Kia Carens now offered with CNG at Rs 11.78 lakh

Kia launched the Carens Clavis, a premium version of the Carens, earlier this year but the Korean carmaker continues to sell the latter in a single trim. That was also one way of distinguishing it from the other version of the Carens. Now, the ‘plain’ Carens comes with a CNG kit although it is an aftermarket unit available at the dealership level and not a factory fitment from the company. Hence, it hasn’t been homologated.

Supplied by Lovato, this Government-certified CNG kit is priced ₹77,900. Kia Carens is now only available in the Premium (O) trim which is priced at ₹10.99 lakh. With this add-on CNG kit, the MPV is effectively priced at Rs 11.78 lakh (both ex-showroom). This aftermarket CNG kit is likely to become popular among fleet owners where fuel efficiency is the biggest priority.

Although Kia has declined to officially comment on this, our sources have revealed that this new CNG kit will be available in all authorised company showrooms across the country. Our sources further stated that this aftermarket CNG kit will be available with a 3-year or 1 lakh km (whichever earlier) warranty from the dealership. As mentioned earlier, the Carens Clavis has not been offered with this CNG kit as it is the more premium version. 

Other MPVs that are offered with a CNG kit include Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, XL6, and Renault Triber. The two Maruti models come with factory-fitted units whereas the Triber is offered with an aftermarket CNG kit at the dealer level. In all likelihood, this new aftermarket CNG kit in Carens will eat into its limited boot space, thus taking a toll on practicality. 

Kia Carens CNG Powertrain

Kia Carens is powered either by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The former puts out 114 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque while the latter develops 114 bhp and 250 Nm. This powertrain is solely available with the petrol motor paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, expect a drop in the overall output which hasn’t been revealed yet.

Kia Carens CNG Features & Safety

In terms of features, the Kia Carens comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted second and third row AC vents, one-touch electric tumble for the second row seats, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, electric wing mirrors, a shark fin antenna and a rear view camera. 

When it comes to safety, the Carens comes with six airbags, ABS and EBD, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability management, downhill brake control, disc brakes for all four wheels, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX points and rear parking sensors. The Carens has scored a three-star rating in the GNCAP crash safety tests.

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