Kia Carens Clavis Vs Carens: Exterior, Interior, & Feature Differences Explained

Updated: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 9:48 [IST]

The Kia Carens Clavis has been introduced in India as a more upscale version of the existing Carens. This new model features an updated design, enhanced interior, and additional powertrain options. Despite these changes, the Clavis will be sold alongside the original Carens. Let's explore what distinguishes the Kia Carens Clavis from its predecessor.

Exterior Design Enhancements

The Clavis showcases a sharper design with new headlamps, tail-lamps, bumpers, and alloy wheels. The front adopts Kia's latest design language seen on its EVs, featuring triangular headlamps and a connected LED daytime running lamp signature. The bumper is cleaner with silver satin finishes replacing chrome elements.

In profile, the Clavis sports larger dual-tone alloy wheels at 17 inches compared to the Carens' 16 inches. The side door cladding now includes brushed silver trim. At the rear, sharper tail-lamps with new LED detailing are present along with an illuminated band connecting them.

Interior Upgrades

The interior of the Clavis sees significant updates with a floating screen setup requiring a dashboard redesign. It features larger screens at 12.3 inches compared to the Carens' 10.25 inches. The dashboard has a matte texture while ambient lighting adds to its appeal.

A new HVAC control panel with switchable functions is included along with a two-spoke steering wheel from Syros. Both models offer similar centre consoles and seating configurations in six or seven-seat layouts.

Powertrain

Both the Clavis and Carens offer three engine choices: a 115hp 1.5-litre petrol, a 116hp 1.5-litre diesel, and a 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The Clavis provides three gearbox options for the turbo-petrol engine: a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT, and a 7-speed DCT. In contrast, the Carens only offers the latter two options.

Additional Features

The Clavis introduces several new features over the Carens including a panoramic sunroof instead of a single-pane unit. It also offers an ADAS suite providing adaptive cruise control, front collision assist, lane keep assist among others.

Common features across both top-spec trims include front ventilated seats, electric tumble function for second row seats, dual dashcams, wireless charger among others ensuring comfort and convenience for passengers.

DriveSpark Thinks

The Kia Carens Clavis presents itself as more modern with premium interiors offering additional features alongside another powertrain choice compared to its predecessor model which may lead to price overlap between them upon release later this month against competitors like Toyota Rumion or Maruti's Ertiga & XL6 within midsize MPV category market space.