With nearly 30 years of automotive wisdom under his belt (and probably a few custom driving gloves too), Sood has previously served as President and Director at Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India (TMSS). From accelerating business expansion to tuning customer satisfaction, Sood’s track record reads more like a pit crew manual for success.

Before that, he revved up the ranks at Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, proving that he knows his way around the sales circuit. Armed with a PGDM in Marketing from SCMHRD Pune and a Mechanical Engineering degree from Thapar Institute, he’s not just business-smart—he knows how the nuts and bolts work too.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Atul Sood to the Kia paddock. His strategic horsepower and marketing torque will help us turbocharge our growth journey while delivering delight to every Kia customer.”

In his own words, Sood shared his enthusiasm like a true team player: “Kia India is firing on all cylinders, and I’m thrilled to join at such a pivotal moment. The brand’s commitment to innovation, design, and customer delight is exactly the kind of road I want to cruise on. Together, we’ll keep pushing the pedal on performance and progress.”

As Sood straps in for this new ride, industry watchers will be keen to see how he balances horsepower with humility and sales targets with soul. One thing’s for sure—Kia India just got a seasoned driver for its next lap of growth.

The post From Toyota Tracks to Kia India Fast Lane: Atul Sood Joins as Sales Pit Boss appeared first on NamasteCar.

Accessible via the MyKia app, K-Charge plugs users into a network of 11,000+ charging stations nationwide (and no, they’re not just in cyber cafes or pan shops). Powered through partnerships with 18 top Charge Point Operators, the platform allows users to check live charger availability, plan EV-friendly routes, and pay seamlessly — all without juggling five different apps, seven different OTPs, and one existential crisis.

Kia’s EV arsenal doesn’t stop at maps and megawatts. The company has juiced up its infrastructure with 250+ EV-ready workshops, where technicians are trained to fix everything from a dead battery to a bruised ego. Over 100 Kia dealerships are now hosting DC fast chargers ranging from 60kW to 240kW — which means your car can charge faster than you can finish your overpriced airport coffee.

For the more introverted EVs that prefer charging at home, Kia offers 7.4kW and 11kW AC chargers that’ll turn your garage into a pit stop worthy of a Netflix documentary. And just in case you think this is all buzz and no battery, the Carens Clavis EV — Kia’s first India-built electric chariot — is revving up for its grand webcast reveal on 15 July at 1200 hrs. (Pro tip: Mark your calendar and pretend it’s a Formula E race.)

Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, summed it up with the kind of confidence only a man sitting on 11,000 chargers can have:

“With our comprehensive EV ecosystem, we’re empowering customers to experience electric mobility with ease and confidence. This strong foundation allows us to support the next wave of EV adoption across the country.”

By mid-2026, Kia aims to expand K-Charge to 20,000+ charging points, proving that this isn’t just a one-time spark — it’s an electrified revolution. And with a history that includes the award-winning EV6, EV9, and EV3, it’s safe to say: Kia isn’t just building cars, it’s wiring the future.

The post Kia-netic Energy! Kia India Supercharges EV Game with ‘K-Charge’ and Carens Clavis Rollout appeared first on NamasteCar.

As part of this high-mileage hospitality week, every participating Kia owner will be treated to a complimentary 36-point vehicle health check-up, thoroughly scanning everything from underbody bolts to cup-holder karma. Whether it’s a squeaky brake or an engine with commitment issues, Kia’s trained specialists are on it—gratis.

But wait, there’s more. Customers can avail:

• 20% off on car care services (because your car deserves spa days too)
• Up to 10% off on Extended Warranty packages (peace of mind is on sale)
• 10% off on RSA plans (just in case you find yourself bonding with a flat tyre)
• 10% off on parts, labour and even Kia Genuine Accessories—because nothing says “I love my car” like a new set of seat covers.

In a first-of-its-kind refer-and-ride-happily-ever-after scheme, Kia is offering an exclusive 3+2 years Roadside Assistance package to both referees and their helpful friends. Also on the table: a complimentary used car valuation and tempting exchange bonus schemes (for those eyeing a fresh set of wheels). Special spotlight? The Syros Accessories Package—because style shouldn’t stop at the driveway.

