Kia has unveiled the Carens Clavis, a more refined and feature-rich version of the Carens MPV. Though it might appear to be a facelift, the Clavis is being sold alongside the existing Carens lineup, not as its replacement. Let’s explore how these two models differ in terms of styling, features, and mechanicals.
Design Differences: Sharper and More Contemporary
The Carens Clavis adopts a bolder, more modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from Kia’s latest EVs—particularly the EV5. While the changes are mostly skin-deep, they significantly alter the overall look:
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Front Styling: The Clavis features triangular LED headlamps with a new 3-pod lighting signature and a wide, L-shaped LED DRL strip that spans the front fascia. The bumper has a cleaner layout, ditching chrome for a satin silver finish, with more extensive black cladding for a rugged appeal. In contrast, the standard Carens retains a more traditional look with black trim surrounding the grille and headlamps.
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Side Profile: The Clavis gets newly designed 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels (compared to 16-inch on the top Carens trims) and a revised silver finish on the side cladding.
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Rear Styling: At the rear, the Clavis sports sleeker LED tail-lamps with a full-width illuminated bar. The lower bumper section features a pronounced satin silver garnish, replacing the chrome found on the regular Carens.
Interior Updates: More Premium, More Tech
Inside, the Clavis boasts a significantly revised cabin layout:
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Screens & Dashboard: The dashboard is redesigned to accommodate a new connected, floating screen layout. It features a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and digital cluster, while the Carens uses a smaller 10.25-inch unit with a separate digital display. The Clavis dashboard also uses a matte finish versus the gloss treatment in the Carens.
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New Elements: A 2-spoke steering wheel (inspired by Kia’s Syros) and a touch-based HVAC panel that toggles between climate and infotainment controls (similar to Hyundai Verna) are notable upgrades in the Clavis.
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Ambience & Materials: Ambient lighting is reimagined in the Clavis with refreshed seat upholstery and new colour accents. Both models still offer 6- and 7-seat configurations, with largely similar centre consoles.
Features: Clavis Packs in More
The Carens Clavis expands on the already well-equipped Carens by offering:
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A panoramic sunroof (vs. single-pane in the Carens)
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4-way powered driver’s seat
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A full ADAS suite including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking
Common premium features shared between top variants of both models include:
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Front ventilated seats
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Electric tumble second-row seat
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Dual dashcams
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Wireless charger
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360-degree camera
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Bose sound system
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Connected car tech with OTA updates
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Drive modes, 6 airbags, and ESC
Powertrains: More Gearbox Flexibility on the Clavis
Both models offer the same engine options:
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1.5L NA petrol (115 hp)
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1.5L diesel (116 hp)
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1.5L turbo-petrol (160 hp)
However, the Clavis provides greater flexibility with the turbo-petrol unit, offering a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, and a 7-speed DCT. The regular Carens limits this engine to iMT and DCT only. Both models share manual and automatic options for the other engines.
Additionally, Kia has confirmed that an all-electric version of the Clavis is in the pipeline—something not planned for the regular Carens.
Conclusion: Clavis for a Premium Edge
The Kia Carens Clavis is clearly targeted at buyers seeking a more modern design, upscale interiors, and added tech, especially ADAS and a panoramic sunroof. Mechanically, it also brings more gearbox flexibility and potential for electrification.
That said, both models are still very similar in core structure and seating options, so pricing will play a key role. Expect the Clavis to command a slight premium over its standard sibling. Once pricing is announced later this month, it will be interesting to see how the Clavis positions itself against segment rivals like the Maruti XL6, Ertiga, and Toyota Rumion.
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