Key highlights
- Kia Carens CNG engine specifications revealed
- Based on the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
- Likely to offer mileage of around 22-25 km/kg
Kia Carens and Carens Clavis are soon going to get a new CNG powertrain. Kia showcased the Carens Clavis CNG at the recent launch event of the new Sorento SUV. The CNG powertrain will be the first for a Kia car in India, and it will come with a manual gearbox only.
Kia unveiled the specifications of the Carens Clavis CNG at the event, and visitors and media also got a chance to physically experience the upcoming powertrain in person. As per the official details, the Carens and Carens Clavis CNG will be based on the brand’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine will come with a six-speed manual gearbox only.
In terms of the peak power and torque outputs, the Carens CNG will produce 93 bhp and 123 Nm, which is a massive 22 bhp and 21 Nm less than the petrol version. Meanwhile, its fuel efficiency has not been unveiled yet, but the rumours hint that both models will offer somewhere around 22-25 km/kg.
The biggest draw is the CNG tank placement. Kia has fixed a big 60-litre CNG tank in the boot, under the floor. However, the large size of the CNG tank has eaten up the boot space, which was already limited to 216 litres. The Carens and Carens Clavis CNG models will offer only 116 litres of usable boot space. This means that taxi operators and big families will have a hard time adjusting to luggage on longer journeys.
With that said, Kia’s primary aim with this CNG powertrain is to dent the sales of the Maruti Ertiga, which is one of the top-selling MPVs in India. Additionally, if this CNG powertrain is proven to be successful, Kia can also possibly introduce this powertrain on other popular models like the next-gen Sonet and the Seltos.
Also read: Kia Carnival hybrid specifications revealed: more power, lower fuel consumption
