Kia Clavis Launch on May 23: Prices Leaked!
Kia is set to unveil its latest offering, the Clavis, on May 23. Billed as a more premium sibling of the Carens MPV, the Clavis aims to carve out its own space by blending SUV-inspired aesthetics with family-friendly MPV functionality. While the official reveal is just days away, leaked pricing details have already sparked interest, hinting at a competitive market entry. However, discrepancies in the leaked documents mean that prospective buyers will need to wait a little longer for clarity on final pricing and variant breakdowns.
Building on Carens, But Going Upmarket
Since its introduction in 2022, the Kia Carens has been a strong performer in the Indian MPV space, known for its practicality, space and accessible pricing. With over two lakh units sold, it has become a go-to choice for families. But the Clavis takes a different approach. Instead of targeting budget-conscious buyers, it caters to those looking for added flair, more premium features and tech upgrades without moving all the way up to the likes of the Innova Hycross [on price front].
The Clavis doesn’t replace the Carens. Rather, it complements it by offering a more design-forward, feature-loaded alternative that appeals to younger, urban families who see their car as more than just a people mover. The goal seems clear: give buyers the practicality of an MPV, the style of an SUV and the sophistication of a mid-size crossover, all in one package.
Design: A Bolder Take on the MPV
Visually, the Clavis adopts several cues from Kia’s EV range. Up front, it sports a closed grille flanked by a full-width LED light bar, modern headlamp clusters, and a sculpted bonnet. The side profile features clean body lines, 17-inch alloys and squared-off wheel arches that add a hint of SUV ruggedness. At the rear, connected LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper give it a planted, upmarket look. In essence, Kia has managed to retain the MPV proportions while infusing enough visual character to appeal to SUV-leaning preferences.
Interior: Function Meets Flair
Step inside, and the changes are even more noticeable. The Clavis features a dual 12.3-inch screen setup, combining a fully digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system into a single floating panel. The use of soft-touch materials, ambient lighting and updated seat upholstery lifts the overall cabin ambience.
Passenger comfort has clearly been a focus. Sliding second-row seats, a one-touch tumble mechanism for third-row access, and both six- and seven-seat layouts ensure flexibility for different family setups. Higher variants may also get features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat and a premium Bose sound system. Safety and driver aids could include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and perhaps even forward-collision warnings on top trims.
Under the Hood: Familiar But Versatile
The Clavis will carry over the Carens’ engine options. This includes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission choices are likely to include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, a 7-speed DCT for the turbo-petrol variant, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the diesel. Kia is expected to offer up to seven trims, possibly ranging from HTE to HTX+, with configuration choices tailored to both private buyers and fleet operators.
Price Speculation: Where Will It Land?
Unofficial price leaks suggest a wide ex-showroom range from ₹11.60 lakh to ₹20.40 lakh. But missing details, like variant-level engine pairings, suggest this may be preliminary or speculative. Most market watchers expect the Clavis to start around ₹12–14 lakh, placing it between the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Toyota Rumion on one end, and just below the Toyota Innova Hycross on the other. This could allow Kia to straddle both mid-range and premium MPV segments without cannibalising its own lineup.
Bookings and Early Interest
Bookings for the Clavis are already open, with a ₹25,000 token amount. Dealers report strong interest, especially from existing MPV owners looking to upgrade, and from compact SUV buyers who feel underserved by space or features. Kia’s pitch is simple: offer more premium kit without pricing out the upper-middle-class buyer.
Why the Clavis Matters
As Indian buyers become more design-conscious and tech-savvy, the success of vehicles like the Clavis will depend on how well they balance emotion with utility. If Kia gets the pricing right and ensures availability across key trims, the Clavis could become a bridge between mass-market MPVs and more expensive crossovers, offering aspirational value without stretching affordability.
The May 23 launch will provide final answers on specifications, trims and pricing. Until then, the Clavis stands as one of the most anticipated family vehicles of 2024, promising to shake up a segment that is ripe for reinvention.