Kia Carens Clavis gets cheaper automatic variants: Prices start at ₹14.67 lakh, and there’s more…

Buying an automatic family car in India often comes with one familiar problem — the automatic gearbox is available, but only on the more expensive variants. Kia India has now addressed that gap in its three-row MPV lineup with new automatic variants of the Kia Carens Clavis.

The company has introduced automatic options in the lower HTE range, bringing more affordable access to both petrol-DCT and diesel-automatic powertrains.

Prices for the newly added variants start at ₹14.67 lakh (ex-showroom).

Three new automatic options added

The biggest change is the expansion of automatic choices in the lower variants.

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a DCT automatic gearbox is now available with both the HTE (EX) and HTE (O) trims.

The prices are:

• Carens Clavis HTE (O) Turbo-Petrol DCT: ₹14.67 lakh
• Carens Clavis HTE (EX) Turbo-Petrol DCT: ₹15.22 lakh
• Carens Clavis HTE (O) Diesel Automatic: ₹15.82 lakh

All prices are ex-showroom.

The turbo-petrol uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), while the diesel automatic gets a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Both automatic powertrains were already available on higher Carens Clavis variants. With this update, Kia has effectively brought the convenience of an automatic gearbox further down the range.

Automatic Pack adds useful features

Kia isn’t simply adding an automatic transmission and leaving the rest unchanged.

The new automatic variants receive an Automatic Pack, which includes features designed to make everyday driving more convenient.

The package includes a Smart Key with Motion Sensor, push-button start, selectable drive modes, an electronic parking brake and remote engine start.

For a family MPV that may spend a lot of time in city traffic, these additions can make the daily driving experience a little easier.

Three engine choices continue

The Carens Clavis continues to offer three engine options in India.

These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Depending on the variant, customers can choose between a manual gearbox, iMT, DCT or torque-converter automatic transmission.

This broad powertrain strategy gives Kia the flexibility to target different types of buyers — from customers looking for a straightforward petrol family car to those who want the stronger performance of the turbo-petrol or the efficiency-focused diesel option.

Six- and seven-seat layouts available

The Carens Clavis continues to serve buyers looking for a practical three-row family vehicle.

The MPV is offered in both six-seat and seven-seat configurations, although the newly introduced HTE automatic variants sit towards the value-oriented end of the lineup.

The model measures 4,550 mm in length and gets a 2,780 mm wheelbase, giving it the dimensions expected from a spacious family-focused MPV.

The Carens Clavis is also positioned as Kia’s replacement for the earlier Carens, continuing the company’s presence in India’s three-row family vehicle market.

Why the new variants matter

The most interesting part of Kia’s latest update isn’t a major styling change or a new engine. It’s the fact that customers can now get an automatic Carens Clavis without immediately stepping up to the more expensive variants.

With prices starting at ₹14.67 lakh, the new HTE automatic versions could attract buyers who want the convenience of two-pedal driving while keeping the overall purchase price under control.

For families spending considerable time in crowded urban traffic, that difference can matter.

The new variants also give buyers another reason to compare the turbo-petrol DCT and diesel automatic options based on their driving patterns rather than being forced into a higher trim simply to get an automatic gearbox.

For Kia, the move expands the Carens Clavis automatic lineup. For buyers, it means one less reason to compromise.