Key highlights
- 2026 Kia Carens Clavis spied testing
- The test mule was based on the current model
- Expectedly, E85 testing is ongoing
A recent sighting of a 2026 Carens Clavis test car has raised our suspicion regarding the brand’s future plans to launch flex-fuel cars in India. The test car seen here is rumoured to be powered by an E85-compliant engine. With India’s recent move to introduce a higher blend of Ethanol-mixed fuel, we can not deny that Kia is secretly testing its first flex-fuel car. Know more details below.
Also read: E100 fuel regulations get green flag in India by Nitin Gadkari
Is the 2026 Kia Carens Clavis flex-fuel version?
Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that E100 fuel regulations have received clearance, further clearing the path for auto manufacturers to launch E100-compliant vehicles. With the E85 dispensing now commenced, it is clear where the Indian automotive industry is headed. Hence, every manufacturer is silently working on a higher blend of flex-fuel vehicles.
The test mule seen here is based on the 2026 Carens Clavis, which was launched recently with a new front fascia, new bumpers, and new cosmetic additions like the Lime Green brake callipers. However, this suspected GTX trim draped in blue colour has a new powertrain. Although it could be a CNG powertrain, the Carens Clavis was never destined to get one. In fact, the car underneath the camouflage looks production-ready, but it still does not have CNG stickers on windshields, which makes us believe that it has a flex-fuel engine.
With the E100 announcement, Nitin Gadkari also said that Hyundai will launch its first flex fuel car in the next month or so. If so, Kia will not remain far behind in launching a flex fuel car. While we do not know which Hyundai car will get a flex fuel engine, we believe that the same will power tha Carens Clavis, if everything we suspect becomes true.
With that said, Kia is also preparing a new-gen Sonet C-SUV for India. The car was recently seen in Manali, and we suspect that it will be launched by early 2027 in India with a major design and cabin upgrade.
