Kia’s upcoming compact SUV, which is said to slot between the Sonet sub-four-metre SUV and the Seltos midsize SUV, has been spied testing in India again. The new spy images from Hyderabad confirm a number of features and design details that will be available with the SUV.
- Top-spec Kia Clavis to get ADAS tech, front parking sensors
- Seltos-like digital instrument cluster and infotainment also seen
- Panoramic sunroof, LED lighting confirmed
Kia Clavis safety features
The new spy shots confirm the design details seen previously – the compact SUV has a boxy and upright design with the wheels pushed out to the corners – and also confirmed some of the safety kit that’ll be seen on the model. The images show the presence of a radar module at the front, suggesting ADAS tech will be on offer, along with front parking sensors. Other safety kit expected but not seen in the spy shots include six airbags, ABS, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear disc brakes.
Kia Clavis features and creature comforts
While the most recent images of the Clavis show features such as a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, all-LED lighting along with vertically-positioned LED DRLs (much like newer Kia SUVs), they also confirm interior kit such as a Seltos-like digital instrument display that flows into the large infotainment touchscreen; both screens are likely to be 10.25-inch units. The diamond-cut alloy wheels – likely to be 16-inch units – are said to be shod in MRF tyres, though the size has yet to be confirmed.
Kia is also expected to equip top-spec models with ventilated and powered front seats, drive modes, traction modes, a climate control system, leatherette upholstery and a Bose audio system among other kit.
Kia Clavis powertrain
As we’ve reported earlier, the Clavis will have both petrol and electric powertrains, with the latter expected to join the line-up about six months after the ICE. Both versions will be underpinned by the same platform and a hybrid version could also be introduced at a later stage, however, all versions will be front-wheel drive models.
Kia Clavis India launch details
Sources have informed us that the Kia Clavis petrol will make its debut towards the end of this year, and it will go on sale early next year; the Clavis EV is expected to launch by mid-2025. While the Clavis is a sub-4m SUV and has been specifically developed for India, a few units will be earmarked for exports as well. The compact SUV should also be priced competitively owing to localisation and its size, but expect it to cost a slight premium over the Sonet, which is currently priced from Rs 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
