Sporty MPVs are on a roll, aren’t they? This new three-row premium recreational vehicle from the house of Kia India marks the evolution of the Carens into a more SUV-oriented proposition. While its predecessor leaned heavily into MPV territory, the Clavis aims to blend the versatility of an MPV with the upright stance of an SUV. At the core of this transition is not only a redesigned exterior and feature-rich interior but also an expanded powertrain menu, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a manual transmission. We drove the 1.5l turbocharged petrol with the 7-speed DCT, though aligning with the memory of its predecessor that we recently drove a few months ago. Our focus in this review lies on the DCT, although the wider line-up merits attention for its flexibility.
Design Evolution With Identity
Kia’s latest design language is clear in the upright front fascia, Starmap LED DRLs and reprofiled bumpers. The stance is stronger and more defined than before, supported by new 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels. The rear, with its connected LED tail-lamps and revised skid plate, feels mature and cohesive. But now the rear also looks a lot like the Sonet, which kind of takes away the distinct identity of the Carens, which we preferred earlier. The front is definitely a great change, but the rear takes away some essence. We will let you be the judge of its design.
By the way the term Clavis comes from the Latin phrase ‘clavis aurea,’ which means ‘golden key’. Kia wants you to explore more and unlock more in terms of your understanding. So pipe down on the innuendo, please.
The cabin continues this theme of evolution and is much better to be in. Gone is the piano black dash, which was a fingerprint and dust magnate, and in is the new fabric vista. It sports a dual 12.25-inch digital display set-up and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. True to its Carens lineage, the Clavis offers both 6- and 7-seat layouts.
Boot space is 216 litres with all rows up, adequate for short trips. There is plenty of cabin storage, with cooling can holders in the second row, folding tables and multiple cup holders. Passenger comfort is further improved through ventilated front seats, rear sunblinds and improved NVH insulation. Kia claims notable gains here, reducing idle noise by 3 dB and making the cabin quieter than most rivals.
Familiar Powertrain Performance
The highlight of the Clavis experience is still the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT. Delivering refined and responsive performance, the combination feels optimised for urban commuting as well as highway cruising. Gearshifts are smooth, with minimal hesitation under sudden throttle inputs. For those seeking more control, the manual version of this engine has also been introduced for the first time, promising a more engaged drive.
Fuel efficiency for the turbo petrol DCT stands at 16.66 kmpl, while the manual version delivers 15.95 kmpl. Diesel remains the most frugal, offering up to 19.54 kmpl with the manual. Now, these numbers depend on your driving styles, but we did notice an improvement in fuel efficiency figures over the Carens, despite some added weight.
Ride Balanced & Predictable
The Clavis feels well-balanced on the move. The suspension has been retuned to retain comfort while managing body roll effectively. Ride quality is composed even over uneven tarmac. We detoured around the backstreets of Nandi hills, where some broken patches were dealt with aplomb. But note that this is all being tested with two occupants and minimum luggage. More will be unveiled when we get the car for a longer test in Delhi.
Braking performance has improved too. Our car is running on 17-inch CEAT SecuraDrive tyres, which are quiet and grippy. We were able to chuck them around some tight hairpins, and they gripped very well.
Safety Tech
Yes, the Clavis now packs radar and camera-based ADAS Level 2 with 20 autonomous features, including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Six airbags are standard across all variants, along with the usuals ABS, ESC, VSM and hill start assist. The 360-degree camera and safe exit assist further simplify urban usability. In terms of tech, the Bose 8-speaker system and ventilated front seats are just wonderful conveniences.
The Kia Clavis has surely matured into a more desirable and better-rounded vehicle. It presents a compelling case for urban families seeking performance and convenience without sacrificing space. There are multiple powertrain choices for you to pick from, suiting your individual requirements. The addition of the manual turbo variant extends its appeal further, making it relevant for enthusiasts needing more seats. For buyers looking for a 6- or 7-seater with modern flair, the Clavis fits right into the conversation, offering more than expected, without trying too hard to stand out. And yes, the Carens will continue to sell in limited variants for customers on stricter budgets.
Photography: Mohd Nasir
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