The New Kia Clavis HTX Plus 7DCT 2025 Model has arrived, promising to set a fresh benchmark in the premium 7-seater segment. As someone who’s been reviewing cars for years—and with a keen eye for practical features—I finally got my hands on the top variant of this much-awaited model. After thoroughly checking its design, features, and comfort, I have a lot to share. Let’s break down what makes this Clavis stand out, where Kia’s made significant upgrades, and what could be better.
Exterior Features & Design Premium Touches to the New Look
Kia has put a lot of thought into revamping the exterior of the Clavis HTX Plus. Right away, the design feels more upmarket than the standard Carens. The new global unlock feature lets all four windows roll down at once with a long press on the unlock button. This isn’t just a show-off trick—on hot days, it really helps air the cabin before you step in.
Unlock Feature Highlight:
When you press and hold the unlock button, all windows roll down at once. It’s simple, effective, and quite satisfying.
The keyless entry experience is smooth. The start engine button sits perfectly within reach, and you can fire up the engine with a couple of taps. The lighting setup in the Clavis gets a significant bump in both form and function.
Front Design and Lighting Setup
Kia’s new design language greets you with a bold front. The grille, the shape of the headlamp housing, and those satin chrome accents that start from this HTX variant all scream premium. I noticed:
- Four parking sensors up front (two on each side), boosting awareness in tight spaces.
- A radar placed on the front—though only one is functional for practical safety features.
- The 360° camera array is well-integrated for maximum visibility.
- DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) are now more striking. Turn indicators and beams (low and high) are smartly separated, making night drives safer and stylish.
The satin chrome continues at the rear, tying the whole design together for a rich, elegant vibe.
Side Profile and Noteworthy Changes
Compared to the standard Carens, the Clavis grows longer by just 10 mm, thanks to an extended front bumper. It may not sound like much, but that tweak gives it a more planted look.
Wheels & Brakes:
- 17-inch alloy wheels replace the older 16-inch setup on the previous top model. The new profile (255 R17) gives it stronger road presence.
- Disc brakes at both ends (front and rear) amp up the safety aspect, lending confidence in stop-and-go traffic.
Body color door handles look sharp, with a request sensor for unlocking offered only on the driver’s side. The door mirrors are, as before, sturdy and now carry the left-side camera for the 360° view. The B-pillar in matte black stands out quietly, hinting at sporty aspirations.
Rear Design & Boot Space
The rear gets a completely new leash of sharpness with a connecting LED light bar. Not every car suits this design, but it works well here. The lighting setup—full LED brake lights and indicators—makes the Clavis visible and appealing from a distance.
There’s clear Clavis 7DCT branding on the tailgate. Four sensors flank the back (locations well-thought-out for best coverage). The reverse lamp sits low and does its job, while practical features like the wiper, defogger, high-mounted stop lamp, and washer all come standard.
Pop the boot and you’re met with the real effect of the 7-seater layout: there’s just about enough room for two medium-sized bags when the third row is up. However, the adjustable boot floor gives you the option to expand space by lowering the floor if the rear seats aren’t needed.
Boot Practicality Pointers:
- Boot lamp ensures visibility at night.
- Hooks come handy for shopping bags or nets.
- If you haul a lot, folding the third row is a must.
Interior Features & Comfort
Third Row: Who Fits and Who Doesn’t
Getting into the last row is made easier through the electric tumble function: a simple button ensures the second row moves forward, clearing up space for entry. The seats here are leather-finished, and the second-row access genuinely feels upmarket.
Now, here’s the hard truth: at six feet tall, I tried squeezing into the third row and, let’s say, it’s not for adults. If you have kids, this is a perfect spot for them; grown-ups won’t love the ride back here for long stretches. Under-thigh support is limited (if present at all), and the seat’s proximity to the floor means knees will sit quite high.
But, Kia hasn’t ignored comfort:
- LED reading lamps on both sides.
- AC vents for proper airflow.
- Cup holders and a USB Type-C port so chargers and drinks are within reach.
- The seat’s reclining feature adds a bit of relief, but there’s just not enough legroom for tall passengers.
Second Row: The Sweet Spot for Family
The second row is where most Clavis owners (especially in families) will spend time and it delivers. Doors remain unchanged from the Carens but include handy sunshades—a blessing in summer.
Legroom here is decent, though you can’t push the seats all the way thanks to the third-row compromise. Headroom’s great, with the roof molded for extra space. Up top, LED reading lights and grab handles with hooks for bags keep everyone organized.
What stands out is the air purifier—a must for city drives where air quality drops. Controls for the blower are easy to reach, and there are two Type-C USB ports handy for passengers glued to their gadgets.
There’s even a cooling compartment below the vents—stick your drink in, and it’ll chill quickly during the drive. Seats recline as well, dialing in that extra comfort for longer journeys.
Front Cabin: Where the Driver Is King
Only the driver’s side gets a request sensor for keyless entry, which feels like a missed chance for the co-driver. Once inside, the familiar layout from the Carens greets you, but a handful of meaningful changes catch the eye.
Windows & Controls:
- One-touch up/down for all four windows—a true convenience feature.
- An ORVM control button setup is crisp and easily accessible.
