Kia Carens Now Available In A Single Variant In India: Only Premium (O) Variant Remains Amidst Carens Clavis Launch
Kia Carens Now Available In A Single Variant In India:Kia India has made a major update to its Carens MPV lineup by discontinuing eight of its variants in the country. Now, only one version of the popular MPV remains—the Premium (O) variant, available exclusively in a 7-seater configuration. This strategic shift comes shortly after the company introduced the all-new Carens Clavis to the Indian market.
A Surprising Turn After the Clavis Launch
Initially, Kia gave no indication that the current Carens lineup would be phased out. Even with the Carens Clavis making its debut, the older Carens continued to be listed for sale, leading many to believe both models would coexist in showrooms. However, it has now been confirmed that Kia is streamlining its offerings, retaining just the Premium (O) variant of the original Carens.
This move appears to be a part of Kia’s larger strategy to differentiate the Carens Clavis as a fresh offering while positioning the older Carens as a more utilitarian, possibly fleet-focused option.
What’s Left? Only Premium (O)
From now on, the only Carens trim available in the market will be the Premium (O). This variant comes with the choice of three powertrains:
- 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine – ₹11.41 lakh
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol Engine with iMT Gearbox – ₹12.65 lakh
- 1.5L Diesel Engine – ₹13.16 lakh
(All prices are ex-showroom)
This essentially means all previous trims like Premium, Gravity, Prestige, Prestige (O), Prestige Plus, Prestige Plus (O), Luxury Plus, and the top-end X-Line have been removed from Kia India’s portfolio.
What Features Do You Get in Premium (O)?
Despite being the only variant left, the Carens Premium (O) still comes loaded with several practical and family-friendly features. Here are some key highlights:
- 7-seater Layout
- 2nd Row One Touch Electric Tumble for easy third-row access
- Roof-flushed AC vents for both 2nd and 3rd rows with diffused airflow
- Semi-Leatherette Seats in an elegant black and indigo dual-tone
- 2nd Row 60:40 Split Seats with sliding, reclining, and tumble function
- 3rd Row 50:50 Split Seats with full-flat folding
- 5 USB Type-C Charging Ports
- Keyless Entry with a built-in burglar alarm
- Electrically Adjustable ORVMs with LED turn indicators
- 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Although not the most feature-packed in its segment anymore, the Premium (O) still manages to provide a comfortable experience, especially for large families.
Strong on Safety
Kia has ensured that safety remains a strong focus even in the single remaining variant. The Carens Premium (O) comes equipped with a host of safety features that give peace of mind on Indian roads:
- 6 Airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- All-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear Parking Sensors
- ABS with EBD
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
For a vehicle priced under ₹14 lakh, these safety features are quite competitive and cater well to family buyers and commercial fleet operators alike.
Exterior and Interior Styling
In terms of styling, the Carens Premium (O) doesn’t miss out entirely. It continues to offer a solid visual appeal, especially in the available range of seven exterior colors:
- Imperial Blue
- Clear White
- Gravity Grey
- Intense Red
- Pewter Olive
- Sparkling Silver
- Aurora Black Pearl
On the inside, Kia has gone for a dual-tone Saturn Black and Cocoon Beige theme for the upholstery, giving the cabin a warm and spacious feel. The MPV also rides on 16-inch steel wheels, which help keep the pricing in check but do sacrifice a bit of visual flair compared to alloy wheels offered in the now-discontinued trims.
Also read, 5 Big & Spacious Cars Launching This Year!
What’s Missing in the Premium (O) Variant?
While the Premium (O) offers good value, it does miss out on a few features that were available in higher trims like Prestige Plus or Luxury Plus. Some of the notable omissions include:
- LED Headlamps
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Climate Control
- Ambient Lighting
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Cruise Control
- Electric Sunroof
- 6-Seater Option
With the focus shifting towards affordability and simplicity, Kia has likely cut these features to position the Premium (O) for fleet and taxi operators or budget-conscious family buyers.
Also read, Is EV better than petrol?
Future Role of the Older Carens: Fleet Favorite?
The discontinuation of the more feature-rich variants suggests that Kia is now repositioning the older Carens primarily for commercial use. Over the past three years since its launch in 2022, Kia has sold over 2 lakh units of the Carens in India, making it one of the top picks in the MPV segment.
With the introduction of the Carens Clavis, which is likely to be pitched towards private buyers looking for more premium features and modern styling, the older Carens in Premium (O) trim could become a go-to option for fleet operators, ride-hailing services, and large families wanting practicality at a more accessible price.
Why This Move Makes Sense
From a business standpoint, Kia’s decision to trim the Carens lineup makes sense for several reasons:
- Simplified Production: With only one trim to manufacture and distribute, Kia can streamline operations and manage inventory better.
- Clearer Market Segmentation: By offering the Carens Clavis as a premium product and the older Carens Premium (O) as a value-for-money option, Kia avoids overlap and confusion in its MPV range.
- Fleet Market Potential: Many commercial buyers prefer simpler, reliable models with essential features and low maintenance costs. The Carens Premium (O) fits this profile well.
- Cost Competitiveness: With rising input and manufacturing costs, limiting variants allows Kia to maintain competitive pricing while preserving profit margins.
The Bigger Picture: Kia’s Growing MPV Portfolio
Kia seems to be expanding and refining its MPV portfolio to cater to a wide range of customers. While the original Carens will now cater to budget-conscious buyers and commercial users, the Carens Clavis is expected to bring in a new wave of customers looking for fresh design, advanced features, and modern tech.
In doing so, Kia strengthens its foothold in India’s rapidly growing MPV segment, where competition is heating up with rivals like Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, Mahindra Marazzo, and even the recently introduced Honda Elevate-based MPV (in development).
The decision to discontinue eight variants of the Kia Carens may surprise some buyers, especially those hoping for more choices in the mid and premium range. However, it also signals a shift in Kia India’s strategy—one that aims to balance simplicity, affordability, and evolving customer needs.
With the Carens Premium (O) now standing alone and the Clavis taking center stage for modern MPV buyers, Kia appears to be carving out distinct identities for both products. Whether you’re a fleet operator looking for a value-packed 7-seater or a family seeking comfort and safety without breaking the bank, the remaining Carens variant still offers plenty to appreciate.
