The Kia Carens Clavis CNG vs Maruti Ertiga CNG comparison and specifications is worth looking at closely, especially now that Kia has revealed its new CNG MPV. For years, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG has been one of the obvious choices for buyers who want a practical seven-seat family car with low running costs. Now, Kia is entering this space with something more interesting — the Carens Clavis CNG.
Kia has just revealed the CNG version of the Carens Clavis, although the official prices are still awaited. The new CNG MPV will be offered in HTE and HTE(O) variants, with an expected price of around ₹9–11 lakh (ex-showroom).
But here is the interesting part: the Clavis CNG is considerably larger than the Ertiga, while its CNG engine output is quite similar. So, is the Kia actually a direct Ertiga rival, or is it trying to move the CNG MPV game up a level?
Let’s compare them.
Kia Carens Clavis CNG vs Maruti Ertiga CNG: Quick comparison
| Specification | Kia Carens Clavis CNG | Maruti Ertiga CNG |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre NA petrol/CNG | 1.5-litre K15C CNG |
| CNG power | 95 bhp | 87.8 PS |
| CNG torque | 123 Nm | 121.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
| CNG tank | 60-litre* | 60-litre |
| Petrol tank | 45-litre | 45-litre |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,395 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,708 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,780 mm | 2,740 mm |
| Expected/Current price | ₹9–11 lakh expected | ₹10.94–12.00 lakh |
*60-litre water-equivalent CNG capacity.
The Ertiga’s current CNG specifications are based on Maruti Suzuki’s official data, while the Clavis CNG figures are from Kia’s revealed specifications and the information provided for the newly revealed model.
Kia Carens Clavis CNG specifications
The Carens Clavis CNG gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a factory-fitted CNG system.
In CNG mode, it produces around 95 bhp and 123 Nm, with power sent through a 6-speed manual gearbox.
That gearbox is worth highlighting because the Ertiga CNG uses a 5-speed manual. Kia therefore has one extra ratio to work with, which could help keep the engine more relaxed at cruising speeds.
The Clavis also gets a 60-litre CNG cylinder and a 45-litre petrol tank, giving owners the flexibility to switch between fuels when required.
Kia has confirmed that the CNG version will be a seven-seater. Current information also indicates that the CNG version is aimed at the lower end of the Clavis range rather than the more feature-loaded variants.
What makes the Clavis CNG different?
One particularly interesting feature is the distance-to-empty information in CNG mode.
This may sound like a small thing, but for CNG owners it can be genuinely useful. Instead of simply knowing that CNG is running low, having an estimate of the remaining driving range makes it easier to plan refuelling.
Kia is also positioning the CNG Clavis as a proper factory-fitted offering rather than an aftermarket conversion.
Maruti Ertiga CNG specifications
The Ertiga has a 1.5-litre K15C naturally aspirated engine with a factory-fitted CNG system.
In CNG mode, the engine produces 87.8 PS and 121.5 Nm, and it is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Maruti claims an official fuel efficiency figure of 26.11 km/kg for the CNG version.
The Ertiga CNG is available in VXi CNG and ZXi CNG variants.
Its biggest advantage isn’t outright performance. It is the combination of:
- Proven CNG technology
- Seven-seat practicality
- Strong fuel-efficiency figure
- Large service network
- Established market presence
And that last point matters.
The Ertiga isn’t an upcoming product that buyers have to take a chance on. It is already on sale and has been doing the family-MPV job for years.
Kia Carens Clavis CNG vs Ertiga CNG: Dimensions
This is where the Kia gets interesting.
The Carens Clavis is significantly larger than the Ertiga.
Kia’s official dimensions are 4,550 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, 1,708 mm tall and 2,780 mm in wheelbase.
The Ertiga measures 4,395 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, 1,690 mm tall and has a 2,740 mm wheelbase.
That means the Clavis is:
- 155 mm longer
- 65 mm wider
- 18 mm taller
- 40 mm longer in wheelbase
And these aren’t just numbers for a specification sheet.
