Kia has introduced its first CNG vehicle in India in the form of the Carens MPV. Available only on the Premium (O) trim, the CNG kit can be added as a dealer-level fitment for Rs 77,900 over the petrol Carens' price tag of Rs 10.99 lakh.

1. The CNG kit is available as a dealer-level fitment
2. Kit comes with a 3-year/1,00,000km third-party warranty

Kia Carens CNG specs

Paired with the naturally aspirated petrol engine, and comes with a 3-year warranty.

The CNG kit – supplied by Lovato – is fitted to the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces 115hp on petrol; however, dealer sources say that the CNG option would produce about 95-100hp. The Kia Carens CNG comes with a 3-year/1,00,000km third-party warranty. Exact power and mileage figures have not been revealed by the carmaker as it is not a factory-fitted unit, and has not been homologated.

Interestingly, Kia has decided to go with a third-party supplier for its CNG kits, unlike its sister brand, Hyundai, which uses twin cylinders for its CNG-powered vehicles. It should be noted that the Carens is offered with a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine option as well.

Kia Carens Premium (O) details

It's the sole well-equipped trim available on the Carens.

In its sole Premium (O) variant, the Carens comes with features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted second and third row AC vents, one-touch electric tumble for the second row seats, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, electric wing mirrors, a shark fin antenna and a rear view camera. The petrol and diesel Carens have a 216-litre boot, but it is unknown how much the boot space will be reduced by due to the CNG kit.

In terms of safety, the Kia Carens comes with six airbags, ABS and EBD, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability management, downhill brake control, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, ISOFIX points and rear parking sensors. The Carens has scored a three-star rating in the GNCAP crash safety tests.

Why Kia has the Carens and Carens Clavis on sale

Kia sells the older Carens alongside the Carens Clavis (essentially a facelift of the MPV) for customers looking for an affordable 7-seater. The more affordable Carens is meant to cater to fleet operators, and the addition of the frugal CNG powertrain has made it a better proposition. On the other hand, the Carens Clavis targets buyers looking for a premium MPV, and is available in many trims, three engines and four transmission options.

Which other cars come with CNG fitted at the dealer level?

Kia Carens is the newest addition to the list of cars in India with a dealer-level CNG kit. The list includes the Honda Amaze and Elevate, the Renault Kwid, Triber and Kiger, the Citroen C3 and Aircross, and the Nissan Magnite.

All prices ex-showroom, India.

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