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News18
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Kia Carens Clavis EV: Not A Showstopper, But Surely A Smart Choice
Based on its ICE sibling but with a fresh electric soul, the Clavis EV promises to combine MPV practicality with EV tech. But is it just another electric vehicle, or does it genuinely plug a gap in the Indian EV space? News18 Auto got behind the wheel recently, and here's everything you need to know. Design At first glance, the Clavis EV may remind you of the regular Carens, but a closer look reveals subtle and smart changes that give it an identity of its own. The charging port at the front, rather than on the side or rear, is a unique and practical move, especially for tight parking spots. The sleek LED DRL strip running across the bonnet adds a modern EV touch, while the aero flaps up front and optimised alloy wheels help with better efficiency. The redesigned rear fender (where the fuel cap once was) and hydraulic bonnet lifts are not just aesthetic upgrades—they're practical ones. From a female perspective, it makes opening and closing the bonnet less of an upper-body workout, and houses the charger neatly underneath. It's clear Kia has borrowed cues from its premium electric siblings like the EV6, yet the Clavis EV stands on its own—mature, refined, and purpose-driven. Interior & Features Step inside and it's a different world from the ICE Clavis. The floating centre console with extra storage underneath is not only stylish but highly functional—especially for those of us who like to keep things organised. There's a neat tray under the console that fits a handbag or small laptop easily. There's no start button on the dash. Instead, it's integrated into the right-side lever, which also doubles up as the drive mode selector. It takes a second to get used to, but it's actually quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. And while the electronic seat adjustment is smooth, I found the driver seat ergonomics a bit off. Even after adjusting the height, I struggled to get the perfect position—my legs didn't reach the pedals comfortably, which could be a challenge for shorter drivers like me. Rear passengers get thoughtful touches like an air purifier, a cup-holder tray, and two Type-C ports. The third row can be tumbled down with a single button, and while it's roomy enough for kids, adults will find it a squeeze—especially in terms of legroom. That said, the third-row reclining function is a welcome surprise. Boot space is surprisingly generous for an EV MPV—you can easily fit 2-3 cabin bags with the third row up, and even more when folded flat. Performance The Carens Clavis EV comes with two battery options: a 42kWh (404km MIDC range) and a larger 51.4kWh pack (490km MIDC range). We drove the extended range version with the 126kW motor that makes 255Nm of torque. It accelerates cleanly, and the catch-up speed is more than adequate for city and occasional highway runs. You get adjustable regen through paddle shifters, and long pressing the left one activates i-Pedal mode—enabling single-pedal driving. It's intuitive and smooth, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Ride & Handling For an MPV on Indian roads, ride quality matters, and the Clavis EV does a good job here. It absorbs potholes, speed breakers, and rough patches with ease, offering a soft, cushioned ride. There is minimal body roll, which is commendable for a vehicle of this size and segment. The steering is light, perfect for urban manoeuvres, and the large glass area makes visibility excellent. That elevated seating position gives you a commanding view, although, as we mentioned earlier, seat ergonomics for shorter drivers could be improved. Braking feels progressive and confident, and the suspension setup handles a mix of city and highway driving without much drama. Price The Clavis EV is priced between Rs 17.99 lakh and Rs 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). For what it offers—a 7-seat configuration, extensive features, a reliable powertrain, and EV-specific touches—it's priced fairly. It sits comfortably below the BYD e6 Max 7, making it a more affordable option for families keen to make the EV switch. advetisement Verdict
