Kia’s Upcoming Compact SUV to be Named Clavis

The Kia Clavis, tailored for the Indian market, is expected to make its global debut by the close of 2024, with sales commencing in early 2025. Anticipated to offer various powertrain options, including internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles (EV), and hybrid variants, the ICE models are likely to hit the market before the EV. The Clavis EV will share the same platform as the ICE models.Kia India aims to manufacture nearly 100,000 units of the AY SUV annually, with approximately 80 percent of the volume derived from the internal combustion engine-equipped range, some of which will be allocated for exports.Positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia’s India lineup, the Clavis is set to stand out as a lifestyle vehicle, featuring a robust SUV-like appearance and a more squared-off design to distinguish itself from the Sonet. However, it will not include 4WD technology.In addition to the Clavis, Kia has plans to introduce other models in India next year, including the all-electric EV9 flagship and the new Carnival MPV.