Kia India has officially revealed the name of its upcoming premium MPV: the Kia Clavis. Set to debut on May 8, 2025, the Clavis is positioned as a more advanced and upscale alternative to the existing Carens MPV. Notably, Kia will continue selling the Carens alongside the Clavis, targeting a broader range of customers across varying budget and feature preferences.
In terms of market positioning, the Clavis will be slotted above the Carens in Kia’s lineup. Currently, the Carens is priced between ₹10.60 lakh and ₹19.50 lakh (ex-showroom), and the Clavis is expected to carry a higher starting price point. This dual-model strategy mirrors Kia’s approach in the subcompact SUV segment, where the Sonet caters to value-focused buyers while the newly introduced Syros targets a more premium, tech-savvy audience.
The announcement was made via a teaser video released by the automaker, offering a silhouette preview of the Clavis and hinting at a significant shift in design direction. Unlike the conventional MPV styling of the Carens, the Clavis is expected to embrace a bolder, more SUV-inspired look. Although complete design details remain under wraps, the teaser and multiple spy sightings suggest several key styling updates. These include a more upright and rugged stance, reworked front and rear bumpers, sleeker LED lighting elements, and new alloy wheel designs, all aimed at enhancing the Clavis’ road presence and giving it an identity distinct from the Carens.
The model name “Clavis,” which means “key” in Latin, could also signify Kia’s ambition to unlock new levels of luxury and innovation within the MPV category. Inside the cabin, the Clavis is expected to introduce a host of segment-first features and significant upgrades in design and technology. Early information points to the inclusion of Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), a 360-degree surround view camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a newly designed dashboard and center console.
Dual 10.25-inch digital displays—one for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment—will likely be offered, along with ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging with cooling, ambient lighting, and a premium audio system. On the mechanical front, the Clavis is expected to share its powertrain lineup with the current Carens. This includes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission options are likely to include manual, intelligent manual transmission (iMT), dual-clutch automatic (DCT), and conventional automatic gearboxes.
The teaser film released by Kia showcases various highlights of the Clavis, including ADAS Level 2 and LED projector headlamps along with LED Daytime Running Lamps. The overall proportions are expected to remain similar, but the redesigned bumper, lighting elements, roof rails, and a new set of alloy wheels will give the Clavis a slightly stronger road presence compared to the Carens.
Considering that the Clavis will be positioned above the Carens, it is expected to come with more features. Anticipated additions include ventilated rear seats, a redesigned dashboard, and new upholstery and colors. Other expected features are a 360-degree parking camera and a larger infotainment system.
Under the hood, the Clavis is expected to retain the same engine options as the Carens, which include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that generates 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, there will be a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 158 bhp and 253 Nm of torque, available with a 6-speed iMT transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Furthermore, a 1.5-litre diesel engine is also expected, producing 115 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, which can be paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The Kia Clavis is anticipated to be a significant update to the popular Carens, which has already crossed the 2-lakh unit sales milestone in India. With the Clavis, Kia is targeting a more feature-rich, tech-laden audience, while continuing to offer the current Carens to price-sensitive buyers. This dual strategy allows Kia to cater to a wider range of customers in the MPV space.
As the launch date approaches, more details about the Clavis are expected to surface. The teaser hints at a modern look that aligns with Kia’s newer design language, featuring inverted L-shaped LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and fog lamp assembly. The rear section of the Clavis is said to be inspired by the Kia Syros, showcasing vertically positioned taillamps connected via a full-width LED light bar.
Pricing for the Clavis is likely to start around ₹11 lakh for the base variant and go up to ₹21 lakh for the top-end trim. This positions it competitively against rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, and Toyota Rumion.
With its updated design and added features, the Clavis could appeal to buyers considering higher-end MPVs or even mid-size SUVs. Kia’s move to introduce this new model reflects its commitment to innovation and catering to the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
