The Kia Carens MPV is soon going to get a CNG variant. The news and spy shots come just a while after Kia’s Sonet CNG was spotted. The increase in fuel prices is making car manufacturers consider other options to fuel their cars.
Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki continue to add more CNG-equipped models to their lineup. Hence, Kia India wants to get on the CNG bandwagon as well. CNG-powered options also give Kia cars an even more diverse lineup. Additionally, except for the flagship Carnival, all its models have multiple engine and gearbox options.
The spy shot clearly shows the MPV with a CNG tank in its boot. Additionally, the filler valve is also visible in the photo. In India, most manufacturers offer CNG-powered cars with a naturally-aspirated engine. However, Kia seems to be bucking this trend. The brand will use its turbo-petrol engines with both the Sonet CNG and Carens CNG. In the case of Carens MPV, the other engine options include 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit.
The Carens is an MPV intended to carry up to 6-7 people and their luggage. The turbo-petrol motor and CNG will ensure the power drop is not significant. Hence, further ensuring it is capable enough to haul the passengers and the luggage. The CNG-powered Carens MPV will also use the manual gearbox. The registration sticker in the other photo confirms the gearbox and the engine.
As a recap, the 1.4-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine makes 140 PS of maximum power. The maximum torque the engine makes is 242 Nm between 1500rpm and 3200rpm. There are two gearbox options on offer – a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT. However, the CNG will most likely just get the manual gearbox.
Kia Carens CNG currently does not exactly have a direct rival. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available with a CNG option but slots below the XL6. Maruti Suzuki might offer the XL6 with a CNG option later on. Till then, the only other CNG MPV is the Ertiga.
Also Read: Kia testing Sonet CNG, could launch in 2022
