Kia Carens Clavis User Reviews

Autocar India

•6d

While we don't know your exact budget, we'd recommend the Toyota Innova HyCross for your needs. However, we would suggest skipping the petrol version and opting for the strong hybrid, simply because the fuel economy of the petrol version will likely be in single digits, especially with your fully loaded, highway-focused usage.Your points about the other vehicles are accurate. The only other one you could consider is the Kia Carens Clavis diesel AT, which is much smoother than the petrol DCT, although its performance when fully loaded will not feel particularly strong.Back to the HyCross hybrid, the good news is that it meets all your requirements. It's spacious and comfortable, particularly in the second and third rows, with a relatively low loading lip, which should make access easy for your dog. All hybrid variants get front and rear parking sensors as well as a 360-degree camera system.All Innovas are excellent highway performers, and this one is no different. The naturally aspirated petrol engine doesn't feel quite as effortless as a turbocharged engine, but with electric assistance from the hybrid system, power is more than sufficient. And, of course, fuel economy is excellent.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•3d

For your usage, which is largely short in-town drives with occasional hill trips carrying family, the Kia Seltos 1.5 petrol with the IVT automatic is the most suitable choice. It offers a very smooth and easy driving experience, especially in stop-go city conditions, with light controls and seamless power delivery that will feel far more relaxed compared to your current Vista. On hill drives, while it may need to be worked a bit harder on steep inclines, it has enough power and is easy to manage.A diesel automatic is not a bad choice, but in your case, it is not the most ideal fit. With mostly short city runs of around 20km, modern diesel engines can sometimes require longer, sustained drives to maintain optimal health, and you may not fully utilise the diesel’s strengths. The extra cost also becomes harder to justify given your usage pattern.The turbo petrol with DCT is another option, but for your kind of driving, it is not the best fit either. Dual-clutch automatics can feel less smooth at low speeds, in crawling traffic, and in hilly conditions; they require a bit more care.So, overall, the petrol IVT strikes the best balance of smoothness, ease of driving and long-term peace of mind. If you are also considering the Kia Carens Clavis, it could be worth a look for its added practicality. But if you specifically want an automatic petrol, you will have to opt for the turbo petrol with DCT, as the 1.5 naturally aspirated engine is offered only with a manual transmission.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•1w

You're right to shortlist a diesel 7-seater and specifically these two MPVs, which, for the money, have the best three rows of seats on the market. The Kia Carens Clavis is the more modern option, of course, and will get you the latest features and better quality interiors. It is also the more fuel-efficient of the two and the friendlier vehicle to drive in the city, when you are not taking your long road trips. However, it's worth noting that with a full load of passengers and luggage, the 1.5 diesel engine will have to work hard, and those fuel economy numbers will drop, and overtaking won't be as effortless. Getting a used Innova Crysta in your budget, in good condition with low mileage and high specification, may actually be more of a challenge than you think. But that's just an indicator of how reliable it is, and how well it holds its value. It definitely has the stronger engine and more space, but makes some sacrifices to low-speed ride comfort, ease of driving and fuel economy. Overall, though, given your full-capacity usage, we would recommend the Innova.

Kia Carens Clavis

Toyota Innova Crysta

Autocar India

•1w

Since you will need a usable third row, the Kia Carens Clavis is a good fit for you. It is spacious, practical and comfortable across all three rows. However, it can only seat seven, so if you must travel with all nine members of the family, you will need a second car.The diesel automatic is available in the fully loaded HTK Plus trim and fits within your budget. The 116hp diesel is a tried-and-tested engine with superb cruising abilities. It is not particularly responsive or quick, but once it builds up speed on the highway, it can cruise all day comfortably without complaints. It may feel sluggish with a full load or while climbing steep inclines, but in regular driving, it works perfectly well.It is fuel-efficient, too. During our first drive, we regularly saw a MID-indicated 15-16kpl on the highway. Before you decide, visit the showroom with family members in tow to ensure everyone is comfortable and that the performance meets your needs.

Kia Carens Clavis

Autocar India

•1w

If you are upgrading from an Alto 800 and want a proper step up for family usage, we would suggest going for the Kia Carens Clavis HTX+ petrol DCT.The biggest advantage of the Carens is space and practicality. It is a proper 3-row car, with a much more spacious second row and a usable third row, which makes it far more versatile for family use. Even if you don’t use the third row daily, having that flexibility is a big advantage over time. The cabin also feels airy and comfortable, which will be a huge upgrade from your current car.Importantly, both the Kia Carens and Hyundai Creta share the same 1.5 turbo petrol engine and DCT gearbox, so in terms of performance, you are not losing out. It is smooth, powerful and more than adequate for both city and highway driving.The Creta N Line N10 DCT, on the other hand, is the better choice if you prioritise driving feel and a sportier experience. It has sharper handling and better high-speed stability, but this comes at a cost. The suspension is noticeably stiffer, so over bad roads, potholes and speed breakers, you will feel more bumps inside the cabin compared to a regular Creta or the Carens . That makes it less comfortable for everyday family use, especially in city conditions.

Kia Carens Clavis

Hyundai Creta