What has Kia launched?
Kia India has introduced factory‑fitted CNG versions of its three‑row MPVs, the Carens and Carens Clavis. This move gives Kia entry into a 7-seater CNG-equipped passenger car segment. This segment caters to families and fleet owners looking for lower running costs without moving to a smaller vehicle.
What engine and performance figures are on offer?
Both Kia Carens and Carens Clavis CNG are powered by the same naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Smartstream G petrol engine, reconfigured for CNG combustion. On CNG, the engine develops 96 hp and 123 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a six‑speed manual gearbox. Compared with the petrol tune, output drops by about 19 hp and 21 Nm.
How does the CNG system affect packaging and practicality?
Kia has installed a CNG cylinder under the boot floor, integrated with the existing 45-litre petrol tank, reducing the boot capacity from 216 litres to 116 litres with all three rows in use.
Kia has retuned the suspension and upgraded the front brake disc to 16 inches. Inside the cockpit, these SUVs get a CNG fuel‑change switch and a Distance‑to‑Empty readout on the 4.2‑inch colour MID.
Which variants get CNG, and how are they priced?
Kia offers CNG on a select few lower and mid trims of the two MPVs: Carens Premium (O) and the Carens Clavis HTE and HTE (O) trims. Prices start from ₹ 12.12 lakh ex-showroom.
| Model | CNG Trim | Ex‑showroom price |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Carens | Premium (O) | ₹ 12.12 lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis | HTE | ₹ 12.39 lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis | HTE (O) | ₹ 13.35 lakh |
Who are the key rivals?
The Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG primarily compete against the likes of the already established models such as Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, Toyota Rumion CNG and Maruti XL6 CNG. All these models occupy the same ₹11-13 lakh price bracket and are offered in 6- or 7-seat configurations.
