Kia India