Kia India has finally launched factory-fitted CNG versions of its three-row MPVs. The Kia Carens CNG has a starting price of Rs. 12.11 lakh, while the Kia Carens Clavis CNG range starts at Rs. 12.39 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.
Kia has introduced the Carens and Carens Clavis with a factory-fitted CNG setup in a combination of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. In CNG mode, the engine produces 95bhp and 123Nm.
Join Our Youtube Channel to stay updated with daily Indian car & bike news instantly!
Most importantly, Kia has not just added fuel hardware to the CNG system. The company has also made changes to the engine calibration, suspension, front brakes, and third-row seat structure.
Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis Automatic Gets Cheaper by Rs. 2 Lakh, New Variants
Kia Carens CNG & Carens Clavis CNG Price
The Kia Carens CNG is offered in a single Premium (O) variant, while the Carens Clavis CNG is launched in HTE and HTE (O) trims.
| Model | Variant | Powertrain | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carens CNG | Premium (O) | 1.5L CNG + 6MT | Rs. 12.11 lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis CNG | HTE | 1.5L CNG + 6MT | Rs. 12.39 lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis CNG | HTE (O) | 1.5L CNG + 6MT | Rs. 13.35 lakh |
Prices ex-showroom, India
The mechanical setup is the same between the HTE and HTE (O) variants of the Carens Clavis CNG. Buyers of the higher-spec HTE (O) variant will have to pay a premium for additional features.
1.5-Liter Petrol Engine with CNG
The Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. In CNG mode, this engine produces 95 bhp and 123 Nm.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard for transmission on both models. Kia does not offer the 1.5-liter turbo-petrol or diesel engine options on the CNG versions.
Kia Carens CNG Powertrain Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Fuel | CNG + Petrol |
| Power | 95bhp |
| Torque | 123Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual |
| CNG Tank | 60-litre |
| Configuration | 3-row, 7-seat MPV |
Kia has not yet announced an official claimed CNG fuel-efficiency figure. Earlier reports estimated around 22-25 km/kg, but this should not be considered an official mileage figure.
Also Read: Kia Carnival Hybrid Bookings Open: New Hybrid MPV Launch Coming Soon
60-Liter CNG Tank With Spare Wheel
The Carens and Carens Clavis CNG are equipped with a 60-liter CNG tank. Kia has positioned the tank below the boot floor, which reduces luggage space compared to the petrol versions. According to earlier specification reports, the CNG versions have a boot capacity of 116 liters with all three rows in use.
An important feature of this setup is that Kia has retained the underbody spare wheel. Retaining the spare wheel in factory CNG MPVs is a useful addition from a practical point of view.
CNG-Specific Mechanical Changes
Kia has made changes to the suspension and braking hardware to compensate for the additional weight of the CNG tank.
The Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG feature CNG-specific engine calibration, modified suspension, 16-inch wheels, and upgraded 16-inch front disc brakes.
The company has also modified the third-row seat-back frame. This aims to improve the recline angle of the third-row seat, so that the three-row layout can be maintained even after accommodating the CNG hardware.
Can Switch Between Petrol and CNG
Both CNG models have a dedicated fuel-change switch. This allows the driver to switch between petrol and CNG operation.
CNG-specific information has also been added to the instrument cluster. The 4.2-inch color TFT MID displays Distance to Empty information in CNG mode, giving the driver a separate indication of the available range on gas.
Kia Carens CNG vs. Carens Clavis CNG: Variant Lineup
Kia has introduced CNG versions of both MPVs with different trim strategies.
Carens CNG:
- Premium (O) — Rs. 12.11 lakh
Carens Clavis CNG:
- HTE — Rs. 12.39 lakh
- HTE (O) — Rs. 13.35 lakh
There is no difference in powertrain between the HTE and HTE (O) variants of the Carens Clavis CNG. Both versions come with a 1.5-liter CNG engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Factory-Fitted CNG Is Kia’s First
This launch is significant for Kia as it marks the first time the company has introduced a factory-fitted CNG powertrain to its passenger vehicle lineup in India. Previously, CNG kits for the Carens were available through dealer-level fitment, but the new setup is factory-fitted on the production line.
With the Carens and Carens Clavis, Kia is now entering a segment that directly challenges the CNG portfolios of manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai.
New Option for Three-Row CNG MPV Buyers
The biggest difference between the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG is that they offer factory-fitted CNG in a three-row MPV format, rather than traditional five-seat CNG cars.
The CNG tank reduces boot space, but Kia has retained the spare wheel and three-row seating. CNG-specific suspension, braking, and engine calibration changes have also been made.
Auto India Daily Verdict
With factory-fitted CNG versions of the Kia Carens CNG and Kia Carens CNG, buyers get an additional fuel option in the three-row MPV format.
Pricing, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and CNG-specific mechanical changes position these models differently from the existing petrol versions. Official fuel-efficiency figures are still awaited.
Also Read: Kia Syros Flex-Fuel Concept Unveiled: 1.0L Turbo & E85 Compatibility
