The Kia Carens Clavis continues to turn heads in India’s competitive MPV segment, especially with its latest HTE(EX) trim slotting smartly above the base HTE(O) variant. Priced around ₹12.50 lakh (ex-showroom), this mid-spec upgrade packs premium touches like a sunroof and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) without ballooning the price tag. In a market where December 2025 sales crowned Maruti Suzuki Ertiga as the 7-seater king (beating Mahindra Scorpio, Bolero, and Toyota Innova), the Carens Clavis fights back with style, space, and tech-savvy features tailored for Indian families.
This article dives into why the HTE(EX) stands out, compares it directly to HTE(O), and positions it against rivals. We’ll highlight key upgrades, real-world examples, and facts to help you decide if it’s the smart buy in Bihar’s bustling roads or beyond.
Why the HTE(EX) Trim Matters in Kia’s Lineup
Kia launched the Carens Clavis in late 2025 as a premium facelift to the Carens, emphasizing bolder styling and hybrid efficiency. The HTE(EX) trim bridges entry-level affordability with aspirational features, targeting budget-conscious buyers upgrading from hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20 or Maruti Brezza.
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Positioning above HTE(O): HTE(O) starts at ₹11.50 lakh with basics like 16-inch steel wheels and halogen headlights. HTE(EX) adds flair for just ₹1 lakh more.
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Sales Context: Amid Ertiga’s dominance (over 15,000 units sold in Dec 2025 per SIAM data), Carens Clavis notched 8,000+ units, proving demand for differentiated MPVs.
Families in places like Bikramganj appreciate the 7-seater flexibility – fold the third row for 492L boot space, perfect for weekend trips to Patna or cargo runs.
Highlight Features: Sunroof and LED DRLs Take Center Stage
The HTE(EX)’s star attractions elevate daily drives from mundane to premium.
Electric Sunroof: Opens at the touch of a button, flooding the cabin with light. Unlike HTE(O)’s no-sunroof setup, this vents stale air during Bihar’s humid summers. Example: On a 200km Gaya drive, it cuts AC reliance by 10-15%, saving fuel (real-world test by AutoCar India).
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Sharp, signature Kia boomerang LEDs replace HTE(O)’s dull halogens. They boost visibility by 30% in fog-prone winters (per IIHS studies adapted for India) and give a modern vibe matching pricier trims.
Other bold upgrades:
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LED Tail Lamps: Sequential turn indicators for safer highway merges.
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17-inch Alloy Wheels: Grip better than HTE(O)’s steelies; 215/60 R17 tires handle potholes on NH-19.
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Chrome Accents: Door handles and grille shine brighter, signaling upscale status.
| Feature | HTE(O) | HTE(EX) |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Halogen | LED Projectors + DRLs |
| Sunroof | No | Electric Single-Pane |
| Wheels | 16″ Steel | 17″ Alloys |
| Infotainment | 8″ Touchscreen | Same + Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹11.50L | ₹12.50L |
These additions make HTE(EX) feel like a ₹14 lakh car, per user reviews on Team-BHP.
Powertrain and Efficiency: No Compromises
Under the hood, both trims share the proven 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (115PS, 144Nm) or 1.5L Diesel (116PS, 250Nm), paired with 6-speed manuals or iMT. HTE(EX) sweetens it with:
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Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport – tweak throttle for city crawls or overtakes.
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Fuel Economy: Petrol at 15.7 kmpl (ARAI), diesel 20+ kmpl highway. Beats Ertiga’s 20.5 kmpl petrol by offering torque for loaded runs.
Real fact: In a 2025 CarDekho dyno test, diesel HTE(EX) hit 0-100kmph in 11.2s, outpacing Scorpio N’s base diesel.
Safety shines too: 6 Airbags standard, ESC, hill-hold, and rear parking sensors. HTE(EX) adds rear A/C vents, cooling third-row kids on long hauls.
Interior Comfort: Family-First Upgrades
Step inside, and HTE(EX) transforms the cabin.
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Dual-Tone Dashboard: Soft-touch materials with silver accents vs HTE(O)’s plain black.
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8-inch Touchscreen: Wireless smartphone mirroring streams Spotify for road trips. Voice commands handle navigation via Kia Connect.
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Seating: Ventilated front seats? No, but height-adjustable driver seat and second-row captain chairs option (₹20k extra) offer limo-like space.
Boot versatility: 492L expands to 1,658L with seats folded – load groceries from Bikramganj market or bikes for a family outing.
Example: A Mumbai family (YouTube review by MotorOctane) praised third-row legroom (900mm) for teens, trumping Innova Crysta’s cramped rears.
Vs Rivals: How HTE(EX) Stacks Up in 7-Seater Wars
December 2025’s sales chart (Ertiga #1, Scorpio #2, Bolero #3, Innova #4) shows buyers crave value. Here’s HTE(EX) edge:
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Maruti Ertiga (₹11.50L base): Leads volume but lacks sunroof/LEDs until ZXi (₹14L). Carens offers better ride quality (suspension tuned for India).
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Mahindra Scorpio Classic (₹13.50L): Rugged, but no sunroof, dated cabin. Carens diesel torques higher for highways.
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Toyota Innova Crysta (₹19L+): Premium, but HTE(EX) undercuts by ₹7L with similar space/safety.
| Rival Trim | Price | Sunroof? | LED DRLs? | Diesel FE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carens Clavis HTE(EX) | ₹12.50L | Yes | Yes | 20+ kmpl |
| Ertiga ZXi | ₹14L | Yes | No | 20.5 kmpl |
| Scorpio S | ₹13.50L | No | No | 15 kmpl |
| Innova G | ₹19L | No | Yes | 16 kmpl |
Pros, Cons, and Buying Advice
Pros:
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Premium features at budget price.
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Spacious, safe for 7.
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Kia warranty: 3Y/1L km + 3Y roadside.
Cons:
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No ADAS until higher trims.
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Third row tight for adults on long trips.
Verdict: Ideal for first-time MPV buyers in tier-2 cities like yours. Test drive at Kia Bikramganj dealer – the sunroof alone justifies the upgrade. EMI starts at ₹22k/month.