Kia is preparing to give Indian car buyers an unusually wide choice of powertrains. With a factory-fitted CNG variant planned for the Carens Clavis and a hybrid powertrain expected in its next generationthe premium MPV could eventually be available with petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid options.
If Kia completes this plan, the Carens Clavis could become the first car in India to offer five major mainstream powertrain technologies under a single nameplate.
At present, the Tata Nexon comes closest to this level of flexibility. It is available with petrol, diesel, CNG and electric powertrains, giving customers four propulsion choices. However, Tata does not currently offer a hybrid version of the Nexon.
Carens Clavis Already Offers Multiple Powertrain Choices
Kia’s Carens family already provides buyers with several engine options. The standard Carens is available with petrol and diesel powertrains, while CNG has previously been available through dealer-installed kits.
The more premium Missing Key has an even broader portfolio, offering petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and electric versions.
The planned factory-fitted CNG model, followed by a hybrid version in the next generation, could therefore make the Clavis one of India’s most versatile cars in terms of propulsion choices.
Factory-Fitted CNG Coming Soon
Kia has showcased CNG versions of both the Missing and Missing Keyand the company has confirmed that factory-equipped CNG models are on the way.
The prices for the new variants are expected to be announced around late September or early October.
Both MPVs will use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine modified to operate on CNG. In this configuration, the engine is expected to produce around 96hp and 123Nm. Kia has not yet disclosed the official certified fuel-efficiency figure.
CNG Tank Reduces Boot Space
The CNG system will use a 60-litre tank mounted beneath the boot floor. This layout allows Kia to retain the spare wheel in its usual underbody position, but the additional hardware reduces available luggage capacity.
Boot space in the CNG versions will fall to approximately 116 litrescompared with 216 litres in the petrol variants.
Kia has also revised parts of the vehicle to accommodate the added weight of the CNG setup. The suspension has been recalibrated, the front disc brakes have been upgraded and both CNG versions will use 16-inch wheels.
For the Carens Clavis, the CNG powertrain will be offered with the HTE and HTE (O) variants. The standard Carens, meanwhile, will get CNG only with the Premium trim.
The introduction of a factory-installed CNG system is particularly significant because earlier CNG versions of the Carens relied on dealer-level kit installation. The upcoming model will represent Kia’s first passenger vehicle in India to receive a factory-fitted CNG setup.
Hybrid Powertrain Could Arrive Around 2029
While CNG is coming relatively soon, Kia’s hybrid plans are further down the road.
The company has announced plans to introduce hybrid technology across several important models in India, including the Sonet, Carens and Seltosstarting from 2027.
The strategy was discussed during Kia’s 2026 CEO Investor Daywhere Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song outlined the company’s plans to expand its electrified vehicle portfolio in India.
Kia is targeting eight electrified models in India by 2030combining hybrid vehicles with fully electric models.
The next-generation Carens Clavis is expected to become part of this hybrid strategy. A hybrid version could arrive around 2029potentially giving the MPV the complete five-powertrain combination of petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid.
Seltos Hybrid Could Provide a Clue
Kia’s upcoming hybrid technology could first become visible with the next-generation Selto’s hybridwhich is expected around 2027.
The Seltos hybrid is likely to use Kia’s existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as part of its hybrid system. A related setup could potentially find its way into the future Carens Clavis, although Kia has not confirmed the exact specifications.
Carens Clavis Could Stand Apart From the Nexon
If Kia follows its current roadmap, the Carens Clavis could establish a unique position in India’s passenger-vehicle market.
The model already offers petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and EV options, while the upcoming CNG version will add another choice. A hybrid powertrain in the next generation could then complete the lineup.
That would give buyers the option to choose between petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid propulsion without switching to a different vehicle nameplate.
With Indian carmakers increasingly expanding their electrification strategies while continuing to offer conventional fuels, the Carens Clavis could become one of the country’s most powertrain-diverse cars by the end of the decade.