Industry Odisha Bureau, Sept 19: Kia India has launched factory-fitted CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis in India. The both have been priced at Rs 12.12 lakh and Rs 12.39 lakh respectively, ex-showroom. Both models get the CNG option with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The Carens CNG is available only in the Premium (O) trim, while the Carens Clavis CNG is offered in the HTE and HTE (O) variants. The CNG versions cost Rs 1 lakh more than their respective petrol manual counterparts.
Both models use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine adapted for CNG, producing 96hp and 123Nm. This is 19hp and 21Nm less than the petrol versions. Kia has not yet announced certified fuel-efficiency figures, but the CNG variants are expected to deliver around 22-25km per kg.
The factory-fitted 60-litre CNG tank is placed beneath the boot floor. This reduces boot capacity from 216 litres to 116 litres. The spare wheel remains mounted underneath the vehicle.
Kia says the CNG models receive retuned suspension and upgraded front disc brakes to handle the additional weight of the CNG system. The engine has also been recaliberated for CNG operation.
The CNG option is not entirely new to the Carens, as the model was previously available with a dealer-fitted CNG kit. However, the new versions come with a factory fitted system.
The Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG compete with models such as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, Toyota Rumion CNG and Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG. Their prices range from Rs 10.94 lakh to Rs 12.61 lakh for the comparable CNG variants.
