Expectations from a new addition to India’s SUV lineup

Kia India has stirred excitement with the teaser of its upcoming SUV, rumored to be called the Kia Clavis. This new model aims to fill a unique spot in Kia’s India lineup, sitting between the popular subcompact Kia Sonet and the larger compact Kia Seltos.

With a design inspired by the futuristic Kia EV9 and the upscale Carnival Limousine, the Clavis is set to bring a blend of premium aesthetics and practical features to India’s competitive SUV market.

The Clavis will be the first SUV made in India to showcase Kia’s Design 2.0 philosophy as part of the automaker's Kia 2.0 strategy. This design approach, evident in recent sketches, includes distinctive elements like a flat roof, flush door handles, and a unique rear profile that gives the SUV an RV-like stance. The side profile is boxy yet stylish, a look reminiscent of the Kia Carens but with a stronger road presence.

From the front, the Clavis sports vertically stacked LED projector headlamps and sleek LED daytime running lamps in a vertical layout, creating a sophisticated yet rugged appearance. At the rear, a high-mounted stop lamp and bumper-integrated brake lights add to the Clavis’s modern aesthetic, with the rear lights inspired by the EV9, enhancing its upscale appeal. Additionally, roof rails are likely, though it’s uncertain if they’ll be functional or purely for looks. Larger windows are expected to give the cabin a spacious, open feel, and the vehicle will ride on four-spoke alloy wheels, completing its bold exterior.

Inside, the Clavis is expected to be positioned as a premium alternative to the Sonet but just below the Seltos. This positioning could mean a good balance between high-end and value-oriented features. Confirmed interior highlights include a two-spoke flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel and a twin-screen dashboard—a signature feature in Kia’s recent models that brings a tech-forward vibe. Other likely additions include a 360-degree camera, electric sunroof, automatic wipers, smartphone connectivity, and a high-quality audio system.

On the powertrain front, the Clavis is expected to offer multiple petrol and possibly electric variants. The petrol lineup may include a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque, alongside 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engines sourced from the Sonet and Seltos. Transmission options will likely vary by model, with petrol variants offering a 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT, while diesel options might include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

The Clavis seems poised to bring a fresh, modern offering to Kia’s SUV lineup, appealing to buyers looking for a tech-loaded, design-forward SUV that combines practicality and premium touches.