Kia India has expanded the automatic lineup of the Carens Clavis by introducing automatic options in the lower HTE range. The Kia Carens Clavis automatic is now available from Rs 14.67 lakh, ex-showroom, making the three-row MPV’s turbo-petrol DCT and diesel automatic powertrains accessible without stepping up to the more expensive HTK+ trim.
The new options include the HTE (O) with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 7-speed DCT, HTE (EX) with the same powertrain, and HTE (O) with the 1.5-litre diesel and 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
Key Highlights
- Kia Carens Clavis automatic range now starts at Rs 14.67 lakh, ex-showroom.
- HTE (O) gets the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a 7-speed DCT.
- HTE (EX) turbo-petrol DCT is priced at Rs 15.22 lakh.
- HTE (O) diesel automatic costs Rs 15.82 lakh.
- New variants receive an Automatic Pack with keyless entry, push-button start, drive modes, electronic parking brake and remote engine start.
- The Carens Clavis continues to offer petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel powertrains with six- and seven-seat configurations depending on the variant.
Kia Carens Clavis New Automatic Variants and Prices
The biggest change is that buyers no longer need to move to the HTK+ range to get an automatic Carens Clavis. Kia has extended both automatic powertrains into the HTE family.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (O) Turbo DCT | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 7-speed DCT | Rs 14.67 lakh |
| HTE (EX) Turbo DCT | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 7-speed DCT | Rs 15.22 lakh |
| HTE (O) Diesel AT | 1.5-litre diesel | 6-speed AT | Rs 15.82 lakh |
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
The HTE (O) turbo-petrol DCT is now the most affordable automatic version of the Carens Clavis. Interestingly, the lower price is not achieved by pairing an automatic gearbox with the naturally aspirated petrol engine. Instead, Kia has brought the more powerful turbo-petrol engine into the HTE (O) trim.
Turbo-Petrol DCT and Diesel Automatic Explained
The turbo-petrol versions use Kia’s 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi engine. It produces around 160hp and 253Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The combination is already offered higher up in the Carens Clavis range, but it is now available in the value-focused HTE (O) and HTE (EX) variants.
The diesel automatic uses Kia’s 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine, developing 116hp, paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. It is available in the HTE (O) trim at Rs 15.82 lakh.
For buyers spending most of their time in heavy traffic, the automatic option can make the Clavis easier to drive than a manual. The diesel automatic, meanwhile, will appeal more to buyers who regularly cover longer distances and want the characteristics of a diesel powertrain.
What Features Do the New Automatic Variants Get?
Although the new versions sit lower in the Carens Clavis range, Kia has added an Automatic Pack to the new automatic variants.
The pack includes:
- Smart Key with Motion Sensor
- Push-button start/stop
- Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes
- Electronic parking brake
- Remote engine start
These additions are particularly relevant because the new automatic variants are aimed at buyers who want the convenience of an automatic without paying for a higher-spec trim.
The standard Clavis range also offers equipment such as a six-airbag setup, rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment and other family-oriented features depending on the variant. Higher variants add equipment such as ADAS Level 2, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof and other premium features.
Kia Carens Clavis Dimensions and Practicality
The Carens Clavis measures 4,550mm in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,708mm in height, with a 2,780mm wheelbase. It is available as a three-row family MPV, with six- and seven-seat configurations offered across the wider range.
The long wheelbase and three-row layout remain among the main reasons buyers consider the Clavis over conventional five-seat SUVs. The MPV format also gives it a practical advantage for families who regularly travel with multiple passengers.
However, buyers choosing the new lower-spec automatic variants should remember that they do not get the full equipment list of the higher trims. The main attraction here is the combination of automatic convenience and the Clavis’ family-focused packaging at a lower entry price.
How Does the New Pricing Change the Clavis Automatic Range?
Before this update, the automatic powertrains were positioned higher in the range. Kia’s move to HTE (O) and HTE (EX) brings the entry point down significantly.
For context, the existing HTK+ turbo-petrol DCT costs Rs 16.85 lakh, while the HTK+ diesel automatic is priced at Rs 17.57 lakh. The new HTE (O) turbo-petrol DCT therefore undercuts the HTK+ turbo DCT by more than Rs 2 lakh.
That price gap is important for buyers who prioritise the powertrain and seating capacity but do not necessarily need premium equipment such as ADAS, a panoramic sunroof or ventilated seats.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Automatic transmission is now available from a lower trim.
- Turbo-petrol DCT offers 160hp and 253Nm.
- Diesel automatic uses a torque-converter gearbox.
- Automatic Pack adds useful convenience features.
- Three-row seating makes it suitable for larger families.
- Lower entry price expands the choice for automatic buyers.
Cons
- Lower HTE variants miss several premium features available higher in the range.
- The turbo-petrol DCT is more expensive than the naturally aspirated petrol manual versions.
- Buyers wanting the most advanced Clavis features still need to move up the variant ladder.
- DCT-equipped turbo-petrol variants may not be the first choice for buyers prioritising long-distance fuel economy.
Is the New Kia Carens Clavis Automatic Worth Considering?
The new automatic variants change the value proposition of the Carens Clavis. Buyers who previously had to stretch their budget for an HTK+ automatic can now choose the HTE (O) turbo-petrol DCT at Rs 14.67 lakh.
For predominantly city use, the turbo-petrol DCT offers strong performance with the convenience of an automatic. The diesel AT at Rs 15.82 lakh is more relevant for buyers with higher annual running or frequent highway use.
The important trade-off is equipment. The lower variants give buyers the automatic powertrain at a substantially lower price, but those wanting ADAS, premium interiors, advanced camera systems and other high-end features will still need to consider the upper variants.
Overall, Kia’s latest update makes the Kia Carens Clavis automatic available to a wider range of buyers while retaining the choice between turbo-petrol DCT and diesel automatic powertrains.
FAQs
What is the price of the Kia Carens Clavis automatic?
The Kia Carens Clavis automatic now starts at Rs 14.67 lakh, ex-showroom, for the HTE (O) turbo-petrol DCT.
Which is the cheapest Kia Carens Clavis automatic variant?
The HTE (O) turbo-petrol DCT is currently the most affordable automatic Carens Clavis at Rs 14.67 lakh, ex-showroom.
What is the price of the Carens Clavis HTE (EX) DCT?
The HTE (EX) turbo-petrol DCT costs Rs 15.22 lakh, ex-showroom.
Does the Kia Carens Clavis HTE (O) get a diesel automatic?
Yes. The HTE (O) is now available with the 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox at Rs 15.82 lakh, ex-showroom.
What engine does the Carens Clavis turbo DCT use?
The turbo DCT uses a 1.5-litre Smartstream T-GDi petrol engine producing about 160hp and 253Nm, paired with a 7-speed DCT.
What automatic gearbox does the Carens Clavis diesel use?
The 1.5-litre diesel is paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
What is included in the Carens Clavis Automatic Pack?
The Automatic Pack adds a smart key with motion sensor, push-button start/stop, drive modes, electronic parking brake and remote engine start.
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