Kia is making bold steps in its electrification strategy, opting to go with regionally-developed products to supplement its globally developed ones. One such example is the Kia Carens Clavis EV which is built and solid in India with plans to offer it for global markets as well.
Going against the likes of the BYD eMax 7, the Carens Clavis EV is a three-row MPV, albeit smaller. Measuring in at 4,550 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,730 mm in height—it’s a tad more compact than its Chinese counterpart in terms of exterior dimensions. However, its wheelbase—2,780 mm—is just 20 mm shy.
Named after the Latin phrase, “Clavis Aurea” or Golden Key, it’s meant to unlock a world of journeys and family connections. Like its gas-powered counterpart, this MPV dons a SUV-inspired character with features such as the Kia Digital Tiger Nose face, Star Map LED front and rear lightning with “Ice Cube” headlights, 17-inch alloys, and a panoramic sunroof. In its transition to being purely powered by electrons, the front grille has been blanked out and replaced by a charging port.
On that subject, Kia is offering two powertrain options for the Carens Clavis EV. The base variant has a 135 horsepower (99 kW), 225 Nm electric motor paired with a 42-kWh battery pack, while the Long Range offers a 171 horsepower (126 kW), 255 Nm electric motor together with a 51.4-kWh battery pack.
The base version does the 0 to 100 km/h time in 9.5 seconds and a range of 404 kilometers. The Long Range drops its century sprint to 8.4 seconds, while range gets a bump to 490 kilometers. Either way, top speed is pegged at 166 km/h. As for charging times, DC fast charging (10 to 80 percent) is done in just 39 minutes, while using a 7 kW AC wall box takes about 6 to 7.3 hours.
Advanced thermal management systems, including a liquid-cooled battery pack and Active Air Flap, also ensure consistent performance in a range of environmental conditions. The IP67-certified battery is dust- and waterproof, and undergoes rigorous testing, including water-soak, drop, and vibration trials.
Furthermore, it has four levels of regen braking including a one-pedal i-Pedal. Alternatively, an intelligent Auto Mode automatically adjusts the level of regeneration braking based on real-time traffic conditions, maximizing efficiency while maintaining comfort.
Inside, the Carens Clavis EV features a familiar HMI layout with dual panoramic screens measuring 26.62 inches when put together. Like modern Kia vehicles, the infotainment and temperature control switch bank are shared, with functions being swapped with the touch of a button. It also has a 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat, front ventilated seats, a shift-by-wire column shifter, wireless device charging, 64-color ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.
As an MPV, flexibility is paramount and, in that regard, the second-row seats fold and tumble electronically in one touch allowing easy access to the third row. And even with the third-row up, the luggage capacity is commendable at 216 liters. There’s even a front trunk to keep the charging cable and other small items in.
It also contains a set of 18 safety features including 6 SRS airbags, stability control, parking sensors all around, and a 360-degree camera. On top of that is a 20-funciton ADAS suite which includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and more.
The Carens Clavis EV is on sale in India with a starting price of 1.799 million Indian Rupee (P 1.190 million) and tops out at 2.449 million Indian Rupee (P 1.62 million).
Products regionalization best strategy to increased sales, just like toyota.
ReplyDeleteI think Kia needs to bring the Carens here, they could import from Vietnam?
ReplyDeleteConflict of interest, or may the better product win? Kia and BYD being under AC Mobility.
ReplyDeleteThis is super common with many products and businesses. For example, you may have multiple cereal/food/appliance (etc.) brands that all have the same owner. People will think that they have choice (with cars this may be more true since there's more stuff to consider) but as long as you buy any product then the owners win.
DeleteIt is a common practice today for multiple brands to compete in the same market. If a consumer buys any of the brand one manufacturer offers, it is a win for the manufacturer. In AC Mobility case, it is the distributor who "wins".
DeleteThis also happens at the dealer level. In my city there is a strip where Mazda, Nissan, and Hyundai dealers are side-by-side. I later learned that they are all owned/operated by a single owner. You may notice this in your city/town too if you go to a mall where there are cars on display. If you ask for the calling card of the agents there it is more likely than not that they cover/sell multiple brands of cars (again at the dealer level).
DeleteIf they can price it well like the byd or almost same price. People prefer kia than byd. It will be a sure hit considering it's a 7seater and an electric car. Affordable for the mass consumers
ReplyDeleteOf course the KIA Carens Clavis can compete in the local market. The KIA Carens used to be a famous vehicle locally. Don't know what happened why it disappeared.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite unique during the time old Kia PH was still selling it, firstly it didn't follow the usual MPV look like an Innova or Adventure and even the Avanza, it's more Euro styled like the VW Touran, also being a relatively small player at that time, maybe hindi na sustain sales wise?
DeleteIf I remember only the second generation was sold here?
With the current one being more familiar in design like an AUV, I think the new Carens has a better chance now here