This diwali surprised us with rain, because the universe decided diyas and fireworks weren’t enough, we needed a water element too. So naturally, I found myself behind the wheel of the newest TG Garage member, the Kia Carens Clavis, capable of carrying family, gifts, and enough luggage to suggest a relocation mission.
Across five days and roughly 450 kilometres, the Clavis quietly did its job. Visiting multiple relatives I realised that the Korean MPV wasn’t dramatic nor was flashy, just dependable in that unbothered, middle-child sort of way. Early morning errands, midnight joyrides, or navigating chaotic firecrackers filled roads, it took it all on the chin.
Step inside and the cabin sets a calm tone from all the noise outside. The layout is neat, space is generous, and every control falls easily to hand. Three usable rows mean no family arguments over seating and the ventilated front seats are a blessing when the son decides he wants to stare at the sun through the panoramic sunroof. Materials feel sensible, not luxurious, but definitely a step up from the predecessor.
On the road, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol paired with a 7-speed DCT feels refined and alert. With 158bhp and 253Nm on tap, it’s surprisingly eager when you decide to make up for lost time between waiting for random firecrackers to go off on the road. The suspension setup deserves praise too, it stays composed even when the car is fully loaded with people, gifts, and a week’s worth of sweets.
Real-world efficiency sat at roughly 12.5kmpl, fair for city chaos, but anyone expecting miracles will be disappointed. The only real gripe? No wireless connectivity despite wireless charging.
Apple CarPlay works fine, but that dangling wire feels like convenience always comes with conditions. But the real blessing turned out to be the Smart Pure Air Purifier. While Mumbai’s AQI shot past 300, we could still breathe easy and watch the firecrackers light up the sky through the panoramic sunroof.
The Clavis isn’t perfect, but it’s honest, and in the middle of Diwali madness, that’s the kind of company you actually want.
