Hot on the heels of introducing the Kia Carens Clavis, Kia India has significantly restructured the variant lineup of the Carens MPV, reducing its offerings to a single Premium (O) trim. Launched in 2022, the Carens was available in nine variants, including Premium, Premium (O), Gravity, Prestige, Prestige (O), Prestige Plus, Prestige Plus (O), Luxury Plus, and X-Line. Eight of these variants have been axed, leaving only the Premium (O) variant available for purchase, priced at Rs 11.41 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Carens

In addition to the trim restructuring, the powertrain options have also been revised. The Premium (O) variant can be had with three engine choices: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre oil burner delivering 114 bhp and 250 Nm and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine making 159 bhp and 253 Nm.

However, transmission options are now limited. The petrol and diesel engines are offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the turbo-petrol variant is available with a 6-speed iMT. Automatic transmission options, including the 7-speed DCT and 6-speed torque converter, are no longer part of the Carens lineup.

The Premium (O) variant is equipped with features including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, steering-mounted audio controls, and a 6-speaker sound system. Additional bits include a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, LED turn signal-equipped electric ORVMs, five USB Type-C ports, follow-me-home headlamps, and keyless entry with a burglar alarm, among others.

Meanwhile, Kia is all set to launch the Clavis in India on May 23. It will be positioned as a premium alternative to the Carens and will be offered in seven trim levels and seven exterior paint schemes.