The Kia Carens CNG has been launched in India, expanding Kia’s popular 7-seater lineup with a new fuel-efficient CNG variant, giving buyers a more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to petrol and diesel. Priced at ₹11.77 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Carens CNG is set to attract large families, fleet operators, and daily commuters looking to reduce running costs without sacrificing comfort or space.
A More Efficient Take on a Practical MPV
The Kia Carens has already made its mark as one of the most practical family cars in India, thanks to its spacious cabin, versatile seating, and solid ride comfort. Now, with the addition of a CNG option, the MPV becomes even more appealing for budget-minded buyers.
Unlike some factory-fitted CNG models, the Carens CNG comes with a dealer-installed government-approved kit from Lovato, a trusted name in alternative fuel systems. The kit is priced at ₹77,900 and is available through Kia’s official dealerships. Buyers also receive a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty on the CNG system, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
The CNG option is based on the Premium (O) variant, making it a well-equipped yet affordable version of the Carens, perfect for families or shared mobility fleets.
Specifications & Key Technicals
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine & Fuel Type | 1.5 L Smartstream petrol engine with dealer-installed CNG kit |
| Displacement | ~1,399 cc / 1.4 litre |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats |
| Estimated Mileage | ~17.20 km/kg (CNG) |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litre petrol + CNG cylinder |
| Boot Space | Reduced due to CNG cylinder placement |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹11.77 lakh |
| CNG Kit Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 km |
| Dimensions | Length – 4,540 mm, Width – 1,800 mm, Height – 1,708 mm |
Engine, Performance, and Efficiency
The Carens CNG uses Kia’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated Smartstream petrol engine, tuned to work seamlessly with the CNG kit. It’s paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering smooth shifts and predictable power delivery.
While power and torque figures for the CNG variant haven’t been officially released, they’re expected to be slightly lower than the petrol version’s 115 PS and 144 Nm due to the nature of CNG combustion. In return, buyers get significantly lower running costs ideal for city driving or high-mileage users.
Real-world mileage is estimated around 17–18 km/kg, which could translate to nearly half the running cost compared to petrol in many Indian states.
Design and Cabin Experience
Visually, the Carens CNG is identical to the petrol version, retaining Kia’s bold “Opposites United” design language. Its sharp LED DRLs, wide grille, and SUV-inspired stance give it strong road presence.
Inside, the MPV offers the same spacious, premium-feeling cabin with flexible three-row seating. The second-row bench folds and tumbles easily, giving access to a reasonably comfortable third row something that sets the Carens apart from compact MPVs.
The only major difference is boot space, which reduces due to the addition of the CNG cylinder. Buyers who regularly carry heavy luggage should inspect this in person before finalizing.
Features and Comfort
Even in the Premium (O) trim, the Carens CNG is decently equipped. Key features include:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Rear parking sensors
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Roof-mounted AC vents for second and third rows
- Rear AC controls
- Tilt-adjustable steering and height-adjustable driver seat
These features make it a well-rounded family car, even in its base form.
Why the Carens CNG Makes Sense
The move to offer a CNG option on the Carens comes at a time when fuel prices and ownership costs are rising. CNG vehicles offer up to 50 percent lower running costs compared to petrol, along with reduced emissions.
Kia’s strategy clearly targets both private family buyers and commercial fleet operators, who value reliability, space, and cost efficiency. The Carens CNG offers all three with the added assurance of Kia’s service network and warranty support.
Rivals and Positioning
The Carens CNG competes directly with other 7-seater CNG MPVs such as:
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG – from ₹10.88 lakh
- Toyota Rumion CNG – from ₹11.39 lakh
- Maruti XL6 CNG – from ₹12.39 lakh
While these models are established in the market, the Carens offers a more modern cabin design, stronger safety credentials, and premium build quality all while staying competitively priced.
Comparison: Kia Carens CNG vs Rivals
| Model | Engine | Power (PS) | Mileage (km/kg) | Seating | Boot Space | Starting Price (₹, ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Carens CNG | 1.5L Petrol + CNG | ~105 (expected) | ~17–18 | 7 | Reduced (due to CNG) | 11.77 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG | 1.5L Petrol + CNG | 87.8 | 26.11 | 7 | 209 L | 10.88 lakh |
| Toyota Rumion CNG | 1.5L Petrol + CNG | 87.8 | 26.11 | 7 | 209 L | 11.39 lakh |
| Maruti XL6 CNG | 1.5L Petrol + CNG | 87.8 | 26.32 | 6 | 209 L | 12.39 lakh |
The Carens CNG, while slightly behind on mileage compared to the Maruti and Toyota options, offers significantly more cabin space, a stronger premium feel, and better overall comfort, making it ideal for those who prioritize roominess and a refined driving experience.
Considerations Before Buying
Although the Carens CNG delivers impressive efficiency, prospective buyers should consider a few points:
- Boot Space: Expect a noticeable reduction due to the CNG cylinder.
- Performance: CNG variants generally produce slightly less power than petrol.
- Refuelling Infrastructure: Ensure easy access to CNG stations in your city.
- Installation Type: Confirm with your dealer that the kit is officially approved and installed at an authorized Kia workshop.
Despite these trade-offs, the overall package remains strong for urban and inter-city family users.
Motors77 Take
The Kia Carens CNG successfully blends the practicality of a large family MPV with the cost-saving advantages of CNG fuel. With its premium interiors, comfortable ride, and now a more affordable running cost, the Carens becomes an even more compelling choice for Indian buyers.
While a factory-fitted kit would have been ideal, Kia’s authorized dealer-installed setup still offers credibility and warranty assurance. For anyone seeking a 7-seater with solid features, proven reliability, and significantly lower fuel bills, the Carens CNG stands out as one of the most balanced options in its class.
FAQs
Q1: What is the price of the Kia Carens CNG in India?
The Carens CNG starts at ₹11.77 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q2: Is the CNG kit factory-fitted?
No, it’s a dealer-level installation of a government-approved Lovato CNG kit with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.
Q3: What is the mileage of the Carens CNG?
It’s expected to deliver around 17-18 km/kg depending on driving conditions.
Q4: Does the CNG system affect boot space?
Yes, the CNG cylinder occupies part of the boot, reducing luggage capacity.
Q5: How does it compare to the Maruti Ertiga CNG?
The Carens CNG offers more space, a more premium cabin, and higher feature content while staying competitively priced.
Also Read: Nissan Magnite CNG with AMT Option Launched In India: In the Budget SUV Segment
