Kia’s upcoming compact SUV, the Clavis, has been spotted in Korea for the first time. The SUV will be positioned between the Sonet and the Seltos, and spy shots confirm that the Clavis will have a compact SUV footprint with unique upright looks.
- Kia Clavis India launch expected next year
- Expected to get multiple powertrain options
Kia Clavis: what do the spy shots reveal
The Clavis, which is internally known as the Kia AY, seems to get a large glasshouse with slab-sided doors. While most of the car is under camouflage, the images reveal that the Clavis does resemble the bigger and youthful Soul crossover that is sold overseas. However, the main giveaway that the test mule is a made-in-India vehicle is the fact that it sports MRF tyres.
While the overall silhouette of the Clavis seems to resemble the Kia Soul crossover, a closer look confirms that it shares many design elements with newer Kia models. The SUV gets vertically positioned headlamps with a distinctive daytime running lamp signature, with the headlamps themselves split into three separate compartments replete with a jewel-like effect for their reflectors. The design of the rear appears to be similar to the larger Kia EV9 SUV with vertically positioned tail-lamps that are connected by a horizontal light bar.
Kia Clavis to be feature laden
While the model seen in the spy shots may not be the one that launches in India, it is evident that Kia will load the vehicle to the gills. The Clavis seen in these pics gets cooled seats, a 360-degree camera setup, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors and a few other creature comforts. On the safety front, the Clavis will get six airbags and four wheel disc brakes, and possibly also get ADAS in the higher variants.
Kia Clavis: what else is known?
Sources tell us that the made-for-India Kia Clavis will see a global debut by the end of 2024 and go on sale in early 2025. It is expected to have multiple FWD powertrain options – ICE, EV and hybrid. The Clavis EV will be based on the same platform as the ICE models and is expected to launch after them. Sources tell us that Kia India plans to produce close to 1 lakh units of the Clavis annually with 80 percent volumes coming from the ICE range. Some of this will also be earmarked for exports.
Other models lined up by Kia for India next year include the born EV EV9 flagship and the new Carnival MPV.
Also see:
Kia Seltos long term review, 5,000 km report
2024 Kia Sonet facelift review: Feature perfect
Kia Seltos diesel with manual gearbox launched at Rs 12 lakh