New Ferrari Amalfi: A Faster, Sharper Romaby Torque Tales / July 3, 2025Kia Carens Clavis EV First Look: Design, Range & Features
Kia is stepping up its EV game in India with the upcoming Kia Carens Clavis EV, scheduled for launch on July 15, 2025. The electric iteration of the Carens, already a popular MPV in ICE form, is now being reimagined as a stylish and practical 7-seater electric family vehicle.
While Kia has remained tight-lipped about the motor specs and battery capacity, the official teaser video has revealed quite a bit—especially about the design, interior tech, and that impressive claimed 490km range.
Battery, Range, and Shared Platform
Although Kia hasn’t officially revealed the battery specs, industry insiders suggest that the Kia Carens Clavis EV may share its underpinnings with the Hyundai Creta EV.
Possible Battery Options:
- 42kWh Battery – Expected ARAI range: 390km
- 51.4kWh Battery – Expected ARAI range: 473km
- Claimed Range for Clavis EV: 490km (likely with the larger pack)
If that’s the case, the Carens EV will cater to both city dwellers and long-range users alike.
Interior: Tech-Heavy & Spacious
Step inside the Carens Clavis EV and you’ll find a futuristic yet family-friendly cabin. The teaser reveals several key upgrades:
Dashboard & Infotainment:
- Dual 12.3-inch connected displays (driver’s cluster + infotainment)
- Floating centre console with new wireless charging pad
- Eliminated gear lever, replaced with added storage
Seating & Comfort:
- 7-seater layout with a light cabin theme
- 4-way electrically adjustable driver seat
- Ventilated front seats
- Sliding lever for first-row passenger seat
Features: Loaded Like a Flagship
In classic Kia fashion, the Carens EV will offer segment-leading features. Here’s everything we’ve spotted so far:
- 8-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Dual-camera dashcam with mobile app support
- Auto-dimming IRVM with Kia Connect controls
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Air purifier with real-time AQI display
- 360-degree camera + Blind Spot Monitoring
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Leatherette upholstery
- Level 2 ADAS suite with 20 advanced functions
Design Tweaks: It’s Clearly Electric
To set it apart from its ICE counterpart, the Carens Clavis EV gets several EV-specific design updates:
Exterior Changes:
- Closed-off front grille
- Charging socket placed up front, covered by a silver-finished charging flap
- Reworked front bumper with sleeker lines
- Ice-cube-style LED fog lamps
- All-new dual-tone aero-optimized alloy wheels
These upgrades not only boost the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency but also give it a more futuristic visual identity.
Our Take
The Kia Carens Clavis EV looks like a solid package—especially for families wanting to make the EV switch without compromising on space or features. With its tech-laden interior, impressive range, and EV-first design, it has the potential to shake up the electric MPV space in India.
If Kia prices it right, the Kia Carens Clavis EV could be a compelling rival to both Creta EV and other electric SUVs under ₹25–30 lakh.
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Citroen C3 Sport Edition Launched in India: Prices, Features & Details
Citroen C3 Sport Edition Launched in India – Starts at ₹6.44 Lakh
Citroën India has launched the limited-run C3 Sport Edition, enhancing the popular hatchback with sporty cosmetic updates, exclusive interiors, and optional tech accessories. Priced at ₹21,000 more than the standard variants, the Sport Edition is available across the Live, Feel, and Shine trims.
What’s New in the Citroen C3 Sport Edition?
The Sport Edition builds on the C3’s urban crossover vibe with added flair and personalization. Key additions include:
- New Garnet Red colour
- ‘Sport Edition’ badge on the grille
- Decals on the bonnet, bumper, roof, and doors
- Sport-themed cabin with:
- Custom seat covers
- Carpet mats
- Seatbelt cushions
- Aluminium sport pedal kit
- Ambient cabin lighting
Buyers also have the option to include a Tech Kit (₹15,000 extra), which includes:
- Dashcam
- Wireless charger
Citroen C3 Sport Edition – Full Price List
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Live MT | ₹6.44 lakh |
| Feel MT | ₹7.73 lakh |
| Shine MT | ₹8.37 lakh |
| Shine Turbo AT | ₹10.21 lakh |
🛈 These prices are ₹21,000 higher than the standard versions.
Engine Options – No Mechanical Changes
Mechanically, the Sport Edition remains unchanged. You still get the same 1.2L petrol engines:
- 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- 82 bhp & 115 Nm
- 5-speed Manual
- 1.2L Turbocharged Petrol
- 110 bhp & 190 Nm (MT) / 205 Nm (AT)
- 6-speed Manual / 6-speed AT
Despite being a cosmetic special edition, the C3 still delivers a fun-to-drive and refined ride experience, especially in turbo guise.
Official Statement from Stellantis India
“The C3 Sport Edition brings more energy, tech, and thrill to a car already known for its bold design and ride quality,”
said Kumar Priyesh, Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India.“With sporty enhancements and Garnet Red, it caters to a distinct generation that values individuality, performance, and everyday practicality.”
Why It’s a Smart Buy
If you’re considering a small car that stands out, the C3 Sport Edition offers real visual value without changing the fundamentals. With its funky new decals, limited-run appeal, and feature-rich cabin, this could be a great pick for:
- Young buyers seeking a unique hatchback
- First-time car owners who want visual flair
- Daily city drivers who value ride comfort and personality
FAQs
Q. What is the price of Citroen C3 Sport Edition in India?
Starts at ₹6.44 lakh (Live MT variant). All variants cost ₹21,000 more than the standard model.
