If you’ve been eyeing the new Kia Carens Clavis diesel but wondering how close its mileage claim is to reality, we’ve got you covered. Over the past week, the MPV joined the CarWale long-term fleet for some serious number crunching real-world fuel efficiency, to be precise. And spoiler alert: Kia’s claim isn’t too far off the mark.
Kia’s Diesel Workhorse: Specs and Pricing
Let’s start with what’s under the hood. The Carens Clavis uses Kia’s familiar 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine pumping out a healthy 114bhp and 250Nm of torque. It’s mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission that feels well-tuned for both city crawls and open-road cruising.
The diesel range kicks off at around Rs. 13 lakh (ex-showroom), while the HTX variant—the one tested—sits at Rs. 18.78 lakh. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for a neatly packaged seven-seater with loads of comfort features and that solid Korean build quality.
| Variant | Engine | Gearbox | Claimed Mileage (ARAI) | Tested City | Tested Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carens Clavis Diesel MT | 1.5L Diesel | 6-Speed Manual | 19.54 kmpl | 16.28 kmpl | 23.18 kmpl | 18.01 kmpl |
The Real-World Test
Numbers on paper often differ from what you get on the road. So, the test team ran the Carens Clavis through Mumbai’s usual weekday traffic—bumper-to-bumper jams, stop-go lights, and a bit of highway stretch on the Eastern Expressway. With the AC running most of the time and three passengers onboard, the diesel managed 16.28kmpl in the city.
That’s quite respectable considering the car’s size and weight. On longer highway stints, though, the Clavis really stretched its legs. Keeping speeds around 90-100kmph, the MPV returned 23.18kmpl, showcasing how efficient Kia’s diesel tuning is once the revs settle.
Put those numbers together, and you’re looking at a combined figure of 18.01kmpl—just a shade below the official 19.54kmpl claim. In real-world conditions, that’s impressive.
Driving Impressions
The 1.5-litre diesel feels smooth and adequately punchy. There’s hardly any turbo lag once you’re past the 1,800rpm mark, and the gearbox has a positive shift action. Around town, it’s relaxed and composed; on the highway, it cruises effortlessly at 100kmph without breaking a sweat.
The clutch pedal is light for a diesel, which makes city driving easier. However, if you’re used to petrol engines, the mild vibrations and diesel grumble at idle might take a little getting used to.
Ride comfort is one of the Carens’ biggest strengths. It soaks up potholes and uneven roads gracefully, with only the sharper bumps making their presence felt. The steering is light and easy in traffic, though it could offer a tad more feedback at higher speeds.
Cabin and Comfort
The Clavis’ interior is typical Kia—premium feel, soft-touch materials, and excellent fit-and-finish. The layout is intuitive, and there’s plenty of space across all three rows. Even adults can squeeze into the last row for short drives, though long-distance comfort is best in the first two rows.
The HTX variant packs a good balance of features—10.25-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a long list of safety tech including six airbags and ESC.
Verdict: Mileage That Matches Its Claim
In the world of MPVs, fuel efficiency often takes a hit due to size and weight—but the Kia Carens Clavis diesel proves that practicality doesn’t have to come at the cost of economy. The tested figure of 18.01kmpl makes it one of the most efficient diesel MPVs on sale today.
Yes, it’s a bit pricier than its rivals, but if you’re clocking serious highway miles or run a family hauler on weekends, this one’s hard to ignore. Kia’s claimed figure might sound optimistic on paper, but in real life, the Clavis diesel comes surprisingly close—especially when driven with a light right foot.
FAQs
In real-world testing, it returned 16.28kmpl in the city and 23.18kmpl on the highway, averaging 18.01kmpl overall.
Prices start at around Rs. 13 lakh, with the tested HTX variant priced at Rs. 18.78 lakh (ex-showroom).
It uses a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine producing 114bhp and 250Nm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Yes. The light clutch and refined power delivery make it easy to handle in traffic, though it shines brightest on highways.
Its 18.01kmpl real-world average puts it among the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its class, ahead of several petrol and even hybrid alternatives.
