the Indian auto industry in 2019. Models including the Carnival MPV, the Sonet, and the Carens SUVs arrived afterward in the domestic market. The brand makes it obvious that SUVs are its main emphasis, but it also acknowledges that it would like to develop new market niches. And in that regard, the Kia Clavis might be revolutionary. The most recent spy photos from South Korea offer a good peek at this new model. Several industry reports are circulating that Kia intends to leverage the popularity of models like the Seltos and the Sonet by extending its presence in India. There might be space for the Clavis to come here, even if the company has not stated whether it will finally do so.

Also Read: Kia Sonet HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX+, X-Line Variants Explained: What's Different?

Kia Clavis: Styling Cues

With the aid of extensive camouflage, the external design has been effectively hidden, as seen in the recently released spy photos. However, we can observe that the Clavis will have a set of LED headlights positioned vertically. When compared to the remainder of the car, the front section appears extremely boxy, except for the front bonnet. However, this could be a faux bodywork. Moreover, there is a split headlight design, most likely hidden beneath the camo.

When we look at the car's side profile, we can see that the B-pillar has a distinctive shape that divides the front and back of the vehicle nearly like a station wagon. Not to mention the prominent roof rails and elegant flush door handles. The 17-inch alloy wheels with dual tones offer the Clavis a unique look. The vehicle also has fairly substantial black cladding. Regarding the back end, it is evident that the vehicle will maintain its boxy shape and have extremely low-profile LED taillights on the bumper. Additionally, the rear windshield will have a distinctive brake light located at its extreme ends.

Kia Clavis: Powertrain Options

The forthcoming Kia Clavis SUV is expected to be available with an electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain. Although the specifics of the electric versions are still unknown, industry standards suggest a remarkable range of 350-kilometre to 400-kilometre. A 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a maximum power output of 118bhp and a peak torque of 172Nm is expected to be available for the company's ICE models. Two possible transmission options are a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The Clavis will have front-wheel drive, just like the Sonet, to provide maneuverability on the road.

Kia Clavis: Interior and Features

We can see some interesting details of the cabin in the newly released spy photos. First off, the cabin boasts an elegant interior that is reminiscent of the new Creta and is done in light colours like white and grey. In addition, there are USB charging outlets, rear AC vents, and a folding centre armrest on the back seat. The SUV will also have ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof, according to the latest images. Other high-end tech that you should anticipate seeing are 360-degree view cameras and potentially Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Level 1 ADAS).

Also Read: New Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos Facelift Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

Kia Clavis: Competitors

It's interesting to note that Kia has registered the name Clavis in India already, suggesting that the SUV may make an appearance here. This may indicate that the carmaker will at last release a rival to the Hyundai Exter, the Tata Punch, and the Citroen C3.

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