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During the launch of the flagship seven-seater hybrid SUV, the Sorento, Kia India has made another huge announcement. It has now confirmed that it will soon be launching four new models in the country. Now, if you are interested in knowing which new four cars are coming, be sure to read till the end.

The first car which Kia India has confirmed for launch in India in the coming period is the factory-fitted CNG version of the Carens MPV. The current Carens is one of the most popular MPVs in the market, and it can be equipped with a government-approved dealer-fitted CNG kit supplied by Lovato. However, this new model will be different as the CNG system will be installed at the factory itself.

The upcoming Carens CNG will use Kia’s time-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine with the company-fitted CNG kit will make 96 PS of power and 123 Nm of torque. Currently, this engine without the CNG makes 113 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. The CNG version will get the 6-speed manual gearbox. Also, the Carens is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine as well.

The factory-fitted system will make the Carens CNG attractive to fleet operators and private buyers who cover high kilometres every year. The CNG cylinder will be placed under the boot, which will make the actual boot more usable, which the current aftermarket CNG kits use up.

Along with the Carens, Kia has confirmed that a factory-fitted CNG version of the newer Carens Clavis will also be launched. Apart from the confirmation from the company, a test mule of this vehicle was also recently spotted testing on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. The Carens Clavis CNG is expected to launch around Diwali festivities.

Like the Carens CNG, the Clavis is expected to use the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will also make the same 96 PS of power and 123 Nm. And it will come offered with the 6-speed manual gearbox. The company is also expected to restrict the CNG powertrain to lower and mid-spec variants. The CNG cylinder placement will be under the boot.

The third model which has been confirmed by Kia is the Syros Flex-Fuel. Kia has already showcased a Syros Flex-Fuel concept as a technology demonstration. And it has now confirmed that it will be launching in India. This vehicle will be capable of running on ethanol blends ranging from E0 to E100.

The flex-fuel technology requires several changes to the engine and fuel system. These include revised fuel injectors, fuel pumps and ECU calibration so that the engine can handle ethanol’s different combustion characteristics and higher corrosiveness.

The standard Syros is a sub-4-metre SUV and is currently available with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine. Kia has also recently launched the Syros EV in India as well.

Finally, Kia has announced that it is also preparing to introduce a hybrid version of the Carnival in India. The Carnival Hybrid will become the second major Kia model in India to get the same strong-hybrid technology after the Sorento. It is expected to be positioned alongside the existing diesel-powered Carnival.

The hybrid powertrain is expected to use a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 54 kW electric motor and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The international version produces around 242 bhp and 367 Nm of combined output. The system will also use regenerative braking to recover energy and improve overall efficiency.

Apart from the new powertrain, the Carnival Hybrid will continue to focus on cabin space and passenger comfort. Depending on the configuration, the large MPV can accommodate up to eight occupants. Meanwhile, the higher variants get second-row relaxation seats with powered adjustment, recline and ottoman functions. Heated and ventilated seats are also expected to be offered.

On the inside, the Carnival Hybrid is expected to get dual 12.3-inch displays, an 11-inch head-up display, Bose audio, a digital rear-view mirror, Kia Connect, wireless smartphone connectivity and a shift-by-wire gear selector. A dual sunroof will also be part of the equipment package.