Kia India has expanded its popular MPV lineup by introducing a CNG version of the Kia Carens, targeting budget-conscious family car buyers. This launch adds a more economical and eco-friendly option to the brand’s portfolio, giving tough competition to the Maruti Ertiga CNG in the MPV segment.
CNG Variant Now Available at Dealerships
According to recent media reports, the Kia Carens CNG is now available at select dealerships across India. While the company has not made an official announcement yet, dealers are offering a Lovato CNG kit as an aftermarket fitment. This move is expected to attract customers looking for better fuel efficiency without compromising on comfort or space.
Price and Variants
Kia has priced the new Carens CNG variant at ₹11.77 lakh (ex-showroom), marking an increase of ₹77,900 over the standard petrol model. The CNG setup is being offered on select trims powered by the Smartstream G1.5 engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT).
The Carens lineup now includes:
- Smartstream G1.5 6MT
- Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi 6iMT
- 1.5L CRDi VGT 6MT (Diesel)
Features and Design
The Kia Carens continues to impress with its premium design and feature-rich interior. The CNG variant maintains all major highlights of the petrol model, offering a comfortable and tech-friendly cabin.
Key Features Include:
- 15-inch and 16-inch alloy wheels
- Halogen headlamps and tail lamps
- Shark-fin antenna
- Power windows and tilt steering
- Rearview camera
- 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Semi-leatherette seats
- Type-C charging ports
- Keyless entry
- Available in seven attractive colors
Safety Features
The Kia Carens CNG maintains the brand’s focus on safety, equipped with several advanced protective features as standard.
Safety Highlights:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-Assist Control (HAC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Rear parking sensors
- Speed-sensing door locks
- Disc brakes on all four wheels
With this safety package, the Carens ensures complete peace of mind for families and long-distance travelers.
Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the Carens CNG is powered by the Smartstream G1.5 petrol engine, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. The CNG kit enhances its fuel economy while keeping emissions low.
The MPV is offered in three engine options overall:
- Smartstream G1.5 T-GDi 6iMT (Turbo Petrol)
- Smartstream G1.5 6MT (Petrol + CNG compatible)
- 1.5L CRDi VGT 6MT (Diesel)
While the official mileage figures for the CNG variant are yet to be revealed, it is expected to deliver over 25 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its class.
Competition and Market Position
The Kia Carens CNG directly rivals the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG, one of the best-selling CNG MPVs in India. With its premium interiors, superior safety equipment, and powerful feature list, the Carens is expected to appeal to customers seeking a stylish yet practical family car.
The launch of the Kia Carens CNG marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion in the Indian market, combining performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency in one package. With a starting price of ₹11.77 lakh, modern features, and a strong safety suite, this MPV stands out as a value-for-money alternative to the Maruti Ertiga CNG.
If you’re planning to buy a spacious, stylish, and fuel-efficient 7-seater for your family, the new Kia Carens CNG is worth considering.