Kia Launches Carens Clavis HTE (EX) Variant at ₹12.55 Lakh

Kia India has added a fresh variant to its Carens Clavis. The new HTE (EX) variant brings more features to buyers at a starting price of ₹12.55 lakh (ex-showroom). 

This move helps make premium features like a sunroof available in more affordable versions of the vehicle. It comes with all three engine options offered on the higher variants.

Design and Exterior Updates

The HTE (EX) retains the overall look of the Carens Clavis while adding some stylish touches. 

It features auto on-off halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights and position lamps for better visibility. 

The outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) get turn signals and alloy wheels that vary by engine type. The 15-inch black alloys for petrol and 16-inch steel wheels with alloy-style covers for diesel. 

These small changes give it a premium look as compared to the entry-level trims.

Interior and Features

Inside, the cabin uses a grey and black colour scheme for a simple yet premium feeling and comfortable space. 

Key additions include a single-pane sunroof, which is now offered with the standard petrol engine for the first time. Other highlights are automatic air conditioning, LED lights in the cabin, powered ORVMs, and a one-touch up and down feature for the driver's window. 

The dashboard features an 8-inch touchscreen system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a six-speaker audio setup. A semi-digital instrument panel, steering wheel controls for audio, rear sunshades, and a rear parking camera add convenience, making daily drives more enjoyable without spending too much on top trims.

The HTE (EX) variant is only available in a 7-seating configuration.

Also Read: Best MPVs for Every Budget

Safety Features

Safety remains strong with many features standard right from the base HTE variant. 

The HTE (EX) includes basics like six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-start assist, ISOFIX seat mounts, and disc brakes on all four wheels. 

The rear camera and sensors aid during parking.

Powertrain Options

The new variant is offered in all three engine choices: The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 113 BHP and 144 Nm of torque, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol delivering 158 BHP and 253 Nm, and the 1.5-litre diesel unit that outputs 114 BHP and 250 Nm. 

However, all three engines can only be had with a six-speed manual transmission, as Kia is not offering an automatic on the HTE (EX) variant.

Pricing, Variant Position, and Rivals

Prices for the HTE (EX) start at ₹12.55 lakh for the petrol manual, ₹13.42 lakh for turbo-petrol, and ₹14.53 lakh for diesel (all ex-showroom). 

It sits above the entry-level HTE and HTE (O), and just below the mid-range HTK+ trims, lowering the cost to get some premium features by a big margin. 

The Carens Clavis now comes in 8 variants - HTE, HTE (O), HTE (EX), HTK+, HTK+ (O), HTX, HTX (O) and HTX+.

The Kia Carens Clavis primarily competes with the Maruti XL6 in the premium mid-size MPV segment. However, its lower variants also rival the Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and its own sibling, the standard Carens.