Kia Carens Clavis Gets New HTE EX Variant Upgrade

We all know the struggle of buying a family car in India. You usually have to choose between a price tag that fits your wallet or the features your heart actually wants—especially that beloved sunroof. Well, Kia seems to have heard our collective dinner table discussions.

The automaker has just launched a brand-new trim for the Carens Clavis (ICE) lineup, called the HTE(EX). It sits right in that "sweet spot" of the lineup, bridging the gap between budget and luxury. If you have been waiting for a 7-seater that offers premium vibes without breaking the bank, this might just be the one.

Here is everything you need to know about this latest upgrade.

The Value-For-Money King?

The new HTE(EX) trim isn't just a sticker job. It is positioned above the existing HTE(O) trim and is designed specifically to bring high-demand features to a more accessible price point.

The biggest headline here? The Sunroof.

For the first time ever, Kia is offering the Skylight Electric Sunroof on the entry-level G1.5 petrol powertrain of the Carens Clavis. Previously, you had to stretch your budget to higher variants to get this feature. Now, it is available right here, making it a serious contender for families who want that "airy" cabin feel.

Price Check: Competitive & Clear

Kia has priced this new variant aggressively. It is available across all three engine options, ensuring that whether you are a petrolhead or a diesel devotee, you aren't left out.

Here is the ex-showroom pricing for the HTE(EX) trim:

• G1.5 Petrol: Rs 12,54,900
• G1.5 Turbo-Petrol: Rs 13,41,900
• D1.5 Diesel: Rs 14,52,900

Note: The HTE(EX) is available exclusively in a 7-seater configuration, making it purely focused on family utility.

What’s New? Feature Upgrades

So, what exactly do you get for your money? Kia has focused on "Comfort and Convenience"—basically the stuff you use every day. Apart from the sunroof, the HTE(EX) adds a layer of premium polish to the cabin and exterior.

Here are the key additions:

• Skylight Electric Sunroof: Now on the G1.5 Petrol too!
• Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC): No more fiddling with knobs; set the temperature and forget it.
• LED DRLs & Position Lamps: Gives the car a sharper, more modern look on the road.
• LED Cabin Lamps: Better illumination inside (great for finding dropped toys or phones at night).
• Auto Up/Down Driver Window: A small touch that adds big convenience at toll booths.

Why Did Kia Launch This Now?

It’s simple: they are listening. According to Mr. Atul Sood, Senior VP at Kia India, this launch is a direct result of customer feedback. People wanted the sunroof and automatic climate control, but they didn't necessarily want to pay for the top-spec bells and whistles.

By introducing the HTE(EX), Kia is effectively democratizing luxury features. It strengthens their position in the Indian market, where buyers are becoming increasingly value-conscious but feature-hungry.

Quick Specs: Carens Clavis HTE(EX)

Here is a quick snapshot to help you decide if this fits your garage.

Is the HTE(EX) Right for You?

With so many variants, confusion is natural. Here is our simple advice:

• Buy it if: You are a family of 5-7 looking for a comfortable city and highway cruiser. If a sunroof is non-negotiable for your kids, and you want the convenience of automatic AC without spending over Rs 15-16 lakh, this variant is arguably the best value in the lineup right now.
• Skip it if: You need a 6-seater captain seat configuration (this is 7-seater only) or if you need advanced tech like ADAS or ventilated seats, which are reserved for the higher trims.

Final Thoughts

The Kia Carens Clavis was already a strong product, but the HTE(EX) trim makes it smarter. By fixing the feature gaps in the lower-mid range, Kia has made it very hard for rivals to compete on pure value.

It’s practical, it’s got the "cool factor" with the sunroof, and it fits the budget. What’s not to like?

What do you think? Is the sunroof enough to make you choose the HTE(EX) over the base model? Drop a comment below!

Author: Neha Mehlawat

Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.