News18
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
2025 Kia Carens Clavis: Can This MPV Make Its Mark In A Competitive Segment?
Last Updated: 2025 Kia Carens Clavis Launch: The MPV will likely appeal to buyers who want the practicality of an MPV but also desire a modern design and smoother driving experience. In a country where the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment has become a go-to choice for large families and road trip lovers, automakers are constantly trying to offer more comfort, better practicality, and updated technology. Kia has already made a mark in this space with the Carens, and now, it's back with a refreshed and more focused version – the Kia Carens Clavis. News18 Auto got behind the wheel of this new MPV to see how it holds up in real-world conditions. Design and Dimensions The Carens Clavis gets a refreshed design that sits somewhere between an MPV and a compact SUV. From the outside, it's more upright and squared-off compared to the standard Carens. This gives it a slightly more rugged presence, without going overboard. Having said that, it gets a more upright bonnet, a blanked-out grille, and a connected LED DRL setup. It even looks like an EV from some angles. There's no major change in the side profile apart from the new 17-inch alloy wheels, but the rear design gets a fresher touch with connected tail-lamps, a trend now common across segments. The dimensions remain largely identical to the current Carens, except for a small increase in length by 10mm. Interior and Features One of the most noticeable upgrades inside the Clavis is the single connected screen setup, replacing the older dual 12.3-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment. This not only looks cleaner but also improves visibility and ease of use. The cabin layout feels familiar, yet more modern. The dashboard now has a fabric finish instead of gloss black, which adds to the premium feel. There's a new beige and navy blue upholstery, and while it looks premium, it may not be the easiest to maintain. As far as features go, the Clavis clearly sets itself apart from the standard Carens. It now comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake (available only in the automatic variant), a powered driver seat, and Level 2 ADAS. However, some of these features are limited to the top-spec petrol variant only. Notably, the diesel version misses out on ADAS and the panoramic sunroof – a bit of a letdown for those looking for both efficiency and tech. Space and Comfort We drove the six-seater version with captain seats, and the comfort in the second row stands out. The seats offer great support and are slideable. One of the standout features is the electric tumble function on one of the captain seats. It's easy to use and helps access the third row without a fuss. Speaking of which, the third row is good enough for three children, but not more than two adults. Even then, adults below 6 feet may find the legroom tight. Both captain seats are child-friendly, which adds to the appeal for family buyers. Second-row occupants get features like tray tables, sun blinds, roof-mounted AC vents, dual type-C ports, and air purifier. Despite the feature upgrades, practicality remains unchanged, which isn't a bad thing. Visibility is good, the panoramic sunroof adds airiness, and storage spaces are adequate. Engine and Performance The Clavis gets the same engine options as the standard Carens – a 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. We tested the petrol 7-speed DCT version. On city roads, the engine is responsive enough and picks up pace smoothly. However, we did notice a power lag on highways, especially during overtakes or while trying to climb at higher speeds. The engine doesn't feel underpowered, but it certainly takes a second to respond, particularly in the variant we were driving. That said, the clutch is light and gear shifts are smooth, ideal for city commutes. Ride and Handling The ride quality is impressive, even with larger 17-inch wheels. The suspension setup is good – it absorbs regular bumps and rough patches without discomfort. That said, you will feel the bigger potholes, especially at higher speeds. On the plus side, there's no body roll, even when cornering at moderate speeds, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. Brakes are responsive and well-calibrated. The car stops confidently without any drama. NVH levels have improved, with less road noise filtering in. From a female perspective, despite being a full-size MPV, the Clavis is very light to drive. Maneuverability in tight city spaces or parking lots felt easy and stress-free. Kia seems to have tuned the steering just right for everyday usability. The brakes are also progressive and confidence-inspiring, which adds to the overall sense of control. Safety Features Kia has packed in a Level 2 ADAS suite (for the top petrol variant) along with six airbags, ABS, ESC, TPMS, and hill-start assist. While these features were already present in the older Carens to some extent, the Clavis brings in advanced driver-assistance features. Verdict The Kia Carens Clavis does feel like a more refined and family-focused offering compared to the regular Carens. While the standard Carens offers more space and premium variants, the Clavis focuses on compact practicality, lighter handling, and ease of use – especially for city-bound families. It's also more approachable for women and new drivers, thanks to its lighter steering and overall drivability. In terms of competition, the Clavis will take on the likes of the Renault Triber, Maruti Ertiga, Maruti XL6, and even Toyota Rumion to some extent. While it may not beat all its rivals on size or power, it scores high on everyday usability, thoughtful features like the electric tumble seat, and a city-friendly design. If priced well, the Kia Carens Clavis could hit the sweet spot for urban families looking for a modern MPV that's easy to live with and doesn't compromise on comfort. It may not be a full-blown upgrade in terms of size or performance, but it certainly feels like a smarter evolution of the Carens family. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India — including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news, EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : India Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 16, 2025, 15:16 IST News auto 2025 Kia Carens Clavis: Can This MPV Make Its Mark In A Competitive Segment?