Speaking on the initiative, Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, noted,

“Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Kia’s brand ethos. Through initiatives like the Ownership Service Camp, we aim to transform service into celebration—delivering convenience, confidence, and care with every visit.”

Kia will also host interactive sessions on advanced technologies, maintenance best practices, and responsible driving—because knowing how to handle your turbocharged companion is half the thrill.

So, whether your car is due for some TLC or you’re just in it for the free diagnostics and discounts, head to your nearest Kia workshop. After all, even your four-wheeled family member deserves a little check-up and charm now and then.

The post Kia India Nation-Wide Ownership Service Camp Rolls In with Perks, Discounts, and Pampering appeared first on NamasteCar.

The month’s MVP? The newly launched Carens Clavis, which rolled into the market and straight into customers’ hearts. With families, road-trippers, and spreadsheet-loving car reviewers alike giving it a thumbs-up, the Clavis has kickstarted Kia’s next chapter with flair. Think of it as the car equivalent of a mic drop—except with six seats, ambient lighting, and a wireless phone charger.

Speaking on the performance, Hardeep Singh Brar, Senior Vice President and National Head of Sales & Marketing, said, “The tremendous response to the Carens Clavis underscores the deep trust Indian families place in the Kia brand.” He added that the brand is on a mission to set “new benchmarks in the segment” and hinted at what’s next with the kind of confidence usually reserved for movie teasers.

And speaking of teasers—July 2025 is shaping up to be Kia’s blockbuster month. The company is gearing up to unveil its next big innovation, which promises to combine sustainability, design excellence, and tech wizardry. No official name yet, but safe to say, it’s expected to drive circles around convention.

With this momentum, Kia India is clearly not just selling cars—they’re steering conversations, shifting gears on expectations, and quite possibly, rewriting the user manual for mainstream innovation.

Because at Kia, it’s not just movement that inspires. It’s movement that accelerates.

The post Kia Cruises Past 22,000 in May with Clavis Confidence—Next Stop: Innovation Junction in July! appeared first on NamasteCar.

There are cars, there are vans, and then there’s the Kia Carens—a vehicle that looked at a school picnic, a marriage procession, and a quick grocery run and said, “Yes, I’ll do all that and still leave space for a cricket kit and an air fryer.”

Born in 1999, the Carens has survived the Y2K scare, Orkut, and the Great Indian Family Drama of the early 2000s. And now in 2025, it returns with Botox, biceps, and Bluetooth — welcome to the 4th generation facelift of the Kia Carens, lovingly referred to as the Clavis, taken from the Latin phrase “Clavis Aurea”, which means Golden Key. And that, dear reader, is exactly what you’ll need to unlock this MPV’s full potential… and its 21.49 lakh top-spec price tag.

Looks That Say “I Might Take Your Job”

From the outside, the Carens has clearly been to the gym. Crystal-cut 17-inch dual-tone alloys strut like they own the road, while ice-cube LED headlamps stare at traffic like it owes them money. The Digital Tiger Face grille looks like it’s mid-roar, and the connected Star Map LED tail lamps at the rear say, “Yes, I brake. But stylishly.”

The Gravity Grey shade on our test car looked like Batman’s daily driver if Gotham had potholes. But if you fancy other shades, Kia’s palette offers everything from wedding-white to night-out black.

Interior: Lounge on Wheels (or Business Class if You’re Feeling Fancy)

Step inside, and you’re greeted by what feels like a tech start-up’s office on wheels. A sprawling 26.62-inch dual panoramic display stares back, daring you to ever get bored in traffic again. The 64-color ambient lighting is ready to match your mood—romantic pink, angry red, or “stuck-in-traffic-again” blue.

The ventilated seats ensure your posterior remains cooler than your bank balance after buying this car. The retractable seat back tables with cupholders scream “We know you’ll eat biryani while watching IPL back here”. And with a seat-mounted air purifier, you can now travel without inhaling the ghost of roadside samosas past.

The second-row seats slide, recline, and tumble like they’ve trained with Cirque du Soleil. Add walk-in access, cooling cupholders, sunshade curtains, and 8 Bose speakers, and suddenly your in-laws’ visit seems… tolerable.

