Kia Carens Clavis EV review - Positive Charge| Price, range, features | First Drive | Autocar India

Kia has launched its third electric vehicle in India, and this one is aimed squarely at the mass market. It’s also the first three-row EV available, which is a pretty big deal. Who wouldn't want the practicality, the features, and the low running costs that come with an EV? We're here to find out if the Kia Carens EV can deliver on that promise.

Exterior Design: Subtle EV Touches

As this is an EV conversion of an existing model, the overall design remains familiar. However, Kia has added some distinctive EV touches. A new LED strip runs across the centre, a unique feature. Below this, the flat panel typical of the Carens is present, but here it houses the charging port. A silver plate underneath is more for looks, and the traditional grille is gone, replaced by a closed-off front end as the car doesn't need the same airflow.

Kia has also reworked the bumper with a skid plate and added active aero flaps that open and close based on temperature. LED fog lamps, not found on the petrol Carens, are also present. The overall silhouette, width, and bonnet remain the same, with the flat bonnet aiding aerodynamics. In fact, this EV has a lower drag coefficient than the standard Carens, thanks to these small changes.

On the sides, the Carens EV shares the same dimensions as its petrol counterpart, including the length and wheelbase. The wheel sizes are also carried over – 17-inch on higher trims and 16-inch on lower ones. Closer inspection reveals aerodynamically optimised wheels with flat panels to reduce drag. A potential concern was the battery pack placement under the floor, shared with the Creta EV. While it hangs quite low on the Creta, it's better integrated here, and Kia claims 200mm of ground clearance is maintained. Integrated roof rails, a spoiler, and character lines complete the side profile.

The rear is almost identical to the petrol Carens, with the only changes being the green number plates and the Carens EV badging. Everything else, from the detailed LED tail lamps connected by a strip to the bumpers with skid plates, remains the same. A high-mounted stop lamp, rear wiper, and washer are also present.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Upon entering the Carens EV, the first thing you notice is the slightly raised floor due to the battery pack. While not uncomfortable, it does lead to a slightly higher seating position. The seats themselves are nice and comfortable, offering good width and cushioning. Front passengers get ventilated seats, and the driver's seat has power adjustment with manual height adjustment.

The steering wheel is a familiar two-spoke unit with controls for the digital driver's display and media. It also features paddle shifters, which in the EV control the regenerative braking levels. The steering column also houses the gear selector, a common EV layout.

The dashboard features two 12.3-inch screens. The central screen is a touchscreen, while the other is a digital instrument cluster. Both offer extensive customisation. As expected, there are dedicated EV functions showing charge status, range, and nearby charging stations, with a slick and user-friendly interface. Unfortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available, requiring a USB connection.

Below the screen, you'll find USB-A and Type-C ports, a 12V socket, a wireless charger, and a large storage area. The absence of a traditional gear lever frees up space, with the gear selector moved to the steering column. The floating centre console houses climate controls, seat functions, and the 360-degree camera. It also includes two cup holders that can double as storage, a covered compartment, and an extra cubbyhole. The armrest adds to the overall practicality, making the cabin a very pleasant and functional space.

Key Takeaways:

• The Carens EV offers a practical and comfortable interior, building on the strengths of the ICE version.
• A raised floor is noticeable but doesn't significantly detract from comfort.
• Dual 12.3-inch screens provide a modern and feature-rich experience.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is missing, a minor drawback.
• The cabin is packed with storage solutions and user-friendly features.

Second and Third-Row Space

In the second row, the raised floor is again noticeable, resulting in a slightly lower seating position. However, the seats are comfortable, and legroom can be adjusted to accommodate third-row passengers. Behind the passenger seat, a tray is provided for laptops or tablets, complete with a cup holder.

Rear passengers get roof-integrated AC vents with fan speed adjustment, two Type-C ports, and a three-pin socket for charging laptops or other devices. The flat floor in the second row benefits the middle passenger, though a centre headrest is missing. The Carens EV is exclusively a seven-seater, meaning no captain chair option, but it does come with an air purifier and a large panoramic sunroof.

The third row, as expected in a vehicle of this size, is best suited for children or shorter adults. While the raised floor does offer a bit more space than some rivals, it's still tight for anyone over 6 feet. Adjusting the second-row seats forward can free up more legroom. The backrests in the third row can be reclined, and individual headrests and AC vents are provided, making it a bit more comfortable for those who do end up back there.

Boot Space and Practicality

With the third row in place, the Carens EV offers 216 litres of boot space, the same as the petrol version. Folding the third row flat significantly increases this capacity. A spare wheel is mounted underneath the boot floor. Additionally, there's a 25-litre 'frunk' (front trunk) for storing charging cables and smaller items.

Performance and Driving Experience

Kia's latest EV is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the front axle, driving the front wheels. The larger battery option, which we tested, produces 171 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque. While not aggressively quick, the acceleration is linear and responsive, suiting the car's personality for city and highway driving.

There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco mode limits power for city driving, while Sport mode sharpens the throttle response. Normal mode offers a good balance. The steering feel also adjusts with the modes, being light in Eco, slightly heavier in Normal, and firmest in Sport. While it's a three-row MPV and not a sports car, the handling is composed, and you don't feel a lack of power.

Refinement and Ride Quality

Kia has focused on refinement, adding extra insulation to the doors and using specially developed tyres with low rolling resistance. This helps reduce road noise, although some wind noise is noticeable at higher speeds, likely from the ORVMs. Overall, the cabin remains quiet and calm.

The ride quality is soft and comfortable, especially on smooth highways. Kia has retuned the dampers to account for the battery's weight. While sharp bumps at low speeds might cause a slight jolt, the overall ride is well-composed with good body control. The braking system is also impressive, offering a natural and progressive feel, unlike the artificial feel sometimes found in EVs. Regenerative braking has four levels, including a 'Max' level for one-pedal driving, which is very convenient in stop-start traffic.

Range and Efficiency

The Carens EV comes with two battery options: a 42 kWh unit and a larger 51.4 kWh unit (as tested). The claimed range for the larger battery is 490 km (ARAI figure), while the smaller battery claims 440 km (MIDC figure).

During our testing, which involved a mix of highway driving, we achieved an efficiency of 6.87 km/kWh, translating to a real-world range of around 353 km. With more city driving and higher regeneration, the range could potentially reach closer to 400 km. The extra weight of the third row does put it slightly behind the Creta EV in terms of efficiency.

Pricing and Verdict

Pricing for the Kia Carens EV starts at ₹17.99 lakh and goes up to ₹24.49 lakh. With fewer variants than the petrol version, Kia has focused on offering well-equipped models.

Overall, the Carens EV presents a compelling package. It offers low running costs, a practical and feature-rich interior, and a decent range. For families who do a lot of city commuting and occasional longer trips, it makes a lot of sense. Even if the third row isn't used frequently, it can be folded down for increased boot space. While it's a large car for the city, modern driving habits mean larger vehicles are becoming more common. The Carens EV is a practical, feature-packed, and sensible choice for many Indian families.