2025 Kia Carens facelift to be called Clavis

Kia Clavis to Debut as Premium Version of Carens MPV on May 8

Kia is gearing up to launch a new, more premium version of its Carens MPV in India, under the name Kia Clavis. Scheduled for an official reveal on May 8, 2025, the Clavis is essentially a facelifted and feature-rich upgrade of the Carens, tailored to appeal to buyers seeking more sophistication and advanced technology in a family vehicle.

Updated Exterior Styling

The Clavis sports a refreshed and contemporary design, aligning with Kia’s latest design direction. Up front, it will feature a slimmer front grille, redesigned three-pod LED headlamps, and a sleeker bumper. The rear is also expected to receive updates in the form of connected LED tail-lamps and a revised bumper layout. Stylish dual-tone alloy wheels will further enhance its road presence.

Feature-Rich Cabin with Tech Upgrades

Kia is adding several interior improvements to the Clavis. Based on teasers, the MPV will come equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — including features like collision warning, which is a first for any Kia MPV in India. A 360-degree camera system is also expected in top variants for better visibility and safety.

In addition, the cabin will likely include subtle updates to the dashboard layout, control switches, and material quality, offering a more premium in-cabin experience compared to the regular Carens.

Engine Options Likely to Stay Unchanged

The Clavis is expected to carry over the same engine choices as the current Carens:

• 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol: 115 hp, 144 Nm torque with a manual gearbox
• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: 160 hp, 253 Nm torque, available with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• 1.5L Diesel: 116 hp, 250 Nm torque, with both manual and automatic transmission options

These engines are well-suited for city and highway usage, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.

Positioning and Market Strategy

Rather than replacing the current Carens, the Kia Clavis will be sold alongside it, catering to buyers who want additional features and a more luxurious experience. This dual-lineup strategy resembles what Maruti Suzuki has done with the Ertiga and XL6 — offering two versions of the same base model for different market segments.

Although pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the Clavis is expected to cost more than the standard Carens, owing to its additional features and premium styling.

Conclusion

The Clavis is Kia’s answer to the growing demand for feature-rich MPVs in India. With its modern design, ADAS tech, and upscale interiors, it is poised to elevate the Carens platform into a more refined and desirable family vehicle.