Automobile Desk – Kia India CNG Segment Entry: Keeping in mind the changing needs of customers in the Indian automobile market, automakers are constantly working on new powertrain options. In this series, Kia India is also preparing to play a new bet to further increase its strong hold in the Indian market. The company has so far performed well with its vehicles in the petrol and diesel segments, but now it is going to enter the CNG segment to attract buyers looking for eco-friendly and economical options.
According to recent information, Kia India is going to launch its first factory-fitted CNG car on the roads soon. This new vehicle has been spotted on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway in Maharashtra during testing. It is believed that this model may be based on Kia India's popular MPV Carens Clavis. If everything goes as per plan, the company can make this vehicle available for sale in the Indian market just before the Diwali festive season of 2026.
The main objective of this strategy being prepared by the company is to provide an option to those customers who want a car with low running cost for daily long distance travel. Installing CNG kit from outside raises many questions related to the warranty and safety of the vehicle, but the factory-fitted kit provided by the company will give customers the assurance of both warranty and safety.
Talking about engine and performance, this new CNG car is likely to be provided with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine produces 115 bhp power in petrol mode. However, after switching to CNG mode, there may be a slight change in its power and torque output. At present, the current petrol variant gives a mileage of 15.34 kilometers per liter, while the CNG variant is expected to get much more mileage than this.
Kia always tries to be one step ahead of its rivals in terms of features. Despite being a CNG variant, there will be no dearth of premium and advanced features in it. The vehicle is expected to get a 12.3-inch dual screen, wireless connectivity, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof and Bose sound system.
Keeping safety in mind, it can be provided with modern technology like 6 Airbags, 360-Degree camera and Level-2 ADAS. In terms of price, the CNG model may be costlier by about Rs 1 lakh compared to its regular petrol variant. Once launched in the Indian market, this vehicle will directly challenge established models like Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and XL6.