Raising the Stakes
Kia recently unveiled the Carens Clavis and has realigned its vehicle positioning, much like Hyundai has positioned the Creta and Alcazar as their two-row and three-row vehicle options, targeting two levels of buyers. What has Kia brought to the table that will allow the Carens Clavis to become a genuine competitor in this fight? Let’s find out.
The Features Game
On the face of it, both cars offer similar packages and in their top-spec variants have features like dual-zone climate control, dual digital screens with wireless phone mirroring, powered driver’s seat with ventilation for both front occupants, LED light package, connected car technology and level-2 ADAS with 360-degree camera. Regarding the rear-seat package, both cars (in their six-seat layout) offer seat back tray tables(only left side in the Clavis) and a boss function for the left rear occupant for additional space.
However, while the boss function in the Alcazar is controlled by buttons, in the Carens Clavis it is manually operated. What’s more, the Alcazar gets ventilation and under-thigh support for the second-row occupants, both of which are not present for the Carens Clavis.
In the Alcazar, the six-seat option is available across a wide range, while in the Carens CLavis, it is only offered on the top-spec variant. Lastly, the Kia is longer in terms of wheelbase, while the Hyundai is longer in overall length. In terms of safety, both cars get six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability programme and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
Powertrain Options
Both cars can be had with the group’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, both of which get MT and AT options. The Carens Clavis, by virtue of its expected lower entry price, can also be had with the group’s 1.5-litre NA petrol that’s only offered with a six-speed MT. This same engine package is also offered with the Carens, which can only be had in the Premium (O) variant across all three engine options.
Expected Pricing
The Hyundai Alczar is priced from Rs. 17.22 lakh to Rs 21.54 lakh (ex-showroom) while the Kia Carens Clavis will prices will be announced on 23 May. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 21 lakh. Other rivals for the Carens Clavis include the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700 and of course the Hyundai Alcazar.
