KATHMANDU: Kia has unveiled the all-new Carens Clavis MPV, which is positioned as a more premium offering than the existing Carens, in the Indian market.
With SUV-inspired styling and a host of modern features, the Clavis is designed to deliver a more upscale and refined experience. It follows Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy, giving it a bold, futuristic appearance. The front fascia features a distinctive new design with triangular LED headlamps, sleek Star Map LED DRLs and a silver skid plate integrated into a blacked-out bumper.
It has connected LED tail lamps and a redesigned bumper at the rear. The MPV uses larger 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and is available in eight monotone color options.
Inside, the Clavis boasts a significantly upgraded cabin. A large 26.62-inch dual display panel that serves as both the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster is the major highlight in the cabin. Other premium features include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 4-way powered driver’s seat, an 8-speaker BOSE sound system and a smart air purifier with real-time AQI display. The dashboard and steering wheel draw inspiration from Kia’s Syros SUV.
Like the Carens, the Clavis offers flexible 6- and 7-seat configurations. Light-colored upholstery and stylish AC vents further enhance the cabin’s luxurious feel.
Safety has also been upgraded. The top variant comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS, offering 20 advanced driver assistance features such as smart cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, a 360-degree camera and forward collision avoidance. All variants include 18 standard safety features, including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), all-wheel disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Clavis retains the same engine options as the Carens: a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine (160 PS), a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine (115 PS) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS). A new 6-speed manual transmission is now available with the turbo petrol engine, in addition to the existing 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT options.
Continental Trading Enterprises, which represents Kia in the Nepali market, has already made Kia Carens available in the domestic market. The car competes with 7-seater MPVs and SUVs, such as the Hyundai Alcazar.
