The demand for CNG-powered vehicles in the Indian market remains consistently high, especially among buyers who prefer large family cars with low running costs. For a long time, the Maruti Ertiga was the top choice in the MPV segment for such customers. However, Kia has made the competition more interesting by releasing the Carens and Carens Clavis with factory CNG kits.
The starting price of the Kia Carens CNG is 12.12 lakh rupees, directly competing with the Ertiga ZXI CNG variant. Although the price difference between them is small, there are significant differences regarding the engine, size, features, and practicality. This raises the question of which of these two CNG cars is the more worthwhile purchase.
The Kia Carens CNG is available only in the premium variant (O) at a price of 12.12 lakh rupees. Meanwhile, the Maruti Ertiga CNG is available in two modifications—ZXI and VXI. The Ertiga ZXI CNG is priced approximately 12,000 rupees lower than the Carens CNG. Furthermore, the Ertiga VXI CNG costs 10.94 lakh rupees, which is 1.18 lakh rupees cheaper than the Kia Carens CNG. Thus, from a budget perspective, the Ertiga VXI CNG appears to be the more economical option, while the prices of the Carens CNG and Ertiga ZXI CNG are very close.
Comparing dimensions, the Kia Carens CNG is larger than its competitor, the Maruti Ertiga. The Carens measures 4,540 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,708 mm in height. The Ertiga measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and 1,690 mm in height. Both cars are designed for seven passengers, but the Carens offers a longer wheelbase—2,780 mm, compared to 2,740 mm in the Ertiga, making the Carens wheelbase about 40 mm longer.
This means the Carens cabin is more spacious, allowing passengers more room inside. The Carens is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, whereas the Ertiga uses 15-inch alloy wheels. Kia India claims that the Carens is the first in its segment with 16-inch wheels, which helps it navigate rough roads more easily.
Both MPVs are fitted with a 60-liter CNG tank. However, the tank placement affects the luggage space differently. In the Kia Carens CNG, the tank is located inside the trunk, causing the standard trunk volume of the Carens to decrease from 216 liters to 116 liters. The Ertiga has a standard trunk volume of 206 liters, but after installing the CNG kit, there is virtually no free space left in the trunk. This could be an important factor for families who frequently carry many items.
In terms of engine, the Kia Carens CNG has an advantage. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder atmospheric petrol engine, which generates 94.7 hp and 123 Nm of torque in CNG mode. The Ertiga CNG engine, on the other hand, produces 86.6 hp and 121.5 Nm. Consequently, the Carens CNG provides approximately 8 hp more power and 1.5 Nm more torque. Additionally, the Carens is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Ertiga has a 5-speed manual gearbox. Both cars use front-wheel drive.
What about fuel consumption? For any large MPV, fuel efficiency is an important issue. Maruti Suzuki states that the Ertiga CNG can achieve a mileage of about 26.11 km/kg. Kia India has not yet provided official information on the fuel consumption of this MPV. However, it is expected that this MPV will have a consumption of at least 22 km/kg. The real range will only be known once the car hits the road. Both cars also have a 45-liter petrol tank and a 60-liter CNG tank capacity.
The Kia Carens CNG in the Premium (O) variant includes an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also features a 12.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), a rear-view camera, keyless entry, LED turn signals with electrically adjustable side mirrors, and semi-leather seats. The Kia Carens is also equipped with a Distance To Empty (DTE) function, which shows how many kilometers can be driven on the remaining gas. The company states that switching the Carens from petrol to CNG mode can be done within seconds after starting the car using a special switch near the steering wheel.
As for the Ertiga ZXI CNG, it is equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, it offers a useful drawer with sliding front armrests and a two-tone interior, along with many other conveniences. The driver's seat height is adjustable. The second-row seats in the Ertiga feature a 60:40 split, which have one-touch recline and slide functions. The third-row seats are split 50:50 and also have a reclining function. Furthermore, there are rear air conditioning vents and...
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