Kia India has taken a bold step in expanding its fuel-efficient offerings by launching the 2025 Kia Carens CNG variant. This move marks Kia’s first foray into the CNG segment in India, positioning the Carens as the only mass-market 7-seater MPV available with petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel, electric, and now CNG powertrains. With rising fuel prices and growing environmental concerns, this launch couldn’t be more timely for Indian consumers.
A Strategic Launch for the Indian Market
The Carens CNG is available as a dealer-level fitment on the Premium (O) petrol variant, priced at ₹11.77 lakh (ex-showroom). The CNG kit itself costs ₹77,900 over the base petrol model, which is priced at ₹10.99 lakh. This retrofit approach allows Kia to test market response without committing to a factory-fitted version, while still offering a government-approved Lovato DIO kit backed by a third-party warranty of 3 years or 1,00,000 km.
This strategy is particularly appealing to fleet operators and budget-conscious families who prioritize low running costs and high fuel efficiency. By offering the CNG option on its entry-level Premium (O) trim, Kia ensures that the Carens remains accessible while adding value.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Carens CNG retains the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. On petrol, this engine delivers 115hp, though power output is expected to be slightly lower when running on CNG. Since the kit is not factory-fitted, Kia has not released official performance figures for the CNG mode.
Despite this, the Carens CNG promises improved fuel economy and reduced emissions—key selling points in a market increasingly leaning toward sustainable mobility.
Exterior and Interior Features
Visually, the Carens CNG maintains the same design language as its petrol counterpart. It features:
- Body-coloured bumpers and door handles
- Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille with silver accents
- Halogen headlamps and taillamps
- Integrated rear spoiler and shark-fin antenna
- Steel wheels in R15 or R16 sizes
Inside, the cabin is equipped with practical and essential features, including:
- 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 6-speaker sound system
- Manual air conditioning
- All-wheel disc brakes
- TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
- Six airbags as standard
These features make the Carens CNG a well-rounded offering for families and fleet buyers alike.
Safety and Warranty
Safety remains a priority for Kia, even in its budget-friendly variants. The inclusion of six airbags, TPMS, and disc brakes on all wheels ensures that passengers are well-protected. The third-party warranty on the CNG kit adds an extra layer of assurance, especially for high-mileage users.
Market Impact and Competition
With this launch, Kia has positioned the Carens CNG as a unique proposition in the Indian MPV market. It competes with models like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG and Toyota Rumion CNG, but stands out by offering a broader range of powertrain options and a more premium feature set.
Moreover, the Carens CNG’s availability as a retrofit allows Kia to gauge demand without the logistical complexities of factory integration. If successful, this could pave the way for factory-fitted CNG variants in the future.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kia Carens CNG is a smart addition to Kia’s portfolio, reflecting the brand’s responsiveness to market trends and consumer needs. It offers a compelling mix of affordability, practicality, and safety—making it an ideal choice for Indian families and fleet operators seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient MPV.
As India continues its transition toward cleaner mobility solutions, Kia’s move into the CNG space signals a broader commitment to sustainability and innovation. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a rideshare entrepreneur, or a family looking for a spacious and economical vehicle, the Carens CNG deserves serious consideration.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
