Kia Clavis : With the Indian car market fast metamorphosing, the appetite for compact SUVs and micro-SUVs has never been so high. Now, Kia Motors is getting ready to capitalize on this space with its next-in-line Kia Clavis—a new urban SUV placed under the Sonet which is tailor-made for contemporary urban go-getters who seek practicality, design and tech in a compact stature.
hough the Clavis hasn’t been officially introduced yet, early teasers, test mule spottings and leaked specs paint a picture of a car that could go head-to-head with the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch and Citroën C3.
With its distinctive design elements and Kia’s tradition of packing its models with features, the Clavis sew one more calculated move in the company’s rapidly growing India line-up.
Kia Clavis Bold and Modern Exterior
This is Kia’s fledgling’s effort to change the cheap and capable cars stereotype, with the company wanting to go with the sharp and modern styling as adopted by more recent models. Based on early images, it has a boxy but modern profile, which is a look that nearly every micro-SUV follows for a little more rugged stance than its actual dimensions support.
Though a car mainly intended for city driving, these are all SUV-ish proportions, from the tall body to the squared wheel arches to the upright bonnet.
The Clavis can be expected to carry over signature Kia traits like a tiger-nose grille, LED DRLs and dual-tone alloy wheels, along with some sporty bumpers and roof-rails for a bit of sporty fun.
It’s expected to be made available with dual-tone paint options and chunky plastic cladding — elements that will facilitate a more adventurous, younger image.
Interior Space and Features
KIA has a reputation for throwing everything but the kitchen sink into its cars, and the Clavis will be no exception.
The interior should be laid out much like what’s already been put into the Sonet and Seltos, with a seamlessly integrated digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment touch screen and a full roster of connected car tech.
The Clavis will likely comfortably accommodate four adults and shower them with a reasonable amount of headroom and shoulder room. Its tall stance is likely to result in a cabin with good headroom at least, but rear leg space could be at a premium since it measures less than 4 meters in length.
Boot space should be fine for city work, with rear seats that fold to provide versatility.
Creature comforts like automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, push button start, and rear AC vents should be offered in top trims. Kia could also offer a list of segment-first features, to keep in line with its tech-first brand strategy.
Engine and Performance Anticipated?
Though not much has been revealed about the engine specs of the Clavis, it will likely derive the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Kia Sonet and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
This is a tried and tested motor with great low speed performance within the city and it produces approximately 83 bhp and 113 Nm of torque with manual and AMT options.
There are also rumours of a CNG version as used by price-sensitive city drivers. The vehicle’s engine isn’t likely to be a performance standout — the Clavis isn’t going to try to thrill the driving enthusiast — but it may be tuned for maximum fuel efficiency, urban-friendly handling and minimal maintainence.
Safety and Build
Kia Clavis is also likely to bring in an array of safety tech. Common car features shall probably include dual airbags, ABS along with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and hill-start assist in the top-spec models at least.
With new safety standards becoming mandatory, Kia might also give ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and TPMS on top trims.
The build quality is likely to be acceptable for the segment and along the same lines as the current Kia-build standards in India.
Pros:
Handsome, durable design with Excellent SUV styling
Reportedly set to come with lots of features and tech
Most probably to have refined Petrol & frugal CNG alternatives
Small enough to be great for city driving
Kia’s good service and strong branding
Cons:
Tight on back space for tall travelers
Don’t expect a turbo-petrol or diesel option
No made for performance or highway cruising dimensions
If over-equipped, possibly priced higher than competitors
Limited boot space when compared to larger hatchbacks
Kia Clavis Final Verdict
The Kia Clavis seems to be set to be a clever little city focussed micro SUV with everything you want in design, features and efficiency. Though not really intended for off-roading or long-distance hauling, it should be an ideal companion for city-bound folks who demand S.U.V. style in a compact and easy-to-drive form.
If done right, this could mirror yet another volume-seller for Kia in India.