Tech-Savvy as a Teenager, Responsible as a Parent

The Carens is that rare teenager who parties hard (hello, Sport Mode) but also reminds you to buckle up and stay in your lane. Quite literally. With Level 2 ADAS, this Kia watches everything—from lane keeping and blind spots to cross traffic, leading vehicles, and even your attention span.

And with the Kia Connect app, you can lock/unlock, find your car, check fuel, start climate control, or even track your spouse’s suspicious “quick drive”. If your teenage child had this level of tracking, they’d rebel into a toaster.

There’s even a NFC-based digital key, so your phone can act like a valet who doesn’t crash your car.

Performance: Mild-Mannered Minivan or Suburban Superhero?

Engine options? Oh, plenty.

1. 1.5L T-GDi Petrol: 157 hp and 253 Nm. Comes with a 7-speed DCT. Zippy enough to beat your cousin’s Swift in a drag race… to the wedding.
2. 1.5L NA Petrol: 113 hp and 143 Nm. It’s like chai without sugar—gets the job done, just less punchy.
3. 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 114 hp and 250 Nm, with 6-speed manual or automatic. Feels like an uncle who lifts weights in secret—quiet but strong.

Mileage? Diesel sips fuel like it’s on a budget (up to 19 kmpl), while the turbo-petrol is more “YOLO” (16 kmpl) when pushed.

Handling is surprisingly tight for a car this size, thanks to Torque Angle Sensors and electric power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustments. Drive Modes—Eco, Normal, Sport—are there to remind you that your mood swings now control a 1.4-ton MPV.

Safety: Basically a Moving Panic Room

This Clavis is so safe, it’ll make your mother feel redundant.

• 6 Airbags
• ABS, ESC, VSM, HAC, DBC, TPMS, SOS, GPS, and possibly IPL too
• Rear Occupant Alert (because someone will leave a phone, child, or bhindi in the backseat)
• Safe Exit Warning (perfect if your toddler is an Olympic-grade door flinger)
• 3-point seatbelts for all, because safety shouldn’t be optional like coriander on Maggi.

It even got 3 stars from Global NCAP, which in MPV land is like winning bronze while carrying six relatives and a cake.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy One?

If you want a car that:

• Looks cooler than your neighbor’s SUV
• Drives better than your uncle’s Innova
• Seats your family and your ego comfortably
• Feels like a mini-spa mixed with a spaceship
• Is priced between ₹11.49 lakh to ₹21.49 lakh (ex-showroom)

…then yes, the Kia Carens Clavis is the golden key you never knew you needed.

Just remember: It’s a “recreational vehicle” — so make sure you recreate often. Preferably at Lonavala. With biryani. And Bose.

Rating: 4.5/5

The post Kia Carens Clavis Review: From Grocery Runs to Goa Plans—It Does It All (in Style) appeared first on NamasteCar.

Design That Roars, Not Whispers
Following Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the Clavis merges MPV practicality with SUV swagger. It rocks LED headlamps, connected Star Map taillamps, 17-inch alloys, and a fresh Ivory Silver Gloss shade that says “I have three kids but still go to brunch.”

Interior: Netflix Meets Namaste
Inside, the Carens Clavis turns into a mini lounge. The pièce de résistance? A massive 26.62” dual-panel display setup that can rival most home entertainment systems. The cabin offers a 64-color ambient lighting palette to reflect every member’s mood — from the driver’s Zen to the toddler’s chaos.

Features like:

• Ventilated front seats
• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
• Seat-mounted air purifier
• Roof-mounted diffused vents

…ensure that whether you’re stuck in traffic or halfway to Mussoorie, the experience is nothing short of first-class.

“Boss Mode” Isn’t Just a Button — It’s a Lifestyle
Kia’s signature walk-in lever (cheekily dubbed Boss Mode) is back, allowing second-row passengers to command their seating fate like royalty. Add in one-touch tumble seats and the Carens Clavis becomes a spatial magician, making room even for that last-minute plus-one.

