Key highlights
- Hyundai has unveiled the Neira Concept in Indonesia
- It shares most of its design and hardware with the Kia Carens Clavis EV
- The Neira could eventually make its way to India as Hyundai’s new MPV
Hyundai has pulled the covers off a new electric MPV in Indonesia, and there is something very familiar about it. Called the Neira Concept, the new model is essentially a Hyundai-flavoured version of the Kia Carens Clavis EV.
Hyundai gives it a new face
The Neira retains the overall shape of the Carens Clavis EV but gets a few styling changes to make it look more Hyundai.
The front gets a different bumper, horizontal slats and a slightly revised charging flap. There is also a Hyundai badge on the bonnet. The side profile is almost unchanged, apart from new alloy wheels, revised lower cladding and chrome door handles. At the rear, Hyundai has fitted a different bumper and more silver trim.
Inside, things get even more familiar. The dashboard layout is essentially identical to the Kia, including the dual 12.3-inch screens and floating centre console. The concept shown in Indonesia has a seven-seat layout.
Could use the Carens Clavis EV’s hardware
Hyundai hasn’t revealed the Neira’s technical specifications yet. However, considering how closely it mirrors the Kia, the two could share their electric hardware as well.
The Carens Clavis EV is offered with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs, paired with front-mounted motors producing 135 hp and 171 hp respectively. The larger battery delivers a claimed 490km range. That would give Hyundai a fairly ready-made electric MPV.
Is India on the cards?
Hyundai has already confirmed that it plans to introduce an MPV in India by 2030. While the global Stargazer was earlier expected to be the likely candidate, the Neira could now be another possibility. Nothing has been confirmed yet, though.
If Hyundai does bring it here, using the Carens Clavis EV as a base could save considerable development time. And considering Kia already has the electric MPV on sale in India, Hyundai wouldn’t exactly be entering uncharted territory.
For now, the Neira remains an Indonesian concept. But if Hyundai decides to bring this Carens Clavis EV with a different badge to India, things could get rather interesting.
Also read: Kia Syros EV vs Tata Nexon EV: Which one is better?
