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Tata Punch is currently, the king of the compact SUV segment. Having the majority in market share, the Punch always manages to be above all. The closest rival of the Punch happens to be the Maruti Brezza and then, the Tata Nexon. This particular segment is like a goldmine for all the car brands, in fact, we can also see all the big brands with their own compact SUVs playing in this segment, except one - Kia. Well, Kia does have a compact SUV, which is the Sonet but, it sits above the Punch’s segment. Currently, Kia does not have any SUV rivaling the Punch, on the other hand, its sister company, Hyundai, recently, launched its Exter to go head-to-head against the Punch. Now, it seems that Kia is also gearing up to go after the Punch, as the upcoming Kia compact SUV has been spied on with some segment-first features. 

What is the Kia Compact SUV? 

This new upcoming Kia Compact SUV happens to be the Kia Clavis. It will most likely be Kia’s derivative of the Hyundai Exter, as both brands have been working this way for years now - Venue-Sonet, Seltos-Creta, Carens-Alcazar, etc. 

The Exter was launched by Hyundai to tackle the dominance of the Tata Punch in the compact SUV segment. Till now, it has sort of given the Punch decent competition but, has not yet overtaken it, and the Punch, post the Punch.ev launch has gone far away from Exter’s reach. So, both of these brands are trying a different way to defeat the Punch, and it is by launching Kia’s derivative of the Hyundai Exter - Kia Clavis in the same segment. 

The Kia Clavis will most probably be based on the same platform as the Exter and the Grand i10 - K1 platform. This platform is more of a hatchback platform that has been fitted under an SUV body (Exter). It also showcases some pure signs of being a hatchback platform, as comparatively, it has lower seating inside the cabin, unlike its key rival the Tata Punch.

Secondly, once the Kia Clavis launches in the Indian market, it will be the most affordable Kia car present in India. It will sit below the Sonet, and sort commence the brand’s India portfolio.

Kia Clavis Key Features

The Kia Clavis will be a usual Kia car, which means it will be filled in terms of features. The spy shots that have circulated in the industry, clearly showcase the extraordinary features the Clavis will have compared to the rest of the segment. 

On the design front, not much can be stated, as the SUV is fully covered. But, we can surely talk about the overall design language the Clavis could follow. The Clavis will go with the typical boxy design which is followed by every other SUV today. On the front, it will have vertically placed LED Headlamps, like the Kia EV9. The hood will be decently tall adding to the SUV’s presence. The Side profile is a bit unusual in terms of its design, as it will have thick body-colored pillars throughout the side. We can also see the 16-inch Diamond cut Alloys. The Rear can not be explained as it is completely covered. 

Inside the Cabin, this Kia SUV will have plenty of exciting features. Starting with a Two-spoke new-age Kia Steering wheel - this steering wheel is like the one in the EV9, 10.25-inch Infotainment screen with new software - probably with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, too, it will also have a 10.25-inch Instrument Cluster - both the screens will be connected, Automatic Climate Control, Ventilation function for the Front row of seats, Panoramic sunroof, Voice commands, etc. Overall, the cabin’s material quality is expected to be the best in the segment with quite a few soft-touch points and premium plastic materials. 

Kia Clavis Powertrains

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The Kia Clavis will use the same powertrains as the Hyundai Exter. It will have have single engine option - a 1.2 L Naturally aspirated Petrol engine producing 82 hp and 114 Nm torque. This engine comes mated with either a 5-speed Manual or Automatic Gearbox. This engine also comes mated with a CNG option - it produces 68 hp and 95 Nm torque. 

​Sources state that this test mule was spotted with a cap in its engine bay saying - DEF. So, maybe this SUV could offer a Diesel engine, too. If yes, then it would be the same 1.5 L Naturally aspirated Diesel engine from Sonet and Seltos - produces 113 hp and 250 Nm torque.

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Most likely, Kia would also bring in the 1.0 L Turbo GDI Petrol engine from the Hyundai i20 N Line in order to sell an X Line variant of the Clavis. This engine chunks out 118 hp and 172 Nm torque. It comes mated with either a 6-speed Manual Gearbox or a 7-speed DCT Gearbox. 

Kia Clavis Launch date and Price Details

Kia Clavis is expected to launch within this year, 2024. It will be priced competitively with prices starting from ₹6 lakhs. 

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