As someone deeply passionate about automobiles and always on the lookout for the next big thing in the MPV space, I’ve been following the upcoming Kia Clavis very closely. Slated for an official launch on May 23, 2025, the Clavis isn’t just another variant of the Carens—it’s a far more premium and evolved MPV that seems to align beautifully with the expectations of modern Indian families.
When I first came across the spy shots and leaked feature lists, I knew this was going to be a head-turner. And now, with Kia officially confirming its launch date and opening bookings both online and offline, I finally got the chance to dive deep into what this new 7-seater has to offer. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything—from its elegant exterior to its smart powertrains and intelligent features—and explain why the Clavis might just redefine the MPV segment in India.
Contents
- 1 A Refined Exterior That Commands Attention
- 2 Step Inside: Comfort Meets Modern Luxury
- 3 Engine Options: Balanced Between Power and Practicality
- 4 Interior Features That Make Everyday Life Easier
- 5 Tech That’s Truly Smart
- 6 Variants, Expected Pricing, and My Verdict
- 7 Final Thoughts: Is The Kia Clavis Right For You?
A Refined Exterior That Commands Attention
Let me start with what we all notice first—the design. The Kia Clavis comes across as subtle yet confident. Unlike the more utilitarian look of the standard Carens, the Clavis brings in a more streamlined and premium appearance. The front fascia, with its closed-off grille and uniquely sculpted cube-shaped LED headlamps, immediately gives it a futuristic look. There’s a sense of clarity and minimalism in how the front bumper is shaped, and even the air inlets are now cleaner and more purposeful.
What I found especially captivating is how Kia has styled the rear section. The LED tail lamps are now connected across the width of the tailgate, giving it a wider stance and a distinctly upmarket feel. The new 17-inch dual-tone crystal-cut alloy wheels add a refined touch, while the updated metal-finished skid plates elevate the rugged elegance of the car. And then there’s the new Ivory Silver gloss paint option, which to me feels like a perfect balance between sophistication and daily usability.
Step Inside: Comfort Meets Modern Luxury
If the exterior of the Clavis is about strong first impressions, the interior is all about creating a lasting experience. The moment I saw the new cabin layout, I could immediately sense Kia’s intent to build something more upscale. The most striking element is the panoramic 26.62-inch wide screen that flows across the dashboard, integrating both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. It’s sleek, intuitive, and enhances the feeling of space.
But it’s not just about technology—it’s about how everything comes together to serve real comfort. The one-touch electric tumble seats in the second row are a blessing when you’re trying to access the third row quickly. For someone like me who frequently travels with friends or family, this is a practical detail that makes a real difference. The walk-in lever for the third row further simplifies entry and exit, especially for older passengers or kids.
There are thoughtful touches throughout the cabin that I personally admire. The roof-mounted diffused air vents distribute airflow much more evenly, while seat-back air purifier modules ensure that every journey feels fresh and pleasant. Kia has clearly gone the extra mile to make the Clavis cabin a comfortable, breathable, and well-connected space for all passengers.
Engine Options: Balanced Between Power and Practicality
Now let’s talk about performance—something I always pay close attention to. Kia is offering the Clavis with three familiar engines: a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbocharged petrol, and a diesel. What caught my eye is that the turbo petrol engine now comes with an additional 6-speed manual transmission option, giving enthusiasts a bit more driving engagement without having to move to the DCT or iMT.
Here’s a quick look at the engine and transmission combinations available with the Clavis:
| Engine Type | Estimated Power Output | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L NA Petrol | ~115 PS | 6-Speed Manual |
| 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol | ~160 PS | 6-Speed Manual, 7-Speed DCT, iMT |
| 1.5L Diesel (CRDi) | ~116 PS | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic |
I personally think this lineup covers a wide range of driving styles. Whether you’re someone who values fuel efficiency on your daily commutes or someone like me who occasionally enjoys a quick highway sprint, there’s a powertrain that fits your needs. The diesel option remains a strong performer for long-distance comfort, especially when paired with the smooth torque converter gearbox.
Interior Features That Make Everyday Life Easier
One of the areas where the Clavis truly stands out is the sheer number of practical and luxurious features it offers. But unlike many cars that overload on features for marketing headlines, the Clavis integrates them in a way that feels natural and usable.
I was particularly impressed with the inclusion of ventilated front seats, a feature I now consider essential given how often I’m on the road during peak summers. The 4-way powered driver’s seat adds convenience, especially during longer drives, while the dual-pane panoramic sunroof not only adds light to the cabin but also enhances the sense of space for everyone onboard.
There’s a new button-based toggle control that allows you to switch between infotainment and climate functions seamlessly, which I think is such a clever design decision. It reduces distraction and ensures smoother control without needing to dig into multiple menus.
Tech That’s Truly Smart
As someone who spends a good chunk of her day managing work from a smartphone, I always appreciate connected car tech that makes life easier. The Clavis supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so there’s no need for cables cluttering the center console. It also comes with Kia Connect—meaning you can remotely start the engine, pre-cool the cabin, check diagnostics, and even lock or unlock the car through your phone.
Then there’s the 360-degree camera with blind spot view, which I find incredibly useful when navigating through tight spaces or reversing in busy city lanes. The Clavis also offers segment-first features like remote window up/down and rear-door-mounted spot lamps—small details that genuinely elevate the daily ownership experience.
And let’s not forget about safety. The inclusion of Level 2 ADAS features puts the Clavis a step ahead of most MPVs in its class. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist—it’s all designed to make your journeys safer and more relaxing.
Variants, Expected Pricing, and My Verdict
Kia will offer the Clavis in seven variants—HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+. Based on everything I’ve studied so far, the HTX and HTX+ variants seem to offer the best value in terms of features, safety, and tech.
While the official prices will be revealed on May 23, I expect them to start from around ₹12.5 lakh for the base variant and go up to ₹19.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-spec diesel automatic with all bells and whistles. At that pricing, the Clavis will sit above the standard Carens and go up against some mid-size 7-seater SUVs—but with a far more family-focused appeal.
Final Thoughts: Is The Kia Clavis Right For You?
After carefully reviewing everything Kia is bringing with the Clavis, I genuinely believe it’s one of the most well-rounded MPVs we’ll see in 2025. It’s stylish without being flashy, practical without feeling barebones, and smart without being over-engineered.
