Kia Carens Clavis first drive review: The family MPV, all grown up

The Kia Carens may not have grabbed headlines like its flashier SUV cousins, but for families looking for a well-rounded package — something that delivered space, practicality, and everyday usability without feeling basic — the Carens became a go-to choice. With the new Clavis variant, Kia is clearly aiming to elevate the Carens experience into more premium territory. And after spending some time with it, I can tell you this is not just a cosmetic update — the Clavis genuinely feels like a mature, well-rounded evolution of a car that already had its fundamentals in place.

Design is where the Clavis makes an immediate impact. It moves away from the slightly van-like silhouette of the earlier Carens and embraces a more SUV-inspired, upright stance. Kia’s now-familiar ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy comes through clearly in the sharp lines and confident posture. The Digital Tiger Nose grille, connected LED tail lamps, and Ice Cube-style MFR LED headlamps work together to give the front and rear ends a more assertive look. The 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels and squared-off wheel arches round out the SUV styling cues. What is impressive is that the design does not feel forced or overdone — there is a sense of balance here that gives the Clavis a genuine road presence, without relying on excessive chrome or gimmicky elements.

Step inside, and the cabin reinforces that sense of upward movement. The Clavis interior is a significant upgrade in both design andperceived quality. The Triton Navy and Beige dual-tone colour scheme gives the space a rich, welcoming feel, and the layout is modern without being fussy. Front and centre is a large 26.62-inch connected panoramic display, which cleverly merges the digital instrument cluster with the infotainment touchscreen into a seamless, tech-forward panel. It feels premium, and more importantly, it works well — the interface is intuitive and the responsiveness is top-notch. In fact, this is one of the slickest digital dashboards I have seen in this segment.

Equipment levels are generous too. Kia has included features such as front ventilated seats and a 4-way powered driver’s seat to a one-touch electric tumble function for the second row. There is also a walk-in boss mode for added rear comfort, tray tables mounted on the front seat backs, and even a seat-integrated air purifier. The roof-mounted AC vents now feature a new diffused flow system for more even cooling, and the ambient lighting system offers an impressive 64 colour options. Audiophiles will appreciate the eight-speaker Bose sound system, and yes, there is now a dual-pane panoramic sunroof — a first for the Carens — which really lifts the entire cabin experience, especially for rear passengers.

In terms of space and practicality, the Clavis builds on the strengths of the original Carens. It retains the same wheelbase and overall dimensions, which means interior room remains generous. The second row, especially with captain seats, is well-bolstered, although a touch more under-thigh support would have improved long-distance comfort. The third row remains usable for adults on short trips and children on longer ones, and thanks to segment-first features like a walk-in lever and double electric tumble, access to the last row is genuinely easy. Luggage space with all rows up is adequate, and with the last row folded down, the Clavis transforms into an excellent family hauler.

Kia offers the Clavis with three engine options, each striking a different balance between efficiency and performance. The 1.5-litre Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque, and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or an IVT (intelligent variable transmission). It is smooth and predictable — a good fit for city commutes and occasional highway runs.

For those looking for more punch, there is the 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine, which churns out a healthy 160 PS and 253 Nm of torque. This motor is mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and it transforms the Clavis into something genuinely fun to drive — especially with the DCT, which delivers quick shifts and strong mid-range acceleration.

Finally, for long-distance cruisers or those who prefer a torquey, efficient option, there is the 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine with 116 PS and 250 Nm of torque. It is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox and remains a solid choice for highway touring, offering both refinement and excellent fuel economy.

The Clavis drives with a composure that is instantly reassuring. The ride quality is a strong point — the suspension tuning strikes a good balance between comfort and control. It glides over bad roads without getting unsettled and remains planted even with a full load of passengers. The steering is light and direct at low speeds, making it easy to manoeuvre in traffic, yet gains enough weight at higher speeds to inspire confidence. It does not feel overly soft or floaty, which is often a compromise in three-row family vehicles

Kia has raised the game in safety and driver assistance. The Clavis features Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features. These include forward collision avoidance (which even covers junction turns and oncoming vehicles), lane keep assist, blind view monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

These systems are well-calibrated for Indian driving conditions and do not feel overly intrusive. Additionally, there is a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment — six airbags, ESC, VSM, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, a rear occupant alert system, tyre pressure monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors. It is an impressively complete package that gives the Clavis a distinct edge in its segment.

It is worth noting that the Clavis is not replacing the standard Carens — rather, it sits above it as a more premium alternative. While the lower variants will continue to appeal to fleet buyers and cost-conscious families, the Clavis is clearly targeted at urban buyers looking for a more feature-rich, SUV-like experience. Expect pricing to reflect that positioning, with the top-spec models likely hovering around the ₹22–23 lakh on-road mark. And honestly, for what it offers in terms of design, tech, space, and powertrain options, that feels like solid value.

Expected price: ₹22-23 lakh (on road)

Published - May 19, 2025 04:50 pm IST