New Kia compact SUV to be named Clavis

Clavis to sit between Sonet and Seltos and will likely feature rugged, boxy looks, sources say.

Published On Dec 20, 2023 02:00:00 PM

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Clavis to get upright styling (Telluride SUV shown for representation)

Kia's upcoming sub-4-metre compact SUV – codenamed the AY – will be called the Clavis, confirm sources.

Multiple powertrains will be offered
Expected to go on sale in early 2025

Kia Clavis: what we know so far

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 powertrain options – ICE, EV and hybrid – and the internal combustion-engined models are expected to go on sale before the EV. The Kia Clavis EV will be based on the same platform as the ICE models.

Sources tell us that Kia India plans to produce close to 1 lakh units of the AY SUV annually with 80 percent volumes coming from the internal combustion engine-equipped range. Some of this will also be earmarked for exports.

The Clavis will slot between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia's India line-up, and, to distinguish it from the Sonet, it will be positioned as a lifestyle vehicle with a tougher, SUV-like presence and a boxier design. However, it will not get 4WD tech.

Other models lined up by Kia for India next year include the born EV EV9 flagship and the new Carnival MPV.

Also see:

Kia evaluating hybrids for India

Kia Sonet facelift deliveries to commence by mid-January