The Drive Report: Kia Carens Clavis EV

In profile the Carens Clavis EV looks nearly identical to the ICE Carens Clavis, but that’s only because the latter has been designed with electrification in mind

Shortly after its arrival, the Kia Carens Clavis EV (quite a mouthful) already began to make headlines as Kia India’s best-selling EV. Granted, it won this on a bit of technicality given that the EV6 operates in a far more premium segment, but it’s not very difficult to see the Clavis EV’s appeal. At Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom) it’s already the most affordable seven-seater electric SUV.

In profile the Carens Clavis EV looks nearly identical to the ICE Carens Clavis, but that’s only because the latter has been designed with electrification in mind. There are a few tell-tale signs that this is the electric version. For instance, there’s a light bar above the grille that glows, the bumper features active aero elements and if you’re familiar with EV design tropes by now, you’ll know that the 17-inch wheels are aero-optimised in a way that’s par for the course with EVs. Much like the Hyundai Creta, the battery pack is placed in the wheelbase. Buyers can choose between 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery packs. The smaller pack is paired with a 135hp motor producing 255Nm, whereas the larger battery is linked to a 171hp unit with the same torque output. Regardless of configuration, the motor is mounted at the front and sends power to the front wheels.

Step inside and the same cavernous, MPV interior greets you, albeit with a few key changes. The absence of a transmission tunnel means that there’s a lot more space inside both in the front and middle row. Up front, the console functions as an armrest and includes cupholders plus the seat-ventilation controls. Open storage sits below, contributing to the cabin’s bright, airy vibe. Contrary to what many have claimed, the third row offers a reasonable amount of space for average-sized adults, especially after the middle row has been adjusted. Accessing the third row is straightforward, thanks to a one-touch powered seat-fold mechanism that creates a wide passage.

With a panoramic roof, the sense of space inside is greater than what anything Tata or Mahindra have on offer at the moment. Even the placement of the battery is so stealthy that it doesn’t cause your knees to be pushed-up by the raised floor.

Kia Carens Clavis EV

The central touchscreen, the dashboard and steering design, all remain identical to the ICE Carens Clavis. As a result, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto remain unavailable. Another highlight of the Carens Clavis EV is the ADAS functionality. It’s never too intrusive and works well with regenerative braking

Performance

This is where the significantly pricier Clavis EV surpasses its ICE variant. There aren’t any party tricks, but thanks to the EV powertrain, the Clavis feels a lot livelier, building speed in a linear, steady manner. The long-range 51.4 kWh version packs in more power, but given that the torque figures are the same, you’ll not be left wanting for greater acceleration. Regenerative braking is truly effective and thanks to the easy-access paddles, you can move up to single-pedal driving in an instant. Sport mode does kick things-up a notch and while it's thrilling for short commutes, you’re better off in “Normal” mode if you want to save-up on range. The long-range version does come with 490 km of range, but expect it to be more around 350 km in real-world driving conditions. The Clavis EV accepts up to 100kW DC charging, taking it from 10–80% in 39 minutes. Kia is setting up these fast chargers at its dealerships, but real long-distance usability for the Carens EV will depend on how quickly high-speed chargers spread across the country.

Comfort

Kia intends to be the market leader when it comes to MPVs and the Carens Clavis perfectly exemplifies how it can do this. The Carens isn’t imposing like SUVs. Its appeal lies in its sheer utility and ease of driving. Visibility is exceptional, the suspension set-up soft. While this does make it wallow a bit at slower speeds, at moderate and higher speeds, it absolutely soaks-up undulations. The suspension set-up has been retuned in accordance with the added battery weight but hard braking before bumps and craters does make its sharpness apparent.

Verdict

When compared to the competitively priced Carens Clavis, the EV version might seem pricy, but it’s still a bargain for the amount of space, comfort and utility being offered. With the arrival of the Mahindra XEV 9S, it has another contender for the three-row EV space – one with a larger battery pack but also a heftier price tag. For most people, the Carens Clavis EV’s combo of space and performance, along with a more competitive price tag ought to be enough.