Kia has just introduced its first-ever CNG vehicle in India with the Carens. Available on the sole Premium (O) trim, the CNG kit can be added as a dealer-level fitment for an additional Rs 77,900 over the petrol Carens’ price tag of Rs 10.99 lakh.
- The CNG kit is available as dealer-level fitment
- The kit comes with a 3-year/1,00,000 km 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 Carens with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, which produces 115hp on petrol; however, we expect a lower power figure when it runs on CNG. The Kia Carens’ CNG kit comes with a 3-year/1,00,000 km third-party warranty. Exact power and mileage figures of the Carens CNG have not been revealed by the car maker as it is not a factory-fitted unit, and has not been homologated.
Insterestingly, Kia has decided to go with a third-party supplier for its CNG kits, unlike its sister brand Hyundai, that uses twin-cyinders for its CNG powered vehicles. It should be noted 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 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted 2nd and 3rd row AC vents, one-touch electric tumble for the 2nd row seats, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, electric ORVMs, shark fin antenna and a rear view camera. It is yet unknown how much the boot space will reduce by due to the CNG kit; the petrol and diesel Carens are rated at 216 litres.
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 for 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, and three engine and four transmission options.
Which other cars come with CNG fitted at dealer level?
Kia Carens is the newest addition to the list of cars in India with a dealer-level CNG kit. The list includes Honda’s City, Amaze and Elevate, Renault’s Kwid, Triber, and Kiger, Citroen’s C3, Aircross, and the Nissan Magnite.
All prices ex-showroom, India.
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