Kia India has broadened the Carens Clavis MPV lineup with a new HTX(O) trim and by expanding the availability of the 6-seater captain-chair layout. Until now, the 6-seat option was primarily restricted to the top-spec HTX+. With this update, buyers who want the flexibility and comfort of captain chairs can now access it at a lower price point via the HTK+ and HTK+(O) trims. The HTX(O) itself sits neatly between HTX and HTX+, adding a premium audio upgrade while retaining the feature set that made the mid-variants popular.
This move targets family buyers who value comfort and practicality but do not necessarily need every top-tier feature. It also gives the Carens Clavis a stronger value proposition in the competitive three-row space by offering more nuanced combinations of seating, equipment, and powertrains.
Variant and Price Snapshot
Below is the detailed price list for the newly introduced configurations. All prices are ex-showroom.
New Carens Clavis Variants |
Ex-Showroom Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
HTK+ 1.5 TGDi 6s 7DCT |
16,28,064 |
HTK+ 1.5 CRDi 6s 6AT |
17,34,037 |
HTK+(O) 1.5 TGDi 6s 7DCT |
17,05,135 |
HTX(O) 1.5 TGDi 7s 7DCT |
19,26,717 |
HTX(O) 1.5 TGDi 6s 7DCT |
19,26,717 |
Key notes:
- The new HTX(O) is available in both 6-seat and 7-seat layouts at the same ex-showroom price.
- The HTK+ 6-seater becomes the most affordable captain-chair option in the range.
- The broader Carens Clavis lineup now spans eight trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, HTX(O), and HTX+.
- The starting price for the Carens Clavis range remains Rs 11.07 lakh (ex-showroom).
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
What’s new |
New HTX(O) trim between HTX and HTX+; 6-seater captain chairs now on mid-spec HTK+ and HTK+(O) |
Starting price for HTX(O) |
Rs 19.27 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Most affordable 6-seater |
HTK+ 6-seater from Rs 16.28 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Seating layouts |
6-seat (captain chairs) and 7-seat (bench) depending on variant |
Key added feature on HTX(O) |
8-speaker Bose audio (previously HTX+ only) |
Powertrains (highlights) |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol DCT on HTX(O); HTK+ 6-seater offers turbo-petrol DCT or diesel AT |
Feature carryovers |
Drive modes, EPB with auto hold, 17-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, dual 12.25-inch displays, 360° camera, ambient lighting |
Full variant family |
HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, HTX(O), HTX+ |
Official site |
What the New HTX(O) Brings
Positioned between HTX and HTX+, the HTX(O) trim focuses on an enhanced in-cabin experience without pushing buyers all the way to the top grade. The headline addition is the 8-speaker Bose sound system, which was earlier the preserve of the HTX+. This helps the HTX(O) stand out for buyers who prioritize rich audio during long family drives.
Features Retained from Lower Trims
HTX(O) continues with a comprehensive feature pack:
- Selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport for adaptable throttle and transmission behavior.
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold for easy hill starts and stop-go convenience.
- 17-inch alloy wheels offering a balanced ride and premium stance.
- Panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin and add an airier feel for all three rows.
- LED headlamps for improved night visibility.
- Dual 12.25-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, creating a modern, cohesive cockpit.
- 360-degree camera to simplify tight parking and low-speed maneuvering.
- Ambient lighting to elevate cabin ambience in the evenings.
Powertrain on HTX(O)
The HTX(O) is paired exclusively with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 hp) engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Buyers can choose 6-seat or 7-seat configurations, depending on their usage and comfort preferences.
6-Seater Layout Now More Accessible
Previously limited mainly to the HTX+ with the turbo-petrol engine, the middle-row captain chairs are now offered lower in the lineup:
- HTK+: 6-seat configuration available with 1.5 TGDi 7DCT and 1.5 CRDi 6AT.
- HTK+(O): 6-seat configuration available with 1.5 TGDi 7DCT.
This change significantly reduces the entry cost for families who prefer the ease of access, comfort, and individual armrests that captain chairs provide. For many buyers, the 6-seat layout also enhances third-row usability, as the gap between the captain seats creates a natural aisle.
Positioning Within the Lineup
The updated structure gives the Carens Clavis a well-spaced ladder of value:
- HTE / HTE(O): Budget-focused entry points to the three-row segment.
- HTK / HTK+ / HTK+(O): Mid-spec comfort with the option of 6-seater captain chairs and automatic transmissions in both petrol and diesel.
- HTX / HTX(O): Feature-rich family movers, with HTX(O) adding the premium Bose audio without the full HTX+ price.
- HTX+: Top-spec grade with the most comprehensive feature list.
This spread ensures shoppers can prioritize the attributes that matter most—be it seating, audio, driver assistance features, or powertrain—without being forced to over-spec for a single must-have.
Who Should Consider the New HTX(O) and 6-Seater Trims
- Family buyers who value comfort: The 6-seat layout is ideal if you frequently travel with four to five occupants and appreciate easy third-row ingress.
- Feature-seekers at a sensible price: HTX(O) is an excellent middle-path if you want premium audio and a full feature set without going all the way to HTX+.
- Mixed-use urban and highway commuters: The turbo-petrol DCT pairing in HTX(O) offers responsive performance with the convenience of a smooth automatic.
Official Site
Explore specifications, color options, brochures, and dealer contacts on Kia’s official page:
https://www.kia.com/in/our-vehicles/carens.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is the main addition in the new HTX(O) trim?
HTX(O) adds an 8-speaker Bose audio system while retaining premium features such as drive modes, EPB with auto hold, panoramic sunroof, dual 12.25-inch displays, and a 360-degree camera.
2) Does HTX(O) offer both 6-seat and 7-seat layouts?
Yes. HTX(O) can be configured as either a 6-seater with captain chairs or a 7-seater with a bench.
3) Which is the most affordable 6-seater Carens Clavis now?
The HTK+ 6-seater is the most accessible option, starting at Rs 16.28 lakh (ex-showroom).
4) What engines and gearboxes are available with the new 6-seater options?
On the HTK+ 6-seater, you can choose 1.5 TGDi 7DCT or 1.5 CRDi 6AT. The HTK+(O) 6-seater is offered with 1.5 TGDi 7DCT.
5) What powertrain does HTX(O) use?
HTX(O) is offered exclusively with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 hp) paired to a 7-speed DCT.
6) How many total trims does the Carens Clavis family include after this update?
There are eight: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, HTX(O), and HTX+.
7) Has the entry price of the Carens Clavis changed?
No. The starting price remains Rs 11.07 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant.
8) Is the Bose audio exclusive to HTX+ now?
No. With this update, HTX(O) also gets the Bose 8-speaker system.
9) Do the 6-seater variants compromise boot space?
Boot space varies slightly by seating configuration and seat recline positions, but captain chairs can improve cabin access and comfort without a major cargo penalty when the third row is folded.
10) Which buyers benefit most from the 6-seater layout?
Families that regularly use the second row for adults or want simpler third-row access will find the captain-chair layout more comfortable than a bench.
Conclusion
By introducing the HTX(O) trim and widening the availability of the 6-seater captain-chair layout, Kia has sharpened the Carens Clavis value equation. Buyers can now secure a premium audio experience and a rich features list without committing to the top-spec variant, while families seeking comfort and better third-row access have more affordable routes to a 6-seat configuration. With a sensible, layered variant strategy and clear price steps, the updated Carens Clavis range caters to a broader set of family-MPV buyers across budgets and usage needs.
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