Kia India has commenced pre-bookings for the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG. It marks the first time that the Korean carmaker is offering factory-fitted CNG kits in its line-up. The older Carens was already available with a CNG kit, but it was sold as a dealer-level fitment. Prices for the Kia MPVs are expected to be announced soon.
- CNG versions utilise a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine
- Both get a fuel-change switch and readjustments to the suspension and front brakes
- Kia is also offering fleet versions of the CNG-powered MPVs
Kia Carens, Carens Clavis CNG: All you need to know
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Powering the CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 93hp and 123 Nm, which is 22hp and 21Nm less than the petrol version. Claimed fuel-efficiency figures are yet to be revealed, but they are expected to be around 22-25km per kg. A 60-litre CNG tank is placed under the boot floor, reducing boot space to 116 litres with all rows up. An underbody spare wheel is also being offered.
The factory-fitted CNG option will be offered on the Carens Clavis' base-spec HTE and HTE(O) trims, which come with features like an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear-view camera, 6 speakers, steering-mounted controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry and rear centre armrest, depending on the trim chosen. The Carens CNG will be offered in its sole Premium (O) trim and gets a similar feature list as the Carens Clavis' base trims.
Kia says the MPVs have CNG-specific engine calibration, a fuel-change switch, 16-inch wheels and tweaks to the suspension and front disc brakes. Additionally, the carmaker says it has modified the third row’s back-seat frame to improve the recline angle for better comfort. Both models come with a 4.2-inch TFT display that shows the distance-to-empty (DTE) figure when on CNG power. The brand is also offering the CNG-powered Carens and Carens Clavis in M-Drive and HTM trims, respectively, for fleet buyers.
Kia will be among the latest carmakers to join the CNG space in India. The fuel choice has been gaining momentum over the years, with factors like lower running costs and wider availability coming into play. In FY26, it was the second most chosen fuel option after petrol. This space is currently championed by Maruti Suzuki, followed by Tata Motors and Hyundai. Apart from Kia, Nissan and Renault are also slated to enter this segment by bringing factory-fitted CNG kits on their cars soon.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
