Kia Carens Clavis Review: Blending the Practicality of an MPV with the Feel of an SUV
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The Kia Carens Clavis arrives as a refreshing evolution in the MPV segment, integrating the utilitarian strength of a multi-purpose vehicle with the rugged styling and elevated stance typical of an SUV. In a market dominated by crossovers and compact SUVs, the Carens Clavis manages to carve a unique identity by combining functionality, versatility, and modern design.
From the outside, the Carens Clavis projects a bold presence. Its upright stance, flared wheel arches, roof rails, and LED DRLs give it a quasi-SUV posture, while the sleek lines and smooth surfaces retain an urban-friendly aesthetic. Unlike traditional MPVs which often look boxy and utilitarian, the Clavis feels more premium and contemporary—ideal for families that desire practicality without sacrificing style.
Under the hood, the Carens Clavis offers a range of powertrains to suit varying needs—typically a 1.5L petrol engine, and a turbocharged variant for more spirited driving, complemented by manual and automatic gearbox options. While it’s not built for off-roading, the Clavis performs admirably in city driving and highway cruising, delivering refined ride quality, decent punch, and good fuel efficiency. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps effectively while still maintaining stability at higher speeds.
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Step inside, and the Carens Clavis shines with its clever space management. It can comfortably seat 6 or 7 passengers, depending on the variant, with well-bolstered seats and ample legroom, especially in the second row. The third row, often a pain point in MPVs, is surprisingly usable for short trips. Kia’s attention to detail is evident in the quality of materials used—soft-touch dashboards, ambient lighting, and well-integrated tech elements lend the cabin a modern and plush feel.
Tech-wise, the Carens Clavis comes loaded. Expect a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital driver display, connected car tech, and a premium sound system. USB-C ports for all rows, a cooled glovebox, rear sunblinds, and even a roof-mounted air purifier (in higher trims) show Kia’s focus on comfort and convenience.
Safety is another strong point. The Clavis packs features like six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and front and rear parking sensors. The top trims also feature a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keep assist and forward collision warning, making it one of the safest in its class.
What makes the Carens Clavis truly appealing is its versatility. It’s ideal for daily urban commutes thanks to its compact dimensions and light steering, but it also doubles up as a capable long-distance cruiser for weekend getaways. The flat boot floor with foldable third-row seats means it can easily switch from people mover to cargo carrier in seconds. For large families, carpoolers, or even cab operators, it’s a solid all-rounder.
That said, it’s not without a few drawbacks. Enthusiasts might find the driving experience somewhat uninspiring, especially in the non-turbo variants. Also, while Kia has improved ground clearance and SUV aesthetics, it’s still a front-wheel drive urban vehicle—not a full-blown SUV.
Still, for what it offers—SUV-inspired styling, MPV-like space, loads of features, and competitive pricing—the Kia Carens Clavis is a standout. It serves as a strong reminder that family cars don’t need to be boring or boxy anymore. With the Clavis, Kia has successfully blurred the line between function and flair.
Kia Carens Clavis: Price, Positioning
The Clavis and older Carens will co-exist. Kia India has kept the entry-level trim of Carens on sale, and will mostly be bringing in the CNG kit with the same in months to come. The Carens Clavis, on the other hand, will operate in the premium end of the spectrum, offering several powertrain options. Kia Carens Clavis will be launched by the end of May, and its electric version will make its way in a couple of months. We expect the Clavis to command a Rs 1.5 lakh premium over the corresponding Carens trims.
Kia Carens Clavis: Interior Layout
Carens Clavis maintains the upmarket appeal in the cabin. There are plenty of new features and aesthetic changes to look forward to. It continues to 6- and 7-seater options. The captain seats are limited to range-topping trim. Starting with the dashboard, there is a new 26.6-inch, free-standing, dual-screen setup, which is bigger than the Seltos. The seat fabric is new, and the driver’s perch is electrically-adjusting, albeit the height fix is manual. The touch-operated AC panel is new, and a switch to music control at the touch of a button. The central well is redesigned with a decent amount of storage space. Expect features like wireless charger, panoramic sun roof, Bose speakers, and front seat ventilation in the top-end variants.
