The new model will join the Sonet and Seltos in Kia's ever-expanding range of small SUVs
It appears that the insatiable appetite for SUVs knows no bound, with automakers dishing out a never-ending lineup of similarly-sized models. Enter Kia, rumored to be cooking up another crossover for its lineup in India and other markets around the world. This one is going to be a sub-compact model, measuring under 4 meters (157.5 inches), and it’s set to wear the Clavis moniker.
The rumors first surfaced when Kia trademarked the name ‘Clavis’ for the Indian market earlier this month. Although the trademark filing on December 12 doesn’t specify the body style of the potential model, local media reports suggest it will be an SUV. Unnamed sources from India indicate that the Kia Clavis will feature a boxy and rugged design, although there are conflicting rumors regarding its market positioning.
More: New Hyundai Exter Breaks Cover In India As A Small, Affordable SUV
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The facelifted 2024 Sonet is currently the smallest SUV in Kia’s Indian lineup.
Autocar India suggests that the Kia Clavis will bridge the gap between the recently facelifted Sonet and Seltos. An ICE-powered version will reportedly be available at launch, with an EV option added later on. The publication says that sales of the model will start in early 2025, although a debut could take place in 2024.
Other sources, including the Financial Express, suggest that the Kia Clavis will be a sibling to the Hyundai Exter. The latter made its debut in 2023 as a small SUV, measuring 3,815 mm (150.2 inches) in length and sharing its platform and 1.2-liter powertrains (both gasoline and bi-fuel) with the i10 Nios/Aura. If the Kia Clavis is built on the same urban-focused architecture, it could potentially be smaller than the Kia Sonet and the similarly-sized Kia Stonic available in other markets.
Without any official confirmation or spy shots of the Kia Clavis, we can only speculate about its design and specs. In any case, judging from the growing demand for small and sub-compact SUVs in many parts of the world, chances are that the new model will also be offered in emerging markets outside India.
