Kia Carens CNG Launched In India At Rs 11.77 Lakh

Kia India has launched its first CNG offering in the country with the Carens CNG. The move expands the Carens lineup to include a more fuel cost focused option while keeping the core variant structure intact. The car is sold alongside the Carens Clavis and now gains a factory approved, dealer installed CNG kit compatible with the Premium (O) trim. The petrol powered Carens Premium (O) is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh. Adding the Lovato CNG kit for Rs 77,900 brings the effective entry price to Rs 11.77 lakh.

This approach allows Kia to address demand for lower running costs without altering the existing ex showroom structure or waiting for a full factory homologated CNG derivative. It also gives customers an option to convert at the point of purchase under a defined third party warranty arrangement.

Quick Summary

Pricing and Variant Strategy

Kia has kept the variant lineup unchanged. The CNG option is available only with the Premium (O) trim at launch. The cost structure is straightforward. Buyers pay the ex showroom price for the petrol variant and add Rs 77,900 for the CNG kit installation at the dealership. This keeps the on road calculation clear and lets customers compare the CNG equipped Carens directly with the equivalent petrol and diesel versions.

Powertrain and Mechanical Package

The Carens CNG uses the familiar 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine rated at 115 hp when running on petrol. As with most conversions, output on CNG will differ, but the manufacturer has not disclosed the exact figures. The kit is supplied by Lovato, a known name in the CNG aftermarket. Since this is not a factory installed unit and does not carry a separate homologation from Kia, specifications for peak power, torque, and certified fuel economy on CNG have not been provided.

Despite the lack of disclosed output numbers, the installation benefits from Kia’s dealer network process and is backed by a third party warranty of 3 years or 1,00,000 km for the kit. Routine service and inspection intervals are expected to follow the dealer guidance provided at the time of fitment.

Features and Cabin Experience

The Premium (O) trim remains feature rich for an entry variant in the MPV segment. Key equipment includes:

• 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Roof mounted AC vents for the second and third row
• One touch electric tumble for the second row seats to ease access to the third row
• Semi leatherette seat upholstery for an upmarket feel
• Keyless entry and electric ORVMs
• Shark fin antenna and a rearview camera

These features aim to preserve the value positioning of the Carens even as buyers move to a more economical fuel. The infotainment and convenience package ensures the CNG variant does not feel stripped compared to its petrol counterpart.

Practicality and Boot Space

With the petrol and diesel versions, the Carens offers 216 litres of boot space with all three rows in place. Since the CNG cylinder occupies volume in the cargo area, boot capacity with the CNG kit is currently unconfirmed. Buyers who frequently carry large luggage may wish to check the dealership display unit to understand the real world impact on cargo flexibility. The multi row air vents and easy second row tumble continue to make the Carens a practical people mover even in CNG form.

Safety Package and Crash Rating

Kia equips the Carens with a comprehensive list of safety features, which carry over to the CNG equipped vehicle:

• Six airbags
• ABS with EBD and brake assist
• Traction control and vehicle stability management
• Hill functions including downhill brake control
• All wheel disc brakes
• TPMS
• ISOFIX anchor points
• Rear parking sensors and rear camera

The Carens has received a three star rating in the GNCAP crash safety assessments. While the CNG kit is a dealer installation, the primary safety hardware of the vehicle remains unchanged.

Positioning in the Market

By launching the Carens CNG as a dealer level installation, Kia becomes the third brand to enable such a route in India, joining Honda and Nissan, both of which allow dealer level CNG options on models like the City, Amaze, and Magnite. In parallel, Citroen offers factory fitted CNG on select models. Kia’s path provides immediate availability without waiting for a dedicated CNG variant roll out. For buyers, it combines the familiarity of the Carens platform with the lower running costs of CNG.

Ownership and Warranty Considerations

The Lovato kit is supported by a third party warranty valid for 3 years or 1,00,000 km. Vehicle level warranty and service protocols for the petrol Carens remain as per Kia policy, while the CNG kit specific components are covered by the third party terms. Prospective owners should confirm the list of covered parts, recommended service intervals for filters and lines, and any periodic leak checks required to keep the warranty valid.

It is also prudent to ask the dealer about the spare wheel location, refueling nozzle placement, and any changes to underfloor storage, since these points can vary by installation.

Who Should Consider the Carens CNG

• Families and fleet buyers who log high monthly mileage and want lower per km fuel cost
• Customers who want three row flexibility and a long feature list at a relatively accessible entry price
• Owners who are comfortable with dealer installed CNG and a third party kit warranty, and who understand the trade off in boot volume

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the effective starting price of the Kia Carens CNG

It starts at Rs 11.77 lakh, calculated as Rs 10.99 lakh for the Carens Premium (O) petrol plus Rs 77,900 for the dealer installed Lovato CNG kit.

2. Which variant of the Carens gets the CNG option

The CNG option is available on the Premium (O) trim.

3. What engine does the Carens CNG use and what is the power output

It uses the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 115 hp on petrol. The manufacturer has not disclosed the power output when running on CNG.

4. What warranty is offered on the CNG kit

The kit carries a third party warranty of 3 years or 1,00,000 km. Vehicle level warranty items remain as per Kia policy.

5. How much boot space is available with the CNG kit installed

Boot space for the CNG equipped vehicle has not been officially disclosed. The standard petrol and diesel versions are rated at 216 litres with all three rows up.

Official Website: https://www.kia.com/in

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