- Ambient lighting lets you choose from 64 colors—customizable from the settings menu with just a few taps.
Soft-touch surfaces wrap the cabin, while the Bose 8-speaker system elevates the audio experience. Storage solutions abound, like two bottle holders, an umbrella holder, and a generous glove box.
Both front seats now get ventilation, keeping sweaty backs at bay during Indian summers. The driver’s seat moves in seven ways—though I wish the height adjust was electronic instead of manual.
Misses and Highlights
There are misses: Kia removed the super-useful front cup holders that many had come to love. That feels like a backward step and makes me question some design decisions.
The steering wheel feels plush, but button layout can be confusing at first. On the right, media controls; on the left, adaptive cruise and MID buttons. Takes some getting used to, but it’s loaded.
Dashboard, Digital Cluster & Infotainment
The showpiece of the front is the pair of 12.2-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster, the other for infotainment. Both are crisp, colorful, and easy to read in direct sunlight.
Through the steering wheel controls, I can scroll the MID for trip info, compass, and TPMS data. I can also set ambient lighting through the infotainment, with the ability to dial up a custom color stack. It’s intuitive and actually fun to use.
What left me wanting is Kia’s stubborn use of the old infotainment interface. For such a new vehicle, Kia could have rolled out the Sirus system, especially in this price range. The Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions are still wired, not wireless—a letdown if you hate cables.
Additional Features Worth Noting
- Switchable AC/media controls (à la Verna) operate with a single dial. It’s neat and eliminates dashboard clutter.
- Single-zone auto AC for steady climate.
- 12V socket, USB Type-C, and Type-A ports for all device types.
- Quick-access buttons for 360° camera and parking sensors.
- Hill descent control for peace of mind on slopes.
- Drive modes: Eco for city, Normal for daily, and Sport for highway zips.
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
- Armrest and storage mimic the Carens’ practical setup.
- Auto-dimming IRVM, sun glass holder, LED reading lamps, and lightless visor mirrors round up the comfort zone.
- The panoramic sunroof is the real showstopper—huge, easy to slide open, and brightens up the entire cabin.
Performance & Drive Experience
Engine and Transmission Choices
The New 2025 Kia Clavis HTX Plus 7DCT 2025 Model finally brings a sought-after option: Turbo Petrol with a manual transmission. For those who crave driving engagement, this variant puts the thrill back under your control. However, you’ll miss out on advanced features like ADAS in the manual.
The HTX Plus, in contrast, pairs a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) with the turbo engine. This setup ensures quick, silky gear changes—perfect for the city and highways alike. The DCT also affects fuel efficiency positively, especially in city crawl conditions.
Drive Modes & Control Features
Three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—let you pick your punch. Eco smooths out throttle response to boost mileage, Normal balances everyday needs, and Sport quickens the engine’s response for overtaking or spirited drives.
Kia also adds traction control and hill descent, giving confidence on winding or hilly roads.
Key Differences from the Previous Carens
Here’s where the Clavis steps up:
- Design: Sharper exterior with bold lighting and exclusive satin chrome trims.
- Safety: Extra sensors, radar, and a 360° camera make parking and tight turns a breeze.
- Comfort: Leather seats, extensive ambient lighting, and the panoramic sunroof lift the cabin to premium status.
- Tech: Dual digital screens, though the main system remains the older interface.
- Transmission: Introduction of manual turbo in a 7-seater Kia is a huge step forward.
- Features missing: Some of the practical front cup holders are gone. Wireless connectivity is absent on the premium infotainment.
I wish Kia had upgraded the infotainment and made wireless smartphone integration standard.
Is the 2025 Kia Clavis HTX Plus Right for You?
If you want a feature-rich, premium 7-seater that puts comfort first without going full SUV size, the Clavis HTX Plus is a solid choice. The second row is comfortable for adults, third row best reserved for kids, and the boot is practical for day-to-day use if you’re not carrying a full house.
If you’re a driving enthusiast who wants a manual gearbox with turbo punch, the new manual variant is a fun alternative—just remember, you’ll lose out on ADAS and a few tech goodies. On the other hand, if you crave modern features and effortless driving, the 7DCT HTX Plus hits a sweet spot.
Consider your own requirements:
- Large families: Appreciate sliding and reclining seats, boot adjustability, and rear comfort.
- Urban dwellers: The suite of sensors, cameras, and drive modes tailor the Clavis for city life.
- Tech lovers: Dual screens, custom ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof keep the cabin feeling cutting-edge.
- Drivers: The manual turbo option brings back the joy of shifting gears.
As always, my review is unbiased. Take a good look at your needs and do a personal check—no single car fits everyone perfectly.
Conclusion
The New Kia Clavis HTX Plus 7DCT 2025 Model brings plenty of new tricks to the 7-seater game. It looks sharp, feels luxurious, and packs enough features to keep families happy. While there are small misses (lost cup holders, older infotainment), its comfort, technology, and new turbo manual option tip the scales in Kia’s favor. I recommend spending time with each variant and picking what matches your lifestyle best.
Disclaimer: The information and pictures provided on this page are not guaranteed to be completely accurate. Please seek expert advice before making any decision.
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