Safety So Advanced, It Might Judge Your Driving
Armed with 20 Level 2 ADAS features, the Clavis will help you avoid collisions with cars, people, cyclists, and even your own poor lane discipline. It also brings:

• Blind View Monitor
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Six airbags and a Rear Occupant Alert (great for forgetful uncles)

Engine Options for Every Personality
Under the hood, the Clavis offers everything from a practical Smartstream G1.5 to a peppier Turbo-GDi. And for those who like their torque with a side of economy, there’s also a 1.5L diesel option. Kia even introduces a brand-new 6-speed manual for petrol turbo — because some still believe in the joy of the clutch.

Variants, Colours & Commitments
Seven variants, eight colour options, and a boatload of customisation programs make the Clavis feel less like a car purchase and more like joining a loyalty club. From My Convenience Plus to Scratch Care, Kia ensures that the ownership experience is smoother than your playlist on the Bose 8-speaker system.

In the Words of Kia’s Commanders
Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, declared, “With the Carens Clavis, we’re not just selling cars. We’re crafting experiences, like Apple meets Autobahn — but with cupholders.”

The Kia Carens Clavis is big, bold, and built like the SUV-MPV equivalent of a power nap: refreshing, reliable, and ready for anything. So go ahead, activate Boss Mode — the car’s already on board.

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Over the next five years, Kia will inject ₹35 crores into the academic veins of IIT-Tirupati, aiming to transform it into a veritable pit lane of advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and sustainable automotive tech. From student internships with PPOs (that’s Pre-Placement Offers, not a new Kia variant), to scholarships that reward both brainpower and bank balance constraints, the MoU brings with it a well-oiled framework of cooperation.

And the crown jewel? A state-of-the-art ‘Makers Laboratory’—a space designed to encourage students to tinker, test, and possibly reinvent the wheel (hopefully not literally). This cross-disciplinary sandbox will see students turning ideas into functional prototypes, all under the watchful eyes of both academia and industry pros.

“This isn’t just an MoU—it’s the engineering equivalent of a turbo boost,” said Gwanggu Lee, MD & CEO of Kia India. “We believe education and innovation go hand in hand like a clutch and gearstick. With IIT-Tirupati, we’re not just building a lab—we’re building legacies.”

IIT-Tirupati’s director, Prof. K. N. Satyanarayana, echoed the excitement: “This partnership gives our students an expressway to global industrial practices. We look forward to building solutions that don’t just move people but move industries forward.”

Also in the works: international academic partnerships with Korean universities for joint research and faculty exchange programs. Think of it as a multi-lane expressway to global innovation.

So while most MoUs come with cake and customary handshakes, this one comes with potential patents, sustainable powertrains, and a lab full of caffeine-fueled engineers ready to design the future.

Bottom Line:
Kia and IIT-Tirupati have shifted the collaboration game into sixth gear — and the journey has just begun.

The post Kia Takes a “Class” Act to IIT-Tirupati: ₹35 Crore MoU Puts Engineering in the Fast Lane appeared first on NamasteCar.

Positioned as the golden key (yes, Clavis literally means that in Latin) to your next family adventure, this seven-seater marvel combines luxe comfort, space for all generations (and their luggage), and enough tech to make a spaceship nervous.

What’s Under the Hood (and All Over the Dashboard)?

Clavis comes powered by Smartstream petrol and diesel engines, including a spicy 1.5 Turbo-GDI now paired with a 6-speed manual—perfect for those who miss the thrill of shifting gears themselves. It’s like going vintage… but with ventilated seats.

The Clavis doesn’t just drive smart—it thinks smart. With 20 ADAS Level 2 features, this RV might be better at avoiding accidents than your cousin who claims to be “very experienced” at reversing in tight parking spots. Add in a 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor, and Remote-controlled windows, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s more aware of its surroundings than most teenagers.

Design: The SUV That Wears a Tuxedo

This isn’t your typical family mover. The Ice Cube LED headlamps, Starmap LED taillights, and Digital Tiger Face grill make it look ready to conquer both the school run and a lunar expedition. And those 17” Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels? Let’s just say the Clavis knows how to make an entrance.

Available in colors with names so poetic they sound like boutique perfumes—Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Aurora Black Pearl—this car was clearly designed by someone with an art degree and a passion for chrome accents.

