Kia Introduces New Value-Focused Variants: Syros HTK (EX) and Carens Clavis HTE (EX) Launched in India
4 min read
Kia has expanded its Indian portfolio with the introduction of two new strategically positioned variants — the Syros HTK (EX) and the Carens Clavis HTE (EX). Both trims sit between the base and higher variants, and their primary objective is clear: make premium-looking features more accessible without pushing buyers into significantly higher price brackets.
Rather than adding performance upgrades or cosmetic-only editions, Kia has focused on democratising high-demand features such as LED lighting, sunroofs, larger touchscreens and automatic climate control, addressing some of the most common buyer expectations in today’s market.
Kia Syros HTK (EX): Premium Styling at a Lower Entry Point
The Kia Syros now gains a new mid-spec HTK (EX) trim, positioned as the third variant from the base. Priced at Rs 9.89 lakh for petrol and Rs 10.64 lakh for diesel (ex-showroom), this trim brings features that were previously restricted to much higher variants.
Kia Syros HTK (EX) Prices
- Turbo-petrol MT: Rs 9.89 lakh
- Diesel MT: Rs 10.64 lakh
With this addition, the Syros line-up now spans seven trims, ranging from Rs 8.67 lakh to Rs 15.94 lakh, giving buyers more flexibility to choose based on feature priority rather than stretching budgets.
What Makes the Syros HTK (EX) Important
The standout change with the HTK (EX) is the introduction of all-LED exterior lighting — including LED headlights, DRLs and LED tail-lamps — at a price point that is over Rs 2 lakh lower than before. This significantly improves the SUV’s road presence and aligns it visually with higher trims.
On the petrol variant, Kia also adds 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, further enhancing the premium appeal. The diesel version retains the wheel design seen on the HTK (O).
Inside the cabin, the Syros HTK (EX) borrows key equipment from higher variants, most notably the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The presence of a single-pane sunroof, rear parking camera, rear AC vents and powered ORVMs with auto-fold and LED indicators makes this trim feel well-rounded rather than compromised.
Safety and Powertrain Overview
Safety remains strong, with six airbags as standard, along with TPMS, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts.
Powertrain options remain unchanged but well-proven:
- 1.0-litre turbo-petrol producing 120hp
- 1.5-litre diesel producing 116hp
Both engines are offered only with a manual gearbox in this trim, clearly positioning HTK (EX) for buyers who prioritise value and driving engagement over convenience-focused automatics.
Kia Carens Clavis HTE (EX): Making Premium MPV Features Affordable
Alongside the Syros update, Kia has also introduced the HTE (EX) trim for the Carens Clavis, with prices starting at Rs 12.55 lakh and going up to Rs 14.53 lakh (ex-showroom).
This new trim plays a similar role in the MPV line-up: bringing aspirational features to a more attainable price point, particularly for family buyers.
Kia Carens Clavis HTE (EX) Prices
- Petrol MT: Rs 12.55 lakh
- Turbo-petrol MT: Rs 13.42 lakh
- Diesel MT: Rs 14.53 lakh
With this update, the Carens Clavis now offers eight variants, covering a broad range of budgets and use cases.
What’s New in the Carens Clavis HTE (EX)
The biggest highlight is the introduction of a single-pane sunroof, which was earlier available only on significantly more expensive variants. This effectively lowers the entry point for a sunroof-equipped Carens by over Rs 3 lakh, making it accessible to a far wider audience.
Equally important is the addition of automatic climate control, a feature that many buyers now consider essential in family vehicles. Combined with LED DRLs, LED cabin lamps and one-touch up/down functionality for the driver’s window, the HTE (EX) feels far more premium than its position in the line-up would suggest.
It is worth noting that this trim is offered only in a 7-seater configuration and continues with the familiar beige-and-black interior theme.
Features, Safety and Engine Options
The HTE (EX) builds on the lower HTE (O) trim by adding an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, rear parking camera, powered ORVMs with turn indicators and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
Rear window sunshades and steering-mounted audio controls further enhance rear-seat comfort, which is crucial for MPV buyers.
On the safety front, the Carens Clavis HTE (EX) comes equipped with six airbags, rear parking sensors, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts and disc brakes on all four wheels, reinforcing its family-friendly positioning.
Engine options remain comprehensive:
- 1.5-litre petrol (115hp)
- 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160hp)
- 1.5-litre diesel (116hp)
All engines are paired exclusively with a manual transmission in this trim.
Why These Variants Matter
With the launch of the Syros HTK (EX) and Carens Clavis HTE (EX), Kia has addressed a clear market demand: buyers want premium features without being forced into top-end variants.
For Syros buyers, the HTK (EX) is arguably the sweet spot, offering LED lighting, a large touchscreen and a sunroof at a highly competitive price. For Carens Clavis buyers, the new HTE (EX) finally makes features like a sunroof and automatic climate control accessible to families shopping in the lower-mid price range.
Both variants strengthen Kia’s value proposition and make their respective models more competitive against newer rivals in crowded segments.