Kia Carens Clavis Gets More Affordable Automatic Variants; DCT Now Starts at ₹14.67 Lakh
Kia India has expanded the Carens Clavis line-up by introducing automatic transmission options in its lower-spec variants. The update significantly reduces the entry price for buyers looking for either a turbo-petrol DCT or diesel automatic version of the three-row MPV.
The biggest addition is the HTE(O) Turbo DCT, priced at ₹14.67 lakh (ex-showroom), which is now the most affordable automatic version of the Carens Clavis. Kia has also introduced an HTE(O) diesel automatic at ₹15.82 lakh, while the HTE(EX) trim gets a new turbo-petrol DCT option priced at ₹15.22 lakh.
New Kia Carens Clavis Automatic Variants
Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price |
HTE(O) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 7-speed DCT | ₹14.67 lakh |
HTE(EX) | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 7-speed DCT | ₹15.22 lakh |
HTE(O) | 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed AT | ₹15.82 lakh |
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
The expansion means buyers no longer need to move up to the HTK+ trim to get an automatic gearbox.
HTE(O) Becomes the New Entry Automatic Variant
The HTE(O) sits just above the base HTE variant and is now offered with three engine choices, including the naturally aspirated petrol manual, turbo-petrol options and diesel powertrain.
Kia’s official configurator confirms that the HTE(O) now supports the Smartstream 1.5-litre T-GDi engine with a 7-speed DCT, along with the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The turbo-petrol engine produces around 160hp and is paired with Kia’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The diesel uses a 116hp 1.5-litre CRDi engine paired with a conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic.
HTE(EX) Also Gets Turbo-DCT
The slightly higher HTE(EX) trim has also gained the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with 7-speed DCT combination.
Priced at ₹15.22 lakh, it sits ₹55,000 above the HTE(O) Turbo DCT and provides buyers another relatively affordable step in the Clavis automatic range.
Kia's official variant comparison also lists the Smartstream 1.5 T-GDi 7DCT powertrain for the HTE(EX).
Automatic Versions Get Extra Equipment
Interestingly, Kia has added several automatic-specific features to the lower trims rather than merely swapping the gearbox.
Depending on the automatic configuration, equipment includes:
Smart key with push-button start and motion sensor
Remote engine start
Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes
Electronic parking brake
These features are confirmed on Kia India's current Carens Clavis specification page for the automatic/DCT versions.
The HTE(O) itself also gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12.5-inch instrument cluster assembly with a 4.2-inch colour TFT display and electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated indicators.
Kia Carens Clavis Automatic Price Range
Following the update, the automatic line-up broadly stretches from ₹14.67 lakh to ₹21.79 lakh.
Variant | Turbo Petrol DCT | Diesel AT |
HTE | — | — |
HTE(O) | ₹14.67 lakh | ₹15.82 lakh |
HTE(EX) | ₹15.22 lakh | — |
HTK+ | ₹16.85 lakh | ₹17.57 lakh |
HTK+(O) | ₹17.86 lakh | — |
HTX(O) | ₹19.62 lakh | — |
GTX | ₹20.00 lakh | — |
HTX(O) A | ₹20.00 lakh | — |
HTX+ | ₹21.07 lakh | — |
GTX+ | ₹21.79 lakh | — |
X-Line | ₹21.79 lakh | — |
Prices are ex-showroom and may vary depending on configuration.
Why This Update Matters
Until now, buyers wanting an automatic Carens Clavis had to move further up the variant ladder. Introducing the DCT and diesel AT in HTE(O) substantially lowers that entry barrier.
The ₹14.67 lakh HTE(O) DCT is particularly relevant because it combines the stronger turbo-petrol engine with an automatic gearbox while retaining several everyday convenience features.
The new ₹15.82 lakh HTE(O) diesel AT, meanwhile, gives buyers looking at higher annual running or highway-heavy usage a lower-priced diesel automatic option.
Kia has effectively separated the choice of automatic transmission from the requirement to buy a heavily equipped top-end trim.
Carens Clavis Dimensions
The mechanical update does not change the basic dimensions of the MPV.
The Carens Clavis measures:
Length: 4,550mm
Width: 1,800mm
Height: 1,708mm
Wheelbase: 2,780mm
It continues to be positioned as a three-row family vehicle, with seven-seat configurations available across much of the range.
Auto Punditz Take
The addition of lower-priced automatic variants fills an important gap in the Carens Clavis portfolio.
Instead of forcing automatic buyers towards the ₹16-18 lakh trims, Kia now offers a turbo-DCT combination from ₹14.67 lakh and a diesel automatic from ₹15.82 lakh.
That creates a noticeably broader automatic range for the Clavis and should make the HTE(O) one of the more important variants to watch within the model's line-up.
For buyers, the key trade-off is straightforward: the new variants sacrifice some of the premium equipment available in the HTX, GTX and higher trims, but retain the same core turbo-petrol or diesel automatic powertrains at a substantially lower acquisition price.
