The Drive Report: Kia Carens Clavis

The festive season is upon us, which means car sales are likely to see yet another uptick. With mid-size SUVs and MPVs locked in the most competitive space, attention inevitably shifts to newer launches this year – chief among them, the Kia Carens Clavis.

What is a Clavis?

And while we’re on the subject, what exactly is a Carens? Without venturing into the etymology of either word, what matters is what the Clavis suffix signifies. In essence, this is a Carens elevated—sharper design, more contemporary features, and an upmarket positioning. The standard Carens will continue, suffix-free, in a single lower trim.

Design

The Clavis is instantly more visually appealing than its twin. Built on the same platform, it’s essentially a Carens dressed in a sharper suit and shinier shoes – 17-inch alloys, to be precise. Fuss-free and modern in a way that somehow makes the original Carens look dated, the Clavis wears a monolithic bumper seamlessly integrated with a slim grille. Its inverted golf-club headlights strike the balance between quirky and palatable – Korean design character without overstepping Indian taste.

The Clavis now aligns with Kia’s global design language, echoing cues from the EV9, EV6, and inevitably, the upcoming Clavis EV – towards which this design direction clearly converges. The wheelbase and body panels remain unchanged, but roof rails, a rear spoiler, and new alloys freshen up the profile.

Interiors

This is where Kia continues to excel. The Clavis represents a striking departure from the standard Carens with a redesigned dashboard, steering wheel, and display units – all borrowing a page from the Syros. Two 12.3-inch screens handle infotainment and instrumentation duties, though the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remains conspicuous.

The EV-inspired vibe continues inside: textured cloth panels on the dash, higher-grade plastics, and a minimalist multifunction panel that neatly consolidates controls. A panoramic sunroof (which nudges the rear AC vents to the B-pillars), a 360-degree camera, and the option of captain’s seats all contribute to the premium feel.

Access to the third row no longer feels like an undignified scramble. A one-touch tumble-and-fold function on the left middle seat eases entry. Once inside, space is workable for two adults, thanks to the sliding middle row that helps negotiate legroom. Importantly, Kia hasn’t treated the third row as an afterthought – rear passengers get their own AC vents, USB-C charging points, adjustable headrests, and three-point seatbelts. It’s not palatial, but it’s genuinely usable for more than just children – say, child-sized adults.

Performance

The Clavis is the first Kia to pair a manual gearbox with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit, and the surprise is just how engaging this MPV feels to drive. With 158 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, there’s more power than a family mover could reasonably need. What’s more delightful is the execution: slick gear throws, a light clutch, and shifts that require minimal effort.

It’s not the perfect city car, but it’s far from cumbersome. Overtakes are easy, and thanks to relatively tall initial gearing, the engine never feels frantic. For those who prefer to be chauffeured, the petrol manual is an ideal choice for the daily grind. But should you feel like taking the wheel yourself, it’s equally capable of delivering a spirited weekend drive.

Verdict

The Clavis is more than a facelift – it’s a reinvention that makes the standard Carens feel like an afterthought. While it doesn’t offer additional space, the existing cabin has been transformed into a more plush, feature-rich environment. Multiple USB-C ports, repositioned AC vents, a sunroof, and, in higher trims, Level 2 ADAS all reinforce its premium pitch.

With prices starting at ₹13.17 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base T-GDI petrol manual, the Clavis comes across as a compelling bargain. Spacious, comfortable, surprisingly sprightly, and far easier on the eyes, the Carens Clavis has all the makings of Kia’s next big hit.