Business Business: South Korean manufacturer Kia Motors is testing its new SUV Clavis in India. This is the seventh model of the company in India. It will be a sub-4 meter SUV just like the Kia Sonata. The company plans to provide more space for the rear occupants in this SUV. Looking at the published pictures, it is clear that it has more space than the Sonnet. I noticed this recently during the test. You see a boxy design for a big boy. When it will be launched in the market, the vehicle can also be called the Cyros.
The boxy look of the Kia Clavis is very similar to the Maruti WagonR. This created more space for the rear seats. Its interior gives more space than the Sonet and Seltos. Modern cars have folding hoods that start above the headlights. The shape and design of the headlights and daytime running lights are inspired by the Kia EV9. At the rear of the car, the taillights are designed vertically and the license plate is attached to the bumper.
Inside, the Clavis is equipped with premium features. This includes a Seltos-like 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a large infotainment touchscreen. It has features like ventilated and power-adjustable front seats, driving modes, traction modes, air conditioning, leather upholstery, Bose sound system and panoramic sunroof. Based on previous spy shots, the Clavis B SUV is expected to come with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, dual-tone upholstery, 360-degree cameras and ADAS suite.
The Clavis offers multiple engine options. Like the Exeter, it can be equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine. Its output power is 82 hp and 114 Nm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox. Apart from this, the company can offer internal combustion engines and hybrid electric vehicles. It is expected that the company will start selling the electric model first. Kia is expected to build the Clavis EV on the same platform as the ICE model. The starting ex-showroom price of the Clavis could be more than Rs 80,000.