Q. What’s included in the Tech Kit?
A wireless charger and dashcam, available optionally for ₹15,000.
Q. Is there any change in engine or performance?
No, the Sport Edition uses the same 1.2L NA and turbo petrol engines as the regular C3.
Q. What’s new in the C3 Sport Edition interior?
You get ambient lighting, sporty seat covers, special mats, a pedal kit, and edition-specific styling cues.
Q. Is the Citroen C3 Sport Edition a limited-run model?
Yes, it’s a limited edition launched for a short time, offering unique colour and styling combinations.
Vinfast VF7 Review: Spacious, Premium EV with 350hp AWD
Vietnam’s Vinfast is finally making its India debut — and it’s doing it in style. With the VF7, the Vietnamese EV maker wants to stand out in a crowded SUV space by offering something different — a long, low-slung EV crossover with a premium feel, massive space inside, and strong performance, especially in its AWD avatar.
Here’s our detailed review of the 2025 Vinfast VF7 — covering everything from its design and space to features, power, and expected pricing in India.
Design & Dimensions
Estate-like crossover with slick detailing but soft road presence
While the VF7 has a futuristic touch, especially with its signature ‘V Face’ LED DRLs, it lacks the upright SUV stance Indians typically love. The sloping body, concave bumpers, and smooth surfacing give it more of a crossover-wagon vibe.
That said, there’s plenty of design flair – brushed-metal inserts, sculpted sides with flush door handles, and attractive vertical LED tail-lamps. Dimension-wise, the VF7 measures 4,545mm long with a 2,840mm wheelbase, giving it impressive road size even if it doesn’t visually dominate.
✔ 19-inch wheels
✔ 190mm ground clearance
✔ Unique “slim-but-muscular” look
Interior Space & Comfort
Rear seat space is the hero here
Step inside and you’ll instantly feel how much larger it is than it looks. The 537-litre boot is huge (though there’s no spare wheel), and rear seat space is generous with class-leading legroom and headroom. It even gets a reclining rear seat back, rare in this segment.
Premium touches include soft vegan leather, a clean minimalist dash, and a massive fixed panoramic glass roof that enhances the feeling of space.
Up front, there’s no traditional instrument cluster – instead, a heads-up display and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen take center stage. Quality overall is quite good, though some cheap plastics show up in places.
✔ Massive rear comfort
✔ Reclining seats + huge glass roof
✔ Premium minimalist cabin
Features & Safety
Fully loaded with Level 2 ADAS and more
Vinfast is going all in with one fully-loaded “Plus” variant for India. That means everything comes as standard – from ventilated seats and dual-zone AC to wireless charging and a full ADAS suite.
There are seven airbags, radar-based Level 2 ADAS, and the brand is targeting a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. The only drawback? Too many functions on the touchscreen, and the icons are too small for use on the move.
✔ ADAS Level 2 (Radar-based)
✔ Ventilated seats, vegan leather, wireless charging
✔ 5-star safety ambition
Battery & Range
Big battery, but range figures raise eyebrows
The VF7 uses a 70.8kWh LFP battery, paired with either a single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD setup. It supports 7.2kW AC charging and CCS2 fast charging, but DC speeds are not yet revealed.
The WLTP range for the European model is 450km (FWD) and 431km (AWD), which is decent but not class-leading. The Indian MIDC/ARAI figures are awaited, and will likely be slightly higher.
✔ 70.8kWh battery
✔ Real-world 400-450km range expected
✔ Charging speed info TBA
Performance & Driving
The AWD version is quick. Really quick.
The real fun lies in the AWD version with 350hp and 500Nm. It hits 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest EVs under ₹30 lakh. Even the FWD model, with 204hp, does the 0-100 sprint in 9.5 seconds.
Performance is strong at low speeds, with instant torque and smooth city driving. High-speed composure is also impressive — thanks to its low stance, 19-inch wheels, and long wheelbase.
✔ 0-100 in 5.8 sec (AWD)
✔ Smooth, silent, stable ride
✔ Great city-to-highway duality
Ride Comfort & Handling
More Euro-car than Asian SUV
Though tested on Vinfast’s smooth factory track, the VF7 shows clear signs of a well-sorted suspension. It feels European in its high-speed behavior – confident, composed, and never floaty. The Apollo 19-inch tyres seem to absorb road imperfections well, though real-world Indian road testing will tell the full story.
Steering weight changes with drive modes, and while it’s not playful like a sportscar, it’s a solid highway cruiser.
✔ High-speed composure
✔ Long wheelbase adds stability
✔ Ride comfort expected to be plush on Indian roads
Expected Price & Verdict
If priced well, it could be a premium family EV winner
Vinfast is going the CKD route from the start, which should help with pricing. We expect:
- Rs 25 lakh (FWD)
- Rs 29 lakh (AWD)
(Ex-showroom estimates)
At these prices, the VF7 could become a unique alternative in India’s premium EV SUV space — offering tons of rear seat space, a rich feature set, and powerful AWD performance.
Vinfast VF7 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding rear seat and boot space
- Fully loaded with features and ADAS
- AWD model is quick and refined
- Premium cabin with clean design
Cons:
– Estate-crossover styling may not suit all
– Small icons on the touchscreen
– No spare tyre
Our Take
The 2025 Vinfast VF7 may not look like your usual Indian SUV, but that could be its biggest strength. With comfort, features, and performance all packed in, it’s clearly made for those who care more about substance than just stance. If Vinfast nails the pricing, the VF7 could be one of the best premium EV alternatives under ₹30 lakh.
Launch expected: Festive Season 2025
