Kia Carens Clavis First Drive Review: The Perfect Family Car?

The Kia Carens has been selling well and has even surpassed the 2 lakh units sales mark since its launch. However, this three-row offering was due for an update. But rather than replacing the old model with a new one, Kia has instead decided to bring a new vehicle based on the Carens, but made to be more premium and feature-rich. This new vehicle is the Carens Clavis. While the Carens name points to its lineage, the term Clavis is Latin for key. Specifically, it has been taken from a Latin phrase that means the golden key. So, what key changes have been made to make the Carens Clavis that make it a step up from the Carens?

Kia Carens Clavis Design & Styling

Despite being the same vehicle underneath the skin, the Clavis looks different from the Carens. This is largely thanks to the digital tiger nose grille and the new Star Map LED DRLs and headlamp cluster. The front is largely closed off, much like EVs and resembles Kia’s more recent offerings like the Syros and EV9. There is a prominent sliver chrome skid plate and both ends at either end of the vehicle to give it a butch SUV-like appeal. In fact, the raised bonnet adds to this bolder appeal at the front and side. What also helps elevate the look of the Clavis are the 17-inch alloy wheels, which are an inch bigger than the ones on the Carens. In terms of dimensions, the Clavis is 10mm longer but shares the rest of its figures with the Carens. This also means that the 216-litre boot remains the same.

More gadgets!

When you step inside, you are greeted by a much more premium and modern cabin. Not only is there more tech on display, but the materials used on the dashboard are great to look at, too. New additions include a connected island housing twin 10.25-inch displays, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a new steering wheel and a bigger dual-pane panoramic sunroof. There is also a new hybrid touch panel which can switch from media to AC controls. While it saves space on the dashboard, I am not completely sold on its usability. If you are driving and want to make any changes, you will have to take your eyes off the road.

The second row has not seen many changes and you can get the Clavis in 6- and 7-seater variants, just like the Carens. The 7-seater option does come with a three-point seatbelt for the middle passenger this time around. Also, there is a walk-in feature that allows you to adjust the front passenger seat from the second row by using a lever on the side of the seat. Similarly, there is a one-touch tumble function for the left-side second row seat, which makes getting into the third row easier. Since the bigger sunroof extends till the second row, the roof-mounted AC vents have been moved to the sides. It was a bit disappointing to see that the underthigh support in the second row has not improved.

The third row is also rather decent for shorter journeys. It is much more suited for children than adults, considering the lack of underthigh support and legroom. I do, however, like that Kia has given AC vents, reading lights, two USB-C ports and cupholders even in the last row.

Kia Carens Clavis: Powertrain Options

The drivetrain options remain the same as the Carens — a 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-charged petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The power and torque figures remain unchanged, too, but the Clavis also gets a 6-speed manual transmission along with the 1.5 turbo-petrol.

The Clavis is a comfort-oriented vehicle and that is apparent in the quiet cabin, light steering wheel and absorbent suspension. Ground clearance is not a problem either, as I did not bottom out even while clearing tall speedbreakers. Unlike the Carens, the Clavis does get 20 Level 2 ADAS features that make your driving experience safer. The additional cameras fitted onto the car also enable a surround view feature which makes parking the vehicle easier.

Kia Carens Clavis: Verdict

The Carens Clavis is definitely a step up from the Carens. It looks more modern, has more features, while retaining a plush ride experience and the versatility of multiple powertrain options. While pricing is not out yet, we know that it will be more expensive than the Carens. As long as Kia manages to have a modest increase of around Rs 1-1.5 lakh over the Carens, the Clavis will be an easy recommendation for families.