Kia India is aggressively expanding its alternative-fuel portfolio. Following the successful rollout of the new flagship Kia Sorento SUV, the carmaker has officially opened pre-bookings for the Carens Clavis CNG, Carens CNG, and the ultra-premium Carnival Hybrid.
The new models give buyers more choice across different fuel types. The Carens and Carens Clavis will get factory-fitted CNG systems, while the Carnival will get a petrol-hybrid setup.
Kia Carnival Hybrid
The Carnival Hybrid will be sold in a single fully loaded Limousine+ trim. It will get a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The petrol engine produces 178hp and 265Nm, while the electric motor develops 72hp and 304Nm. The hybrid system is based on the powertrain used by the Sorento, with changes made for the larger Carnival. Key details include:
- 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine
- 72hp electric motor with 304Nm
- 6-speed automatic gearbox
- Limousine+ trim
- 18-inch crystal cut dual-tone aero alloy wheels
- Active Air Flaps
- Smart Pure Air Purifier with AQI display
- Height-adjustable seat-back tables
- Wireless charging for the seat-back tables
The Carnival Hybrid will also feature a Virtual Engine Sound System, monotone ambient lighting, cup holders and leatherette-wrapped door trims.
The existing 2.2-litre diesel engine will continue to be offered with the Carnival. The hybrid version will give buyers another option in the premium MPV segment.
Kia Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG
The Carens and Carens Clavis will get a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a factory-fitted CNG system. Both models will use a six-speed manual gearbox.
On CNG, the engine produces 93hp and 123Nm. Kia has also made changes to the engine calibration, suspension and braking system for the CNG versions.
The 60-litre CNG tank sits below the boot floor. This leaves 116 litres of boot space with all three rows in use. Kia has also revised the third-row seat-back frame to provide a better recline angle.
The Carens CNG will be available in the Premium (O) G1.5 6MT trim. For business and commercial buyers, it will also be offered in the M-Drive G1.5 6MT trim.
The Carens Clavis CNG will be available in HTE and HTE (O) variants. A commercial version will also be offered in the HTM G1.5 6MT trim.
Both CNG models get 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. A CNG fuel-change switch and a 4.2-inch colour TFT MID with CNG distance-to-empty information are also part of the package.
| Model | Engine | Gearbox | CNG Tank | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carens CNG | 1.5-litre petrol | 6-speed MT | 60 litres | 93hp, 123Nm |
| Carens Clavis CNG | 1.5-litre petrol | 6-speed MT | 60 litres | 93hp, 123Nm |
| Carnival Hybrid | 1.6-litre turbo-petrol + electric motor | 6-speed AT | Hybrid system | 178hp & 265Nm (Petrol engine), 72hp & 304Nm (electric motor) |
Prices to be announced
Kia has not revealed prices for any of the three new models yet. The company is expected to announce them by the end of September or in early October.
Pre-bookings are now open through Kia India’s authorised dealer network. With CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis and a hybrid Carnival, Kia is giving its MPV buyers more powertrain choices.