Kia has launched factory-fitted CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis at Rs 12.12 lakh and Rs 12.39 lakh, respectively, days after unveiling them alongside the Sorento’s India launch. The Carens gets the CNG option exclusively on its Premium (O) trim, while the Carens Clavis offers it on the lower-spec HTE and HTE (O) trims. Both command a Rs 1 lakh premium over their petrol-MT counterparts and are powered by a 96hp, 1.5-litre engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- Fuel efficiency is estimated to be 22km per kg to 25 km per kg
- 60-litre CNG tank is placed under the boot floor; gets 116-litre boot space
Interestingly, the CNG option is not new to the Carens, although it was previously available only as a dealer-fitted kit.
Kia Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG prices
CNG-MT variants command a premium of Rs 1 lakh over petrol-MT variants
For comparison, the Maruti Ertiga’s CNG variants are priced between Rs 10.94 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, while the Toyota Rumion CNG is priced at Rs 11.69 lakh and the Maruti XL6 CNG is priced at Rs 12.61 lakh.
Kia Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG: Engine specifications
CNG variants produce 19hp, 21Nm less than the petrol variants
The CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 96hp and 123Nm, down by 19hp and 21Nm, respectively, compared with the petrol version. It comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the petrol variants are also available with a clutchless manual (iMT) and dual-clutch automatic (DCT) options.
Kia has not yet revealed the certified fuel-efficiency figure for the CNG variants, although it is expected to be around 22-25km per kg.
Kia Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG: Other details
CNG tank in the boot only enables 116 litres of boot space
The factory-fitted CNG tank is mounted beneath the boot floor in the Carens and Carens Clavis, reducing boot capacity from 216 litres to 116 litres. Like the other variants, the CNG versions get an underbody-mounted spare wheel. Kia claims it has retuned the suspension and upgraded the front disc brakes to account for the additional weight of the CNG tank and new components. The manufacturer also says the engine has been recalibrated for CNG use to minimise the impact on performance.
Everything else on the CNG variants is the same as their petrol counterparts.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
