Kia India has finally removed the covers of the Carens Clavis HTE variant, which has become the most affordable variant of the updated model of the Carens MPV range.
Available at Rs. 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom) on the petrol model and Rs. 13.50 lakh on the diesel, the HTE trim offers a basic functionality and practicality at a non-premium price as compared to the top-end models.
Engine Options: Reliable and Efficient
The engine is two-fold and depends on the buyers under the hood. The 1.5-litre natural aspirated petrol motor produces 113bhp and 144Nm, whereas the 1.5-litre diesel gives 114bhp and 250Nm.
There is a manual transmission only, and both engines are available with a six-speed one, which strengthens the no-frills nature of the variant. These engines have been geared to be efficient and are easy to drive making them suitable in families.
Design of the Outside: Simple, but Classy
Being the entry level trim, the Carens Clavis HTE does not appear stripped. It is fitted with projector headlamps, body-coloured door handles, and unique design of alloy wheels (petrol and diesel). It will lack the LED projectors and chrome trim of the HTX+ version, but it nevertheless sports the general aggressive design, and comes in all the available colours.
The interior feature is a functional layout of 7-seater utility
On the inside, the HTE variant resorts to the two-tone beige and blue in the cabin of the Carens. It is sacrificed exclusively as a seven-seater, having a bench seat in the second-row.
The dash has the structural input of other higher trims except there is no touch screen infotainment. A standard digital instrumentation cluster is given, which gives important drive data but lacks the high-tech aspects of the top trims.
Value Proposition: Budget-Friendly and Practical
The outstanding feature about the HTE variation is its value for money concept. It gives the bare-bones experience of MPV, which is space, ride quality and safety, at a good price.
The new HTE petrol variant beats the fare of the pre-facelift Carens Premium (O) variant with the same price, only that the new HTE petrol variant has an updated color and design, and also one with a better presence in the road.
Kia Carens Clavis HTE is a good family runabout solution where space, efficiency and affordability are the key and where it is also possible to buy a reliable people-mover that is not rich in features as it is already an entry-level.
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