The Kia Clavis will be the Korean brand’s seventh model for India, and while it may be a sub-4-metre SUV like its sibling the Sonet, the new car will differentiate itself by having a greater focus on rear seat space and comfort. As seen in this latest set of exclusive spy photographs, the new compact SUV, which could go by the name Syros for production, will use a boxy, ‘tall boy’ design that will be a key contributor to helping to make more room in the cabin.
- New compact SUV to use vertical space, boxy design to increase interior room
- New Clavis spy photos show design inspired by EV9
- Features over Sonet include panoramic sunroof
Kia Clavis interior, rear seat highlights
With the Kia Clavis, the brand wants to double down on the lucrative compact SUV segment with a second model, and a company source tells us the main differentiator will be rear seat space. As we’ve noted in our reviews and comparisons, rear-seat space and comfort is an area where the Sonet falls behind most of its competitors, and that is something the Clavis will address.
As spy shots have shown, much like Maruti’s Wagon R, the Syros will have a boxy, upright, ‘tall boy’ design, which will utilise vertical space to provide greater roominess on the inside. In fact, interior space is said to be not only better than what’s available in the Sonet, but also compared to the larger Seltos as well.
Kia Clavis design highlights
The most recent Kia Clavis spy photos give us the clearest look at the nose and bonnet of the new compact SUV. The shape and design of the headlights and DRLs, which seem to have almost deliberately put on show on these test mules, are clearly inspired by the recently launched Kia EV9 flagship e-SUV.
Meanwhile, the bonnet is of a clamshell design whose opening is positioned much higher and inboard of the new headlamps. The rear is still heavily camouflaged and little can be gleaned other than the vertical design for the tail-lights and that the number plate is mounted on the bumper.
It also seems like Kia has been testing the Clavis with two different 16-inch dual-tone, diamond-cut alloy wheels. Overall the boxy design is also reminiscent of the Kia Soul, a larger five-seat MPV that’s sold overseas.
Kia Clavis features, safety kit
Typical of all Kia models, the Clavis will come with some premium features, at least in the top-spec variants. Earlier spy shots had shown a Seltos-like digital instrument display that flows into the large infotainment touchscreen; both are likely to be 10.25-inch screens. A panoramic sunroof has also been confirmed, along with features such as ventilated and powered front seats, drive modes, traction modes, a climate control system, leatherette upholstery and a Bose audio system.
In terms of safety kit, range-topping Clavis trims are expected with an ADAS suite, front parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, six airbags, ABS, a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear disc brakes.
Kia Clavis expected price
Kia India is expected to price the Clavis a little higher than the Sonet, which currently costs between Rs 8 lakh-15.77 lakh, ex-showroom, India. When it arrives, the Clavis will directly take on the likes of the Tata Nexon (and its EV counterpart), Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai’s Venue, and the bevy of compact SUVs that vie in this fiercely competitive space.
Also see:
Kia Clavis to get petrol, electric powertrains
