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.
