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.
Rumors first surfaced when Kia registered the “Clavis” brand for the Indian market earlier this month. While the Dec. 12 trademark application doesn’t specify the flavor of the possible model’s frame, local media suggest it will be an SUV. Although India hints that the Kia Clavis will feature a boxy and robust design, there are conflicting rumors about its positioning in the market.
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Autocar India suggests that the Kia Clavis will bridge the gap between the newly refreshed Sonet and Seltos. An ICE-powered edition would be available at launch, with an EV option added later. The publication claims that sales of the style will begin in early 2025, the debut could take place in 2024.
Other sources, Financial Express adds, recommend that the Kia Clavis will be a sibling to the Hyundai Exter. The latter debuted in 2023 as a small SUV, with a length of 3,815 mm (150. 2 inches) and sharing a 1. 2-liter platform and powertrain (petrol and dual-fuel) with the i10 Nios/Aura. If the Kia Clavis is built with the same city-centric architecture, it may potentially be smaller than the Kia Sonet and Kia Stonic-sized found in other markets.
Without any official confirmation or spy photo of the Kia Clavis, we can only speculate on its design and specifications. Either way, judging by the growing demand for small SUVs and subcompacts in many parts of the world, there’s a strong possibility that the new style will also be introduced in emerging markets outside of India.