Automobile Desk: Amidst the increasing demand for family-friendly vehicles in the Indian automobile market, leading car manufacturer Kia has introduced its two popular models Carens and Carens Clavis in CNG avatar. Amidst the constantly changing prices of petrol and diesel, customers were waiting for its CNG option for a long time. Kia has launched the Carens CNG in the market at a starting price of Rs 12.12 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Carens Clavis CNG has been priced at Rs 12.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
The company has adopted different strategies for both the vehicles depending on the variant. Customers will get the CNG option in Kia Carens only in its Premium (O) trim. On the other hand, with the Carens Clavis, the company has tried to make it more budget-friendly and offers it in lower-spec HTE and HTE (O) trims. This means that for customers who want to avail the benefits of CNG at a lower price, Clavis option may prove to be a better option.
Talking about engine and performance, the CNG variants of both the vehicles have a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine generates maximum power of 96hp and peak torque of 123Nm in CNG mode. If we compare it with the regular petrol model, then in CNG mode there is a reduction of about 19hp in power and 21Nm in torque, which is normal in CNG vehicles. In terms of transmission, this engine comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, customers who choose the petrol variant will also continue to get the option of modern gearboxes like clutchless manual (iMT) and dual-clutch automatic (DCT).
Although the company has not yet officially made the mileage figures of these two models public, but auto experts believe that they will be able to give a mileage of 22 to 25 kilometers per kilogram.
Due to the introduction of factory-fitted CNG kit, some changes have been seen in the boot space of the vehicle. The company has set the CNG cylinder just below the boot floor. Due to this change, the boot space which was earlier available at 216 liters has now been reduced to 116 litres. However, there has been no change in the location of the spare wheel and it will remain mounted at the bottom of the vehicle as before.
To balance the extra weight, Kia engineers have done a lot of work on the mechanical setup of the vehicle. The suspension system has been retuned to handle the extra weight of the CNG tank and its associated components. Additionally, the front disc brake has also been upgraded to make braking safer. To ensure that there is no lack of power while driving, the engine has been re-calibrated according to CNG fuel. In terms of features, cabin layout and design, the CNG variants are similar to their standard petrol models.
