Kia has officially introduced factory-fitted CNG versions of the Carens and the Carens Clavis in India. Arriving just days after their initial showcase alongside the Sorento launch, the new dual-fuel MPVs carry starting ex-showroom prices of Rs 12.12 lakh for the Carens CNG and Rs 12.39 lakh for the Carens Clavis CNG.
While CNG options were previously available for the Carens as dealer-fitted kits, these new factory-installed models bring integrated engineering and manufacturer backed peace of mind.
Variant Lineup and Pricing Structure
Kia is keeping the CNG options restricted to specific lower-tier trims across both models. The standard Carens gets the CNG option solely on its Premium (O) trim, whereas the Carens Clavis offers factory CNG on its HTE and HTE (O) trims.
Across all offered variants, opting for the factory CNG setup adds a flat Rs 1 lakh premium over the equivalent petrol-manual model.
Price Comparison (Ex-Showroom, India)
| Model & Trim | CNG Manual Price | Petrol Manual Price | Premium over Petrol |
| Carens Premium (O) | Rs 12.12 lakh | Rs 11.12 lakh | + Rs 1.00 lakh |
| Carens Clavis HTE | Rs 12.39 lakh | Rs 11.39 lakh | + Rs 1.00 lakh |
| Carens Clavis HTE (O) | Rs 13.35 lakh | Rs 12.35 lakh | + Rs 1.00 lakh |
For context in the broader 7-seater CNG market, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG ranges between Rs 10.94 lakh and Rs 12.00 lakh, the Toyota Rumion CNG comes in at Rs 11.69 lakh, and the Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG is priced at Rs 12.61 lakh.
Engine Specifications and Transmission
Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Power Output: 96 hp (down 19 hp compared to the standard petrol model)
- Torque Output: 123 Nm (down 21 Nm compared to the standard petrol model)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox (the petrol-only versions continue to offer clutchless manual iMT and dual-clutch automatic DCT choices)
- Fuel Efficiency: Estimated between 22 km/kg and 25 km/kg (official certified figures are yet to be revealed by Kia)
Boot Space, Suspension, and Engineering Updates
To accommodate the alternative fuel hardware, Kia has installed a 60-litre CNG cylinder directly beneath the boot floor.
- Storage Impact: The boot capacity drops from the standard 216 litres down to 116 litres.
- Spare Wheel: The spare wheel remains mounted externally under the car’s body structure.
- Mechanical Adjustments: To manage the added weight of the cylinder and system components, Kia has retuned the suspension setup, upgraded the front disc brakes, and recalibrated the engine to ensure smooth throttle response and minimal performance compromise.
Aside from these mechanical and storage tweaks, all features and equipment on the CNG trims mirror their corresponding petrol counterparts.
