Carmakers in India are racing against time to launch their CNG-powered models. After much anticipation and opening bookings a few days ago, Kia India has finally launched the factory-fitted CNG variants of the Carens and Carens Clavis at Rs. 12.11 lakh and Rs. 12.38 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. Here’s what the new Kia CNG variants offer. Kia Carens and Carens Clavis CNG Launched
The Carens CNG is available in a single Premium (O) variant, while the Carens Clavis gets two variants – HTE and HTE (O) (Rs. 13.34 lakh ex-showroom). Both cars get a single 60-litre CNG tank and a 45-litre petrol tank as standard. Kia claims both cars still come with a spare tyre, despite the addition of the CNG tank.
Engine Specs
The CNG variants are powered by Kia’s 1.5-litre NA petrol engine that develops 94.6 bhp and 123 Nm of torque in CNG mode. In comparison, petrol mode delivers 113 bhp and 143.8 Nm of torque. For now, the CNG variants are available only with a six-speed manual gearbox – this could be a deliberate move, as automatic CNG variants could be introduced later, depending on customer demand.
What Else Has Changed?
The CNG variants also have a few more mechanical changes. For example, they come with larger 16-inch disc brakes for better stopping power and re-tuned suspension (due to the added weight of the CNG tank). Of course, the engine has also been recalibrated to run smoothly and efficiently on CNG. Speaking of efficiency, Kia has not released the official mileage figures for the Carens and Carens Clavis CNG variants.
Inside, the Carens and Carens Clavis CNG variants come with a dedicated distance-to-empty readout for CNG mode and a fuel-change switch (to toggle between CNG and Petrol modes). The third-row seat-back frame has also been modified to improve the recline angle (for added comfort, especially on longer journeys).