This car could offer every powertrain by 2029: Petrol, diesel, CNG, EV and hybrid

Kia is set to give the Carens Clavis an unmatched powertrain portfolio, with petrol, diesel, CNG, EV and eventually hybrid options under one nameplate.Kia Carens with the factory-fitted CNGKia is set to take the powertrain game a step further in India. With the upcoming addition of a factory-fitted CNG version and a hybrid option in the next generation, the Carens Clavis could become the country’s only car to be offered with petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid powertrains.The Tata Nexon currently comes closest to offering such breadth. It is available with petrol, diesel, CNG and electric powertrains, making it one of the few models in India to offer four distinct propulsion options under a single nameplate. However, the Nexon does not get a hybrid powertrain.Kia’s Carens range is already available with petrol and diesel engines, while CNG has previously been offered on the MPV through dealer-level fitment. The more premium Carens Clavis, meanwhile, is offered with petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. With the addition of factory-fitted CNG and a future hybrid, the Clavis is set to have one of the most diverse powertrain portfolios in the Indian market.Factory-fitted CNG coming to Carens and Carens ClavisKia showcased the CNG versions of both the Carens and Carens Clavis during the launch of the Sorento. The company has confirmed that factory-fitted CNG versions of the two MPVs will be launched soon, with prices expected to be announced by the end of September or early October. Both models will use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine adapted to run on CNG. In CNG guise, the engine produces 96hp and 123Nm. Kia is yet to reveal the certified fuel-efficiency figure.The CNG system uses a 60-litre tank positioned beneath the boot floor. This allows Kia to retain the spare wheel in its conventional underbody location, but comes at the cost of luggage space. Boot capacity drops to 116 litres in the CNG versions, compared with 216 litres in the petrol-powered models. Kia has also made changes to the chassis to accommodate the additional weight of the CNG hardware. The suspension has been retuned and the front disc brakes upgraded, while both CNG versions will ride on 16-inch wheels.On the Carens Clavis, the CNG powertrain will be offered with the HTE and HTE (O) variants. The older Carens will get the CNG option exclusively with the Premium trim.The factory-fitted system also marks a significant change for the Carens. While the MPV has previously been available with a CNG kit fitted at the dealer level, the upcoming version will be Kia’s first passenger vehicle in India to feature a factory-fitted CNG system.Hybrid to complete the five-powertrain portfolioThe biggest development, however, is still some way away. Kia plans to introduce hybrid technology across key models in India, including the Sonet, Carens and Seltos, from 2027 onwards.The plans were outlined at Kia’s 2026 CEO Investor Day, where Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said the company intends to expand its electrified portfolio in India. Kia is targeting eight electrified models, comprising hybrids and pure EVs, in its India line-up by 2030.The Carens Clavis will also join Kia’s hybrid portfolio when it transitions to its next generation. The MPV is expected to receive a hybrid powertrain by around 2029, potentially completing its unusual five-powertrain line-up of petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid.The upcoming Seltos hybrid, expected in 2027, is likely to use Kia’s existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as part of its hybrid setup. The Carens Clavis could potentially use a related system.If Kia follows through with these plans, the Carens Clavis will stand apart from the Nexon not just by offering four powertrain choices today, but by adding a hybrid option to the mix in the future. That would make it the first car in India to offer consumers the choice of virtually every major mainstream propulsion technology under a single nameplate.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 14:10 IST