Kia India aims to foray into the micro SUV segment to challenge dominance of the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. The upcoming model is likely to be named Kia Clavis and is being tested ahead of its debut that’s likely to happen in late 2024. Its market launch could take place in early 2025. Interestingly, the carmaker will initially bring it in with the ICE engine and the electric Clavis will arrive in the next six months. This new small SUV, which will sit below the Seltos and Sonet In the company’s product lineup, will be the most affordable SUV offering from the South Korean automaker in India.
What we know so far is that the Kia Clavis will have tall and upright stance along with the high ground clearance. The spy images reveal that the small SUV could have vertically placed LED headlamps and taillamps, thick body cladding, roof rails and a large glass-house with kinked windows. Dimensionally, it could be more or less similar to the Hyundai Exter.
When it comes to features, the new Clavis small SUV from Kia could be equipped with the ADAS tech and front parking sensors. Features such as a 360 degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, Bose audio system and ventilated front seats could also be reserved for the top-end trims.
The dual screen setup (for the infotainment and instrumentation) might also make its way on the Clavis. This unit will be similar to the one we have seen in the updated Seltos. Its safety kit could also be enriched with six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS (anti-lock braking system), and rear disc brakes.
As far as the engines are concerned, the new Kia Clavis will come with both petrol and electric powertrains. This small SUV might also get Kia’s strong hybrid powertrain, which is under development for the Indian market.