The extra length and wheelbase should give Kia more room to work with inside the cabin, while the additional width can be useful for shoulder room, particularly when carrying multiple passengers.
The Clavis is therefore closer in size to a larger family MPV, whereas the Ertiga is positioned as a more compact and cost-focused seven-seater.
Is Kia Carens Clavis CNG actually an Ertiga competitor?
Yes — but not only an Ertiga competitor.
This is where I think the Clavis CNG could become interesting.
At an expected ₹9–11 lakh, the Clavis CNG could directly attract buyers considering the Ertiga CNG, particularly if Kia keeps the entry price close to the Ertiga’s CNG range.
But the Clavis itself sits in a larger space.
Its closest competition could eventually include:
- Maruti Ertiga CNG
- Toyota Rumion CNG
- Kia Carens petrol/CNG buyers
- Other upcoming factory-fitted CNG MPVs
The important difference is that Kia appears to be offering more physical size without pushing the CNG power output dramatically higher.
And that tells us something about its target buyer.
This isn’t supposed to be a sporty CNG MPV.
It’s supposed to be a large, practical, relatively affordable family car with lower running costs.
Kia Carens Clavis CNG vs Ertiga CNG: Which has the better engine?
On paper, the Kia has the advantage.
The Clavis CNG produces around 95 bhp and 123 Nm, compared with the Ertiga CNG’s 87.8 PS and 121.5 Nm. The Kia also gets a six-speed manual versus the Ertiga’s five-speed unit.
However, don’t expect a dramatic performance difference.
Both cars use naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engines, and both are designed primarily for everyday family use.
The bigger question will be how the Clavis performs when all seven seats are occupied.
That is something specifications cannot completely answer.
A seven-seater CNG MPV carrying seven adults, luggage and running on CNG is a very different situation from driving the same car with two occupants.
So I would wait for real-world testing before declaring the Kia’s engine superior.
Should you wait for the Kia Carens Clavis CNG?
If you are planning to buy an Ertiga CNG right now, I would wait — but only if you can afford to.
Why?
Because Kia hasn’t announced the Clavis CNG’s final price yet. If the expected ₹9–11 lakh pricing turns out to be accurate, the equation becomes very interesting.
Imagine getting a significantly larger seven-seater with:
more width + longer wheelbase + more power + six-speed manual
while remaining within the price territory of the Ertiga CNG.
That could make the Clavis CNG a very compelling alternative.
But there is one major reason to choose the Ertiga today: certainty.
You already know its pricing, mileage, ownership experience, service network and real-world CNG performance. The Clavis CNG still has to prove itself.
Also Read : Kia Carens Clavis CNG Specifications and Variants in India
Our verdict: Kia Carens Clavis CNG or Ertiga CNG?
If your priority is maximum practicality at a predictable running cost, the Ertiga CNG remains the safe choice.
But if Kia manages to price the Clavis CNG between ₹9–11 lakh, things could change quickly.
The Clavis is larger, has a longer wheelbase, is wider, makes slightly more power and gets a six-speed manual. More importantly, it could give buyers something that the CNG MPV segment currently lacks: a larger and more premium-feeling option without moving too far beyond the ₹10 lakh mark.
So, is it worth waiting for?
For an existing Ertiga buyer: Yes.
For someone who needs a car immediately: Buy the Ertiga.
For someone who wants a bigger seven-seater and can wait: Definitely wait for the Clavis CNG’s official price.
And there is one thing I would not do yet: book the Clavis CNG based only on the expected ₹9–11 lakh figure. Until Kia announces the final prices and complete variant-wise features, the Ertiga remains the known quantity.
The real battle will begin when Kia puts a price tag on those two HTE variants.
Final takeaway
The Carens Clavis CNG doesn’t look like Kia has simply created another cheap CNG MPV. It looks more like Kia is trying to bring more space and a larger MPV package into the CNG segment.
If Kia gets the pricing right, the Ertiga may finally have a serious new CNG challenger to worry about.
And that’s probably the most interesting part of this launch.
