Kia Clavis MPV Teased Ahead Of May 8 Launch- To Replace Carens?

By | May 1, 2025

Kia Clavis MPV Teased Ahead Of May 8 Launch — Will It Replace The Carens?

Kia India is all set to unveil its latest compact SUV, the Kia Clavis, on May 8, 2025. The teaser reveals an exciting new vehicle that sits between the Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos in terms of size and price. While there has been speculation that the Clavis could replace the Kia Carens, official details and timelines suggest otherwise. Instead, both models are expected to coexist as part of Kia’s strategy to diversify its portfolio in India.

A Stylish New Entry: The Kia Clavis

To begin with, the Kia Clavis brings a boxy and upright design, which sets it apart from other SUVs in Kia’s lineup. The teaser image suggests a unique identity, inspired by the Kia EV9 and Carnival Limousine, with a flat roofline, sharp cuts, and L-shaped LED tail lamps.

Moreover, it sports vertically stacked projector headlamps and a muscular silhouette, giving it a rugged yet premium appearance. According to experts, the Clavis aims to combine urban practicality with off-road charm — something Indian buyers are increasingly demanding.

In addition, the SUV’s side profile shows flush door handles and strong character lines, hinting at Kia’s effort to make the Clavis look futuristic and robust at the same time. The design language is in line with Kia’s current global aesthetics, emphasizing minimalism and boldness.

🔗 More on Kia Clavis teaser at HT Auto

Interior and Features: Loaded With Tech

When it comes to interiors, the Clavis is expected to be feature-packed. While official interior images haven’t been released, spy shots and leaks suggest a dual-screen layout, including a digital driver display and infotainment screen, much like the Kia Seltos facelift.

Furthermore, the Clavis may feature:

  • A two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Electric sunroof
  • Push-button start/stop
  • 360-degree camera
  • ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
  • Six airbags in top trims

Clearly, Kia is positioning the Clavis as a premium compact SUV with modern technology, aligning with current consumer expectations in India’s mid-segment market.

Powertrain Options: Multiple Choices

Equally important, the Clavis is expected to come with a variety of powertrains. According to reports, it will be offered in petrol, diesel, and even fully electric variants.

Petrol and Diesel Options:

  • 1.0L turbo petrol (118 bhp / 172 Nm)
  • 1.5L NA petrol
  • 1.5L diesel

Transmission choices may include:

  • 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed iMT
  • 7-speed DCT
  • 6-speed torque converter

Notably, the Clavis EV is also in the pipeline. It will likely debut a few months after the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) versions and will be built on the same flexible platform.

🔗 Kia Clavis Engine Options and Spy Details

The Big Question: Will It Replace the Carens?

Despite speculation, the Clavis is not designed to replace the Kia Carens. Instead, it fills a different niche — that of a compact SUV — while the Carens remains a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Meanwhile, the Carens is undergoing a major facelift and is expected to launch around April 2025, just before the Clavis hits showrooms. The updated Carens will come with new design tweaks, added features, and, most significantly, an electric variant later in June 2025.

Kia Carens Facelift: What’s Changing?

The 2025 Kia Carens will feature:

  • New LED headlamps and connected LED tail lamps
  • Dual 12.3-inch displays (instrument cluster + infotainment)
  • New dashboard layout
  • Updated upholstery
  • Advanced ADAS tech
  • Ventilated front seats and 360-degree camera

As a result, the Carens will be a strong contender in the MPV space, especially for buyers looking for a 6- or 7-seater family vehicle.

🔗 Kia Carens facelift launch timeline and features

Kia Carens EV: Game-Changer for MPVs

In a significant development, Kia is also launching the Carens EV. It is likely to be the first electric MPV in its class in India and may use a powertrain similar to the Hyundai Creta EV.

This move aligns with Kia’s broader electric vehicle roadmap, which includes several new EVs tailored for the Indian market. The Carens EV could become a popular choice among fleet operators and eco-conscious families, thanks to its size, seating flexibility, and zero-emission credentials.

🔗 More on the Kia Carens EV here

Market Positioning: Clavis vs Carens

Therefore, the Kia Clavis and Carens cater to two very different audiences:

  • Clavis: For urban, tech-savvy buyers who want a feature-rich compact SUV
  • Carens: For larger families looking for MPV practicality and space

Moreover, the introduction of both models — Clavis and the Carens facelift — around the same time indicates Kia’s intention to expand rather than replace. With both petrol and electric options in the works, Kia is betting big on both segments.

Pricing and Competition

While official prices have not been revealed, the Clavis is expected to be priced between ₹9 lakh to ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and powertrain.

It will compete with:

  • Tata Nexon
  • Hyundai Venue
  • Maruti Suzuki Brezza
  • Mahindra XUV300
  • Renault Kiger
  • Upcoming Citroen Basalt

On the other hand, the Carens facelift will continue competing with the Maruti Ertiga, XL6, and Toyota Rumion, while the Carens EV will have very few direct rivals at launch.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Kia Clavis is not a replacement for the Carens. Rather, it’s a bold new entry in the SUV market that will coexist with the updated Carens and its electric sibling. Kia is clearly doubling down on both SUVs and MPVs, offering multiple powertrains to cater to every segment of the market.

With the Clavis launch on May 8, followed by the Carens facelift and EV versions shortly after, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Kia India.