Kia Launches Carens and Carens Clavis CNG Variants in India Starting at Rs 12.12 Lakh

Kia India has officially introduced factory-fitted CNG variants of the Carens and Carens Clavis multi-purpose vehicles, with introductory ex-showroom prices starting at Rs 12.12 lakh. The newly launched models expand Kia's alternative-fuel portfolio in the seven-seater segment, providing a bi-fuel powertrain option for buyers seeking reduced operating expenses. Bookings for both vehicles are currently open across authorized dealerships and through the manufacturer's digital portal.

The Carens CNG is offered exclusively in the Premium (O) trim priced at Rs 12.12 lakh, representing a Rs 1 lakh premium over its petrol-manual equivalent. Meanwhile, the Carens Clavis CNG lineup spans two lower-spec variants, with the HTE priced at Rs 12.39 lakh and the HTE (O) at Rs 13.35 lakh, both also carrying a uniform Rs 1 lakh price increase over their corresponding petrol-manual counterparts.

Under the hood, both MPVs utilize Kia's established 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine configured to support CNG operation alongside traditional petrol fueling. When operating on CNG, the powertrain generates 96 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque, reflecting a reduction of 19 horsepower and 21 Nm compared to the standard petrol configuration, which produces 115 PS and 144 Nm.

Power delivery is managed exclusively through a 6-speed manual transmission across all CNG variants. Unlike the pure petrol versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis, which offer clutchless manual (iMT) and dual-clutch automatic (DCT) transmission options, the factory-fitted CNG models do not provide an automatic gearbox alternative.

To accommodate the dual-fuel architecture, a 60-litre CNG tank has been integrated directly beneath the boot floor. This underfloor placement reduces the available luggage capacity from 216 litres in the standard petrol configuration down to 116 litres when all three rows of seating remain deployed.

Despite the inclusion of the underfloor CNG cylinder, Kia has retained the underbody-mounted spare wheel. Cabin layout and seating configurations remain standardized as seven-seaters, matching the baseline petrol models across the board.

To counteract the additional weight introduced by the 60-litre CNG cylinder and associated bi-fuel hardware, Kia implemented specific mechanical revisions. Engineers retuned the vehicle suspension setup and upgraded the front disc braking system to 16-inch units, while the engine management software was recalibrated to maintain drivability.

In the Indian market, the new variants compete directly against established multi-purpose vehicles such as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, which is priced between Rs 10.94 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, the Toyota Rumion CNG at Rs 11.69 lakh, and the Maruti XL6 CNG at Rs 12.61 lakh. Deliveries and official fuel efficiency certifications are expected to be detailed by the manufacturer in the coming weeks.