Kia has just expanded the versatility of its popular 7-seater MPV — the Carens — by introducing a new CNG option. With this, the Carens becomes the only mass-market 7-seater MPV in India to be offered with Petrol, Turbo-petrol, Diesel, EV, and now CNG powertrains.
Kia Carens CNG: Price and Variant Details
Kia has launched a dealer-fitted CNG kit for the Carens, priced at ₹77,900 (ex-showroom) over the standard petrol variant. The CNG option will be available exclusively on the Premium (O) trim and is primarily aimed at fleet operators and high-mileage users.
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Premium (O) Petrol MT | ₹10.99 lakh |
| Premium (O) Petrol MT with CNG | ₹11.77 lakh |
What’s New With the Carens CNG?
Previously, the Carens was offered with two engine choices — a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, both paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new CNG option builds on the petrol engine, providing a more fuel-efficient alternative.
The CNG kit, supplied by Lovato, will be installed at Kia dealerships but comes with factory approval. It also includes a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty, provided by Lovato.
While Kia hasn’t revealed power and torque figures for the CNG setup, the existing petrol and diesel engine specs are as follows:
| Engine | Transmission | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L NA Petrol | 6-speed Manual | 115 PS | 144 Nm |
| 1.5L Diesel | 6-speed Manual | 116 PS | 250 Nm |
Design and Features
Positioned below the recently launched Carens Clavis, the standard Carens continues as a single Premium (O) variant. It sports clean, boxy proportions with subtle SUV-inspired design cues like thick cladding, a flat bonnet, and a connected taillamp cluster. The MPV runs on 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.
Inside, the Carens offers practical and comfort-oriented features such as:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- 6-speaker audio system
- Steering-mounted controls
- Rear sunshades
- Tilt-adjustable steering
On the safety front, Kia equips the Carens with:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Assist
- Rearview camera
- All-wheel disc brakes
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Rivals and Positioning
The Carens doesn’t have a direct rival, but it competes with Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Toyota Innova Crysta in the MPV space. It also serves as a more affordable alternative to the Carens Clavis, which sits higher in Kia’s lineup.
With Petrol, Turbo-petrol, Diesel, EV, and now CNG options, the Kia Carens stands out as one of the most flexible 7-seater offerings in India. The new CNG variant makes it even more appealing for fleet users and cost-conscious buyers, particularly in regions like Delhi-NCR, where older diesel vehicles face restrictions.
