Kia India has introduced its first CNG-equipped vehicle with the launch of the Carens CNG on October 28, 2025, priced at Rs 11.77 lakh (ex-showroom). This dealer-level fitment adds Rs 77,900 to the base Premium (O) petrol variant, which starts at Rs 10.99 lakh, making it an affordable entry into the MPV segment for eco-conscious buyers seeking fuel efficiency amid rising petrol prices.

The Carens CNG joins the existing lineup alongside the Clavis variant, targeting urban families who prioritise cost savings without compromising on space or features. As India's CNG infrastructure expands—now spanning over 7,000 stations nationwide—this move positions Kia competitively against rivals like Maruti Suzuki's Ertiga CNG and Toyota's Rumion, which dominate the market with factory-fitted options.

The CNG kit, supplied by Italian specialist Lovato, is paired exclusively with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 115 hp and 144 Nm in its petrol guise. While exact figures for CNG mode remain undisclosed pending homologation, expect a slight power dip—typically 5-10 hp less—common in bi-fuel setups due to the lower energy density of compressed natural gas.

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Mileage is anticipated to exceed 20 km/kg, based on similar kits in the segment, offering substantial savings over the petrol variant's 12-14 kmpl. The third-party warranty covers three years or 100,000 km, but Kia has not detailed boot space impacts; the standard Carens offers 216 litres, which could shrink with the CNG cylinder placement, potentially affecting luggage capacity for long trips.

Feature-wise, the Premium (O) CNG variant retains the Carens' family-friendly appeal, including an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted AC vents for second- and third-row passengers, one-touch folding second-row seats, semi-leatherette upholstery, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, a shark fin antenna, and a rear parking camera. Safety credentials include six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, brake assist, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, all-disc brakes, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, and rear sensors. Despite these, the Carens earned a modest three-star Global NCAP rating, prompting calls for enhanced structural reinforcements in future updates.

Kia's foray into CNG underscores the growing demand for dual-fuel vehicles in India, where CNG will account for nearly 10% of car sales in 2025, driven by government subsidies and urban emission norms. As the third brand offering dealer-fitted kits—following Honda (City, Amaze) and Nissan (Magnite)—Kia differentiates with Lovato's reputed engineering, though factory options from Citroen set a premium benchmark. This launch bolsters Kia's green portfolio ahead of stricter BS-VII norms, potentially paving the way for CNG variants in models like the Seltos. With deliveries commencing soon, the Carens CNG could capture a slice of the Rs 50,000 crore MPV market, appealing to budget-savvy consumers balancing performance and sustainability.

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