The Kia Carens Clavis retains the established engine options from the previous Carens, now with refined transmission pairings. The 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol engine produces 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed Manual transmission, delivering smooth, linear power ideal for urban driving and relaxed highway cruising, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 15.34 kmpl.

For more dynamic performance, the 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol (Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi) generates 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque (available from 1,500 rpm), offering strong acceleration and confident overtakes. It is available with a 6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual), or a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Automatic), with mileages ranging from 15.95 kmpl to 16.66 kmpl. The DCT may exhibit minor hesitation in heavy city traffic. The 1.5-litre Turbo-Diesel unit, producing 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, is a reliable and fuel-efficient option for long-distance travel, available with a 6-speed Manual or a 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic transmission, achieving up to 19.54 kmpl (MT) and 17.5 kmpl (AT).

Kia has refined the suspension tuning, particularly for petrol variants, to optimize ride quality with the larger 17-inch wheels and new features like ADAS and the panoramic sunroof, ensuring a composed ride with minimal body roll.

The interior of the Carens Clavis delivers a refined and upscale cabin experience with new colour themes, notably a sophisticated Triton Navy and Beige two-tone interior, enhancing the premium aesthetic. The dashboard features subtle revisions, including a fabric-like panel for added texture. Top-spec variants include dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, offering high resolution and a modern interface, while lower variants retain an 8-inch touchscreen.

Practicality remains central, with the Carens Clavis offered in 6-seat (featuring captain seats in the middle row) and 7-seat configurations. The second-row captain seats are comfortable, offering slide, recline, and a one-touch tumble function for easy third-row access. Second-row amenities include tray tables, an air purifier, roof-mounted AC vents, window sun blinds, and multiple Type-C charging ports. The third row, while compact, provides adjustable headrests, dedicated AC vents, and USB charging points. Boot space measures 216 litres with all three rows in use, expanding significantly when the third row is folded. The spare wheel is externally mounted under the vehicle, allowing for additional under-floor storage in the boot.

Infotainment & Technology

The infotainment system in the Carens Clavis receives significant upgrades, with top-tier variants featuring a dual 12.3-inch screen setup for both the infotainment display and the digital instrument cluster, characterized by its responsive and intuitive interface running Kia's latest UI. Key technological features include Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (available on 8-inch screen variants; wired for 12.3-inch screen), Kia Connect connected car technology for remote functionalities like vehicle tracking and climate control, an 8-speaker BOSE premium audio system (in top variants), a wireless phone charger, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. Other notable features include ventilated front seats, a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ambient lighting with 64 colour options (in top trims), and a switchable HVAC panel (in top-spec trims) for dual control of climate and infotainment functions via a single touch-sensitive panel.

The Carens Clavis features a striking exterior redesign that imparts a robust, SUV-like appearance while retaining its core MPV architecture. The front fascia showcases redesigned headlights with a sharper, triangular LED configuration, aligning with Kia's contemporary design language. The front bumper has been re-sculpted for a bolder, integrated look, and the grille adopts a sleek, blanked-off treatment. New 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels enhance the vehicle's stance and visual presence. Prominent roof rails contribute to its SUV-inspired character, while the rear includes an updated connected LED tail light bar with Kia's signature "Star Map" design, offering a modern and distinct visual signature, especially at night. New front and rear skid plates with a metallic finish, along with black wheel arch and side mouldings, further emphasize its adventurous styling.

Safety in the Carens Clavis has been significantly enhanced, now featuring 18 standard safety features, up from the previous 10. Core safety features include 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain) across all variants, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera with guidelines.

The top-spec HTX+ variant includes Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), utilizing radar and camera inputs for a comprehensive suite of active safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and High Beam Assist. A 360-degree camera enhances parking and low-speed maneuvering.

The Kia Carens Clavis competes in the Indian market's family-oriented three-row segment, primarily challenging the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga. It also rivals larger SUVs/MPVs like the Hyundai Alcazar (with which it shares platforms and engines), Mahindra XUV700 (5-seater variants), Toyota Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, and Toyota Rumion. The Carens Clavis stands out with its unique "RV" positioning, blending a crossover-like stance with a comprehensive feature list, multiple powertrain options, and Level 2 ADAS. Its premium cabin, enhanced by new interior themes and dual screens, provides a luxurious feel for its price point.

The Kia Carens Clavis is a compelling package, building on the success of the original Carens. It offers a versatile, feature-packed, and safe vehicle that seamlessly blends MPV practicality with SUV appeal. With a comprehensive engine lineup, cutting-edge technology like Level 2 ADAS, and a premium cabin, it solidifies its position as a leading contender in its segment., prices making it a highly attractive proposition given its extensive features and capabilities.