Kia Carens Clavis EV Review: Family-Sized And Feature-Packed!

The Indian market has seen a surge in electric vehicles this monsoon. Brands across different price segments and categories have been launching EVs in the last few weeks; however, there was one space that remained untouched. That is, the mass-market three-row MPV segment, and Kia India has filled in that void. Yes, I am talking about the new Kia Carens Clavis EV. 

Well, I recently got to drive the new electric MPV, and in this review, I’ll be talking about all the things that I like about the new Kia Carens Clavis EV, things that I don’t, and everything in between. 

Design & Styling

The first-ever mass-market 3-row EV MPV in India – meet the Carens Clavis EV

Now the standard petrol/diesel version of the Carens Clavis was launched just a couple of months ago. So, when it came to designing the EV version, Kia went with the same stencil. You get the same styling cues and design touches, only with the addition of some EV-specific details. For instance, the charging port is behind a panel on the nose of the MPV. Also, the chrome strip connecting the DRLs has been replaced by an LED light strip, so you now get a connected look. 

Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis EV Vs Carens Clavis ICE: Differences Explained

The charging port sits neatly behind the front panel

Also, the looks of the front bumper have changed due to the addition of active air flaps, which open up when you are on the go. Oh yes, what’s also exclusive to the EV is the new bumper insert which gets this glossy chrome treatment, a nice contrast to the new Ivory Silver Matte colour. There are 5 more colour options - Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl and Glacier White Pearl. 

The familiar Carens Clavis silhouette, now comes with EV-specific design details

At the rear, except for the chrome bumper insert and the addition of the ‘EV’ on the badge, nothing has changed, including the star-map-pattern connected LED taillamps. Oh yes, you now also get a set of new aero-style dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels which create this nice white wall effect while on the go. Now, the lower-spec model also gets alloys but smaller 16-inch all-black units.  

The underfloor battery is well-integrated and hidden from plain sight

In terms of size, the Carens Clavis EV is identical to its ICE counterpart, with no change in dimensions. And if you thought that the battery pack underneath the car would affect the ground clearance, it doesn’t. Kia has tweaked the suspension to make up for that, and as a result, the Carens Clavis EV offers you a 200 Nm ground clearance, 5 mm more than the regular ICE version of the MPV. What I also like is that, unlike the Creta EV, where the battery pack is prominently visible under the car, here it’s well hidden. So, good job, Kia! 

With all three rows up, this electric MPV offers a decent boot space of 216 litres

Now, with all three rows up, this electric MPV offers a decent boot space of 216 litres. However, fold down the third-row seats and you can free more than double or even triple the luggage capacity. 

One of the few EVs under Rs. 20 lakh with a usable 25-litre frunk

But that’s not it. This being an EV, Kia is also offering a frunk, which at 25-litres is one of the largest you’ll get in an EV south of Rs. 20 lakh.  

Interior & Cabin Features

Step inside and you’re greeted by familiar Carens cabin aesthetics

Like the exterior, the cabin design & layout is largely similar to the regular Carens Clavis. So, the dashboard gets these multi-layered panels, fabric elements and brushed aluminium finish for the lower section with integrated ambient lighting. Kia is also offering the wide dual-screen displays - each 12.5-inch in size – one for infotainment and one for instrumentation. 

New e-shifter tucked onto the steering column frees up console space

There is also Kia’s new double D-cut multi-functional steering wheel that looks futuristic and is functional too. And it’s here that you see the first EV-specific change. In addition to the usual stocks, the column also has the new e-shifter lever, which is a twist-style design. That has liberated the centre console as well, so you get a floating-style design with rearranged buttons, and large cup holders. I quite like this new design. Everything is at proper reach of your hand, and there’s tonnes of space underneath the console as well. 

Floating centre console with redesigned button placement and large cupholders

The front seats get ventilation function, but power adjustability is only for the driver. And even then, seat height needs to be adjusted manually. Kia should have offered 6-way power adjustability. 

Rear seats offer plenty of room, with a flat floor and useful charging ports

As for rear seats, the EV design has liberated more room at the back too. The floor is flat, and you only get a bench-style seat, so three people, who don’t mind each other’s close company, can sit here abreast. The design of the foldable central armrest could have been better, but you do get rear AC vents with blower controls and two Type-C USB ports. And then, of course, you have a Panoramic sunroof as well on offer, which will be a selling point for family car buyers. 

The large panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of space inside the cabin

The biggest addition, of course, is that this EV offers Vehicle-to-Load functionality, and there is a handy 3-point plug right below the USB ports. So, be it working on your laptop on the go, or charging an appliance during your family outing, the Carens Clavis EV can be your power source. 

V2L lets you plug in gadgets or small appliances on the go

Now, in case you are worried about draining your battery while using the Vehicle-to-Load function, don’t be. With a few clicks on the touchscreen, you can easily set a limit to the amount of energy that needs to be used to power external devices. 

Third row best reserved for kids, but it’s decently equipped

The third-row seats are best-suited for kids, not for adults. There is no two ways about it. But nonetheless, you get some creature comforts like adjustable headrests, 3-point seatbelts, cup holders, and Type-C USB ports.

Infotainment & Tech

The floating infotainment display is crisp and easy to use; a familiar system, but with a few EV-specific menus and settings

Kia has loaded the car with smart tech and features. The touchscreen unit, which is the main command centre of the car, is the same one as the one seen on the regular Carens Clavis. Now, you do get some EV-specific functions, but at large it’s the same system. Yes, you do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, it’s still wired connectivity, and that too using a Type A port, which is quite a dated solution. There is a wireless charger, of course and a Type-C port for fast charging.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available but still wired only

Kia also offers a host of connected car tech as part of Kia Connect, which can be controlled via the mobile App. Features like – remote locking, geo-fencing, theft alert, SOS and more. You get a set of wonderful Bose sound systems with the new Carens Clavis EV, however, I still find the Harmon Kardon system offered in the Syros to be much better. 

Eight-speaker Bose system adds a premium touch to the cabin

Another nice feature taken from the Carens Clavis is the multi-functional touch panel that gives you access to either infotainment settings or climate controls. And the switch happens at the click of a button. Seamless and quite easy to use I have to say. 

Now, in case you are worried about draining your battery while using the Vehicle-to-Load function, don’t be. With a few clicks on the touchscreen, you can easily set a limit to the amount of energy that needs to be used to power external devices.

Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis EV vs Carens Clavis ICE: Prices Compared 

Safety

Safety comes standard on the Kia Carens Clavis EV. It starts with six airbags backed by the safety net of ABS, brake assist, and electronic stability control. You also get hill-start assist, downhill brake control, and a highline tyre pressure monitor, along with all-wheel disc brakes for confident stopping power.

ISOFIX mounts and 3-point seatbelts for every passenger - it's family-ready

Rear occupant alert, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and 3-point seatbelts for every passenger make it an ideal family car. While features like speed sensing lock, impact-sensing door unlock, rear parking sensors and a rollover sensor add to the peace of mind.

ADAS is available too with 20 Level 2 functions onboard

And with all that covered, it only makes sense to take things further, with ADAS. Yes, Kia is offering Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as well, which include forward collision warning and avoidance assists, rear cross traffic alert and avoidance assist, lane keep assist, 360-degree view cameras, lead vehicle departure warning and the works. In total, there are 20 ADAS functions on offer.  

360-degree cameras and blind-spot view make city driving less stressful

While, like many, I too am not a big fan of the ADAS functions, Kia has worked upon the system to fine-tune it as per the driving style and mannerism of Indian drivers and road conditions. So, it’s not too intrusive, it’s mellow and quite useful for day-to-day driving. However, you do have the option to switch them off, and unlike some cars, they stay off even when you restart the car. 

Powertrain & Performance 

Two battery options: 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh—both front-wheel drive

Now, similar to its ICE counterpart, the Carens Clavis EV too borrows its electric powertrain from its cousin, the Hyundai Creta EV. There are two battery pack options – a 42 kWh unit and a 51.4 kWh unit. The model I drove had the latter. In both cases, the batteries power an electric PMS motor that sends power to the front wheels - 137 bhp for the standard battery versions, and 169 bhp for the extended battery versions. Torque output in both cases remains unchanged. 

Extended-range version makes 169 bhp and offers a claimed range of 490 km

Performance feels quick, agile and spirited. As with most EVs, the power and torque are available right from the word go, and that feeling is exhilarating. However, compared to the Creta EV, I felt the acceleration was a bit slow. Of course, that is mainly due to the added weight and 3-row MPV body style of the vehicle. Having said that, it’s still quite quick, and can accelerate for 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds, which for a family-size MPV is quite impressive. 

Sport, Normal, and Eco drive modes offer noticeable changes in drive feel

Kia is offering three drive modes too – ECO, NORMAL, SPORT. As the names suggest, the Eco mode helps conserve battery at the cost of performance, while the Sport mode gives you all the performance at the cost of lesser range. The Normal mode, which is the default, is the mode balanced middle ground, and yes, you do feel the difference in each mode. 

Five regen levels, including one-pedal driving - customisable and effective

The Carens Clavis EV also comes with 5 levels of regenerative braking – 0, 1, 2, 3, MAX – which can be accessed and controlled via the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. At 0 level, there is zero intervention from the car, and everything is in your control. As you go up the modes, the system starts to take over the braking more and more. In Max mode, the system becomes very sensitive, and you can do one-pedal driving, wherein the system will apply the brakes for you every time you take your foot off the accelerator. The higher the regen mode, the more you can conserve the battery. 

Real-world range likely around 320–400 km, depending on the variant

Now, Kia claims that on the MIDC cycle, the standard range Carens Clavis EV, with the 42 kWh battery, can go up to 404 km on a single charge. On the other hand, the extended range versions, with the 51.4 kWh battery, will offer a range of up to 490 km. Realistically, I would expect a max range of 320 km and 400 km respectively from this electric MPV. 

Ride & Handling 

Refined and family-friendly, with just enough fun for spirited driving

Now, as mentioned earlier, Kia has stiffened the springs on the Carens Clavis EV to make up for the weight of the battery and ground clearance. However, the ride quality is still quite plush and comfortable. The car takes on the undulations on the road with ease and feels quite comfortable. In fact, it feels a bit on the softer side, which means at high speeds it is a bit bouncy. However, during the drive, I was alone in the car, so with your full family, the ride will be a lot smoother.

Price & Verdict 

Practical, well-equipped, and realistically priced—it’s hard to fault

The Kia Carens Clavis EV is offered in three key variants – HTK+, HTX and HTX+ - and with two battery options. While the HTK+ is only offered with the standard range battery, the HTX trim gets the option for both standard and extended range batteries. The top-spec HTX+ is only offered with the extended range battery. Prices start from Rs. 17.99 lakh and go up to Rs. 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

In a nutshell, there is not much to complain about this new EV. It takes all the pluses of the Carens Clavis and makes things better. Yes, if I had to nitpick, I would say the Kia needs to update the infotainment system, and also improve the rear seat experience, but these are not deal-breakers and there are easy aftermarket fixes to them. 

If you’re already looking at the ICE Carens, this EV is also worth considering 

Even when you look at the pricing, the base-level Carens Clavis EV is identically priced to the HTK+ diesel automatic Carens Clavis. And even the top-spec model is just about Rs. 2 lakh more expensive than the top-spec petrol automatic version of the MPV, and that difference in premium for an EV is expected. So, with all that and a realistic range of around 400 km, the Carens Clavis EV should be able to attract a lot of family car buyers who are looking for an EV.

Photos: Pawan Dagia & Arvind Salhan