• By Divanshi Sharma
  • Sat, 16 Dec 2023 04:56 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

South Korean carmaker Kia earlier this week unveiled the 2024 Sonet facelift for all global markets. The new Sonet was unveiled at an event in New Delhi and the bookings for the sub-compact SUV will begin from December 20. Now, in a recent development, Kia has patented the name Kia Clavis in India, hinting at expanding its lineup in the Indian market, where its cars have gained immense popularity.

While there is limited information available about the Kia Clavis, media reports have suggested that the new car will be introduced in the Indian market around 2025, as the carmaker is focussing on the new generation Kia Carnival and the Kia EV9 electric SUV in 2024.

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It has been speculated that the Kia Clavis can be either a mid-size sedan or a micro SUV. However, there is no confirmation of this information yet. It is also likely that Kia will be introducing both ICE and EV variants of the Clavis. If it is a sedan, it will be sharing its mechanical foundations with the Hyundai Verna. Similarly, if it is a micro SUV, it will be sharing its mechanical foundation with the Hyundai Exter, launched earlier this year.

Kia is yet to introduce a sedan in the Indian market as it has only introduced crossovers, compact SUVs and MPVs in the country so far. The prospect of Kia entering the competitive C-segment sedan space which is dominated by the likes of Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus and Maruti Ciaz is quite intriguing.

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Moreover, Kia could also potentially tap into the thriving micro SUV segment which is currently dominated by popular models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. Introducing the Kia Clavis as an entry-level model positioned below the Kia Sonet might significantly impact the sales of its competitors while capturing the market significantly.

There is also a possibility that Kia is planning to launch both types of models and will soon be patenting another name for either of the models. As of now, we have to patiently wait for Kia to test prototypes of the mysterious new car in the coming months. The recently unveiled Kia Sonet is set to hit the market next month, with the pricing details expected to be announced in January 2024.