The Kia Carens Clavis is a refreshed version of the Carens MPV it succeeds, offered with a wide range of powertrains - a 1.5 turbo-petrol with manual, clutch pedal-less manual and dual-clutch automatic options; a 1.5 diesel with manual and automatic gearboxes; and an entry-level 1.5 petrol paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual. It’s this last variant that delivers the strongest value in the Clavis lineup, and it’s the one we’re focusing on here.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol design and engineering - 8/10
It’s a smartly styled MPV although its small wheels look disproportionate.
The Clavis’ retains its MPV-like silhouette, although its cleaned up styling certainly looks a lot more modern now. The HTE (O) variant of our test car misses LED DRLs or the connected LED tail lamps, but it still gets contrasting skid plates on its bumper, a roof spoiler, as well as 15-inch gloss-black alloys. The latter however, look unusually small and disproportionate on this MPV.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol interior space and comfort - 9/10
Scores well in terms of packaging and practicality.
The Carens Clavis gets a smart black-beige dashboard, with a unique 2-spoke steering. Its seats are wrapped in black-blue leatherette, even in this entry-level HTE (O) version. Overall, the Clavis scores well on packaging and practicality. And while space is impressive to begin with, there’s ample adjustability for passengers in all three rows. Six-footers can sit one behind another (even in the last row) without any compromise. Storage areas are well-designed and planned all across, and its 216-litre boot can accommodate a few soft bags as well.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol features and safety - 9/10
Despite being an entry-level variant, it is well-equipped.
The HTE (O) variant of our test car covers the basics well. Its equipment list includes auto-headlamps, 15-inch alloys, 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, digital instrument cluster, remote key entry, rear sunshades, rear AC vents with blower control, and reverse camera, among others.
Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, hill-start assist, downhill braking control, a tyre pressure monitor, and all-wheel disc brakes being the key features.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol performance and refinement - 8/10
Smooth, refined and user-friendly, this powertrain is for those with an easy-going driving style.
Powering the Clavis is a familiar 115hp/144Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, also seen in the Seltos, Creta, Verna and the Carens that continues alongside. Unfortunately though, the Clavis doesn’t get the IVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic option that’s available with its SUV and sedan counterparts.
The good news however is that this 1.5 petrol is smooth and very refined. The throttle response is predictable, and when you spin this motor beyond 3000rpm, there’s a prominent spring in its step. This engine revs nicely, and it doesn’t sound strained or unrefined at any point. Impressively, its 0-100kph acceleration time is over a second quicker than its core rival, the Maruti Ertiga’s time.
But even though outright acceleration is respectable, what it lacks is the mid-range punch of a diesel or turbo-petrol, hence overtakes will need some planning. Also, while driving with a full load of passengers or while driving uphill, you will need to ensure that you’re in the right gear. Speaking of which, the 6-speed manual gearbox is very smooth, as is its clutch pedal. Overall, it delivers exactly what most buyers want — light controls, and an easy-going nature, all of which add to its user-friendliness.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol mileage - 7/10
Claimed fuel efficiency is the lowest in the Clavis range.
Incidentally, the Clavis 1.5 petrol is the least fuel efficient in the range, with a claimed efficiency of 15.34kpl. That said, this engine’s lazy nature (below 3000rpm) coaxes you to adopt an easy-going driving style, and as a result, real-world efficiency is likely to be respectable.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol ride comfort and handling - 8/10
Although a bit firm, ride comfort is impressive and handling is predictable.
Ride comfort remains one of its strengths, and in this version, it is further helped by the chunky high-profile tyres. And even though its suspension has a bit of a firm edge, it absorbs bumps well, stays composed at speed and doesn’t get unsettled on broken roads. Handling remains safe and predictable.
Kia Carens Clavis petrol price and verdict - 9/10
A comfortable, user-friendly family car at a sensible price.
Kia offers the 1.5 litre petrol engine in three variants with a starting price of Rs 11.07 lakh, going up to Rs 13.01 lakh. This entry-level petrol is about Rs 85,000 more affordable than a corresponding 1.5 turbo-petrol-manual version, and a whopping Rs 1.93 lakh cheaper than a diesel, easily making this powertrain the most value for money option in the Clavis range.
To summarise, this version of the Clavis is for buyers who prioritise comfort, seven seats and overall ease of use and don't care much for performance or high-tech features. The fact that it packs in the essentials and more, at a sensible price, only strengthens its value quotient. As an everyday family car, the Clavis 1.5 petrol MT gets the job done.
Nikhil Bhatia
Lenny D'sa
Hormazd Sorabjee