Inside: Your Living Room Called. It’s Jealous.

If the outside is impressive, the inside is straight-up futuristic. Kia’s 67.62 cm Dual Panoramic Display spans the dash like a cinematic IMAX screen, letting the driver feel like they’re piloting the Starship Enterprise. There’s 64-color ambient lighting, a dual-pane sunroof, and a seat-mounted air purifier to ensure the atmosphere is as clean as your child’s excuse for forgetting homework.

And don’t miss the Boss Mode lever, which lets second-row passengers command extra legroom with a single, dramatic tug. Dictator chic? Maybe. Comfortable? Absolutely.

For the Record:

• Bose 8-speaker sound system: Perfect for blasting lullabies or K-pop.
• Rear seat walk-in access: Grandma won’t need a step ladder anymore.
• One-touch tumble seats: So easy, even your overexcited Labrador could do it (not recommended).

Booking Starts Tonight at 12

Available in seven variants, Clavis bookings open online and at dealerships at midnight. So if you hear loud clicking around that time, it’s not hackers. It’s parents fighting for early slots.

With the Carens Clavis, Kia hasn’t just launched a car—it’s unleashed a lifestyle upgrade. Equal parts spaceship, living room, and command center, the Clavis is here to ferry India’s modern families through school runs, weddings, and Sunday getaways—with swagger, safety, and a sunroof that could qualify as a terrace.

So go on, grab the Clavis. After all, who wouldn’t want the golden key to the future—especially if it comes with ambient lighting and a Boss Mode?

The post Kia India’s Bold New Carens Clavis Unlocks Comfort, Tech & Style (and Possibly the Family WhatsApp Group Too) appeared first on NamasteCar.

The cinematic teaser opens like an epic saga—silver Clavis gliding through misty woods, its LED DRLs glowing like a beast born of lightning and logic. Just when you think it’s about to conquer nature in style, it halts abruptly—thanks to its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) 2.0, which detects a hulking figure blocking the path. Enter: Viking.

Wearing a horned helmet with strikingly familiar contours (a cheeky nod to the Clavis’ bold front grille, perhaps?), the Nordic warrior locks eyes with the SUV in a moment that’s part standoff, part sci-fi buddy cop teaser. Cue the dramatic score and a final on-screen message that reads: “The Clavis. Coming Soon.”

Kia isn’t giving away much, but one thing’s clear—the Clavis is ready to conquer both concrete jungles and mythological forests. With ADAS 2.0 and what appears to be a strong design DNA, the Clavis seems poised to carve out a niche where high-tech meets high-drama.

If the Viking is any hint, this SUV won’t just drive—it’ll raid the roads.

The post Kia Clavis Teaser Unleashes Viking Vibes and Futuristic Tech appeared first on NamasteCar.

Leading the pack was the ever-popular Sonet, racking up 8,068 units, followed by the Seltos at 6,135—still flexing its road presence like a gym bro in a sleeveless hoodie. The Carens, Kia’s MPV with a people-pleasing attitude, chipped in with 5,259 units. But the real surprise entry was the freshly minted Syros, which sprinted into the charts with 4,000 units straight out of the gate—clearly not shy of the limelight.

The stately Carnival Limousine, meanwhile, rolled out 161 units—because not every hero wears a cape, some arrive with captain seats and mood lighting.

Commenting on the performance, Hardeep Singh Brar, Sr. VP and Head of Sales & Marketing, said, “This strong April performance reaffirms the growing trust in Kia’s offerings. The Sonet remains unstoppable, and the Syros’ debut has only strengthened our momentum. We’re just getting started.”

Speaking of momentum, Kia’s next act—the much-anticipated Clavis—is set to be revealed on May 8th. While details are still under wraps, insiders whisper it’s aimed to redefine the compact SUV segment. Expect drama, design, and perhaps a few marketing mic drops.

In short, Kia is not just riding the wave—it’s making its own. Buckle up. May looks promising.

The post Kia India’s Sales Cruise Past 23,000 in April — Sonet Leads, Syros Shines, and Clavis Waits in the Wings appeared first on NamasteCar.