Kia is preparing factory-fitted CNG versions of the Carens Clavis and the regular Carens, with launch expected before Diwali 2026, reports V3Cars.
A Carens Clavis test car fitted with CNG has been spotted on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, confirming that development and validation work is underway. The regular Carens already has a government-approved dealer-fitted CNG kit supplied by Lovato, but the upcoming versions are expected to get factory- installed system.
That would make these Kia’s first factory-fitted CNG MPVs here and give the Clavis a lower-running-cost option alongside petrol and diesel. It would also remove one of the main gaps in the Clavis range, because rivals in the three-row MPV space already use CNG to attract high-mileage private users and fleet operators.
The CNG versions are expected to use Kia’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. In petrol form, it produces 115hp and 144Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Power and torque will drop when running on CNG, as they do on most bi-fuel cars. Kia has not yet announced the final output or transmission options.
The naturally aspirated engine is the logical choice because it is mechanically simpler and already sits at the lower end of the Clavis range. The other options are a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.
The Carens Clavis currently starts at Rs 11.27 lakh and goes up to Rs 21.67 lakh, ex-showroom. The base naturally aspirated petrol-manual versions are therefore the most likely reference point for CNG pricing.
A premium of around Rs 1 lakh over an equivalent petrol version would be in line with the market, although Kia has not confirmed pricing. The base 1.5-litre petrol-manual HTE currently sits near the bottom of the range, which gives Kia room to add CNG without pushing the entry version too close to the more powerful turbo-petrol or diesel variants.
CNG packaging is particularly important in a three-row MPV because luggage space behind the last row is already limited. Reports suggest Kia could use an underfloor CNG tank and remove the spare wheel, but the company has not confirmed the final arrangement. If it can avoid placing a large cylinder across the boot floor, the Clavis CNG will be much easier to use with all three rows occupied.
This has become an important competitive point. Newer factory-CNG designs from Tata and Maruti have shown that cylinder placement can preserve much more usable luggage space than older layouts. A conventional large cylinder would still reduce practicality for families travelling with seven occupants and luggage.
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rumion already offer factory CNG in the three-row MPV segment and have a clear running-cost advantage for customers covering high annual kilometres.
The Clavis will sit at a higher price point, but it offers a more premium cabin, a wider equipment list and features such as Level 2 ADAS, dual large displays, ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof on higher variants.
That means Kia does not need to match the Ertiga purely on price. It needs to make the CNG version practical enough that customers do not have to choose between a richer MPV and manageable fuel costs.