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With a fresh new look, smart packaging, and a bold promise to blend practicality with premium styling, the Kia Clavis is not just another compact SUV. Slated to shake up the sub-4-meter category in India, this car is what many urban families and first-time buyers have been waiting for.
Kia has managed to turn heads by offering this car with a surprisingly spacious interior, sleek SUV-like stance, and tech that usually belongs in much pricier cars.
Expected to be positioned just below the Kia Sonet, this car sits in a sweet spot for Indian buyers who want SUV appeal without big-car expenses. So what makes this car stand out? Let’s unpack it all.
Engine, Mileage & Real-World Performance
Under the hood, the Kia Clavis is expected to carry two petrol engine options:
- 1.2L NA Petrol – tried and tested, good for city commutes
- 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol – for those who want more punch on highways
Transmission Options:
- 5-speed Manual (1.2L)
- 6-speed iMT (1.0L Turbo)
- Optional 7-speed DCT for turbo variants
Power Output:
- 1.2L Petrol – ~83 PS, 115 Nm
- 1.0L Turbo Petrol – ~120 PS, 172 Nm
Kia Clavis aims to offer a balanced ride. The suspension setup is expected to favor comfort, especially on city roads. The steering is tuned for easy maneuvering, making it ideal for tight urban corners.
Real-World Mileage Estimates:
- 1.2L Petrol MT – ~18–19 km/l
- 1.0L Turbo DCT – ~17 km/l
- Highway cruising can push closer to 20 km/l with the right driving style.
Kia Clavis’s lightweight build helps improve mileage without compromising safety, thanks to structural reinforcements and high-tensile steel.
Key Features, Design & Comfort
Exterior Design Highlights:
- SUV-inspired high stance and squared wheel arches
- Signature Tiger Nose grille with LED DRLs
- 16″ dual-tone alloy wheels
- Connected tail-lamp design
- Roof rails and dual-tone body options for top variants
Kia Clavis looks more mature and butch than you’d expect at this price point. Its design cues borrow some flavor from the Sonet and Seltos but with a compact urban twist.
Interior Features:
- Dual 10.25-inch displays (instrument + infotainment)
- Ventilated front seats
- Premium leatherette upholstery in higher variants
- Rear AC vents
- Wireless charging
- 360° camera (top variant)
- Auto climate control
- Sunroof (segment-first in some variants)
Space is where this car truly surprises. It offers best-in-class rear headroom and a flat floor that makes the rear bench more usable, even for three passengers. The boot space is expected to be in the 300–350L range, more than enough for weekend trips.
Safety Features:
- 6 airbags
- ESC, VSM, Hill Assist
- Rear parking sensors + camera
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
This car doesn’t compromise on safety, even in base variants, aligning with Kia’s global safety commitment.
Price & Variant Breakdown
Kia is expected to launch this car in multiple petrol-only variants, with optional dual-tone trims and automatic choices across mid and top variants.
Expected Ex-Showroom Pricing (Delhi):
Variant | Price (₹ Lakh) |
---|---|
Clavis 1.2L Base MT | 6.49 |
Clavis 1.2L Mid MT | 7.19 |
Clavis 1.2L Mid AMT | 7.89 |
Clavis 1.0L Turbo iMT | 8.59 |
Clavis 1.0L Turbo DCT | 9.49 |
Clavis 1.0L Top DCT DT | 9.99 |
Note: Prices are expected and subject to final launch.
On-Road Price Range (Delhi-NCR):
- Base variant: ~₹7.4 lakh
- Top-end variant: ~₹11.3 lakh
When compared to its peers, this car delivers excellent value for money, particularly for the tech on offer.
Compared With Its Rivals
How the Kia Clavis stacks up:
Feature | Kia Clavis | Tata Punch | Maruti Fronx | Hyundai Exter |
---|---|---|---|---|
Turbo Option | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Automatic Option | DCT / AMT | AMT | AMT / AT | AMT |
Sunroof | Yes | No | Yes (limited trims) | Yes |
Dual Display Setup | Yes | No | No | Partial |
6 Airbags (All Variants) | Likely | Only top trims | Only top trims | Only top trims |
Rear AC Vents | Yes | No | No | No |
From tech to turbo performance, this car outpaces most rivals, especially when it comes to design appeal and feature count.
Who Should Buy This Car?
Ideal For:
- Urban Families: Compact yet roomy, great for daily commutes and school runs
- First-Time Car Buyers: Easy to drive, low maintenance, modern features
- Highway Lovers: Turbo variant delivers great top-end power and comfort
- Upgraders from Hatchbacks: Offers SUV feel, better ride height, and safety
Not Ideal If:
- You want a diesel car
- You need a large boot for commercial use
- You prefer a 4×4 or real off-roading ability
This car is designed for city-focused families, not hardcore adventurers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bold SUV styling in compact dimensions
- Turbo option with DCT
- Feature-loaded even in mid variants
- Excellent rear space and visibility
- Safety features available across trims
Cons
- No diesel engine option
- No manual option with turbo variant
- Some plastic materials feel budget in base trims
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the on-road price of Kia Clavis in Delhi?
The on-road price of this car in Delhi is expected to start at around ₹7.4 lakh for the base variant and go up to ₹11.3 lakh for the top DCT variant.
Is the Kia Clavis better than the Tata Punch or Hyundai Exter?
Yes, this car beats the Punch and Exter in terms of engine performance, tech features, and turbo option availability. While Punch leads in build strength, Clavis offers a more premium interior and powerful drivetrain options.
Is it good for city rides?
Absolutely. This car is compact, has a light steering wheel, excellent mileage, and parking-friendly dimensions. It also comes with features like a 360° camera and rear parking sensors that make urban driving stress-free.
What’s the warranty on this car?
Kia is expected to offer a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty as standard, extendable up to 5 years or more with optional plans.
Verdict
This car enters a crowded segment but knows exactly what it brings to the table: SUV looks, compact practicality, feature-rich cabins, and options that match the preferences of today’s tech-savvy buyers.
If you’re looking for an affordable, future-ready car with style, comfort, and performance packed into a tight footprint — this car deserves serious attention.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from a hatchback, this car can be your next perfect urban companion.
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