Kia India has opened pre-launch bookings for the upcoming CNG iterations of the Carens and Carens Clavis MPVs. They will be Kia’s first offerings in the country to get factory-fitted CNG kits. Earlier, the Kia Carens was available with a dealer-fitted CNG option.
The Korean carmaker is expected to reveal their prices in the coming days.
Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG: Powertrain Details
Powering the CNG versions of the Kia Carens and Carens Clavis will be the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine from the regular model. However, it will produce a lower output of 93hp and 123 Nm when fed with compressed natural gas. This is roughly 22hp and 21Nm less than the standard petrol version. They are expected to be equipped with a 60-litre CNG tank placed under the boot floor. The same CNG powertrain will also be offered with the upcoming Hyundai Bayon.
While Kia is yet to reveal the claimed fuel efficiency figures, they are expected to be between 22-24 km/kg.
Kia claims that these MPVs have been recalibrated according to the CNG fuel requirements. They also get a dedicated fuel-change switch, 16-inch wheels and tweaks to the suspension and front disc brakes. Furthermore, the carmaker has also modified the 3rd row’s back-seat frame to improve the recline angle for better comfort.
CNG Variants and Features
Kia will offer the factory-fitted CNG with the Carens Clavis’s base-spec HTE and HTE (O) variants, which come equipped with amenities like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls, 6 speakers, power adjustable side mirrors, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, rear centre armrest, rear camera, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchors, and traction control system.
Also Read: Kia Sorento Launched With Hybrid Engine; Price Starts From Rs 27.99 Lakh
On the other hand, the Kia Carens only comes in a sole Premium (O) trim, which gets similar features to the Carens Clavis’ base variants. Both models will also get a 4.2-inch TFT cluster which displays the distance-to-empty (DTE) figure when on CNG power.
The brand will also be offering the CNG-powered Carens and Carens Clavis in M-Drive and HTM trims, respectively, for fleet customers.
