Kia India has introduced factory-fitted CNG options for its popular three-row MPVs, launching the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG with starting prices of Rs 12.11 lakh and Rs 12.39 lakh (ex-showroom). The automaker offers the Carens CNG in a single Premium (O) variant, while the Carens Clavis CNG arrives in two variants: HTE and HTE (O). Both multi-purpose vehicles feature a factory-integrated dual-fuel system, providing high-mileage buyers with an alternative to diesel and pure petrol options.
Key Takeaways
- Pricing details: The Carens Premium (O) CNG costs Rs 12,11,800, the Carens Clavis HTE CNG costs Rs 12,38,800, and the Clavis HTE (O) CNG costs Rs 13,34,800.
- Powertrain: Both vehicles use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Smartstream petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- Power figures: The engine produces 95 bhp and 123 Nm of torque in CNG mode.
- Tank capacity: The setup includes a 60-litre CNG cylinder alongside the petrol fuel tank.
- Mechanical updates: Kia has re-tuned the suspension, upgraded the front disc brakes, and adjusted the third-row seat frame to improve passenger comfort.
Mechanical Changes and Features
Unlike earlier dealer-installed kits, these models feature fully integrated systems built directly at the factory. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine works with a dedicated CNG electronic control unit to balance daily drivability and low running costs. Drivers can shift between petrol and gas modes using a dashboard-mounted fuel switch.
The instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display that provides fuel-specific data, including CNG distance-to-empty calculations. To handle the weight of the 60-litre tank placed in the boot, engineers altered the rear suspension and added upgraded 16-inch front disc brakes. The spare wheel sits mounted beneath the body frame to preserve cabin utility. The third-row seat backrest receives a modified structure to preserve seat recline angles.
Market Position and Rivals
The CNG variants carry a price premium of roughly Rs 99,000 over their standard petrol counterparts, while sitting more than Rs 1 lakh below comparable diesel trims. This positioning gives budget-conscious family buyers and fleet users lower running costs without the high acquisition cost of a diesel car. In the Indian three-row family car market, the factory-fitted Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG will compete directly against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG, and commercial fleet favourites like the Toyota Rumion CNG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the starting price of the Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG?
A1. The Kia Carens CNG begins at Rs 12,11,800 (ex-showroom) for the Premium (O) trim, while the Carens Clavis CNG starts at Rs 12,38,800 for the HTE trim.
Q2. What engine and gearbox power the new Kia CNG MPVs?
A2. Both models use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired solely with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Q3. What are the power figures of the Kia Carens CNG?
A3. In CNG mode, the engine produces 95 bhp of power and 123 Nm of torque.
Q4. Is an automatic gearbox available with the Kia Carens CNG?
A4. No, Kia offers both CNG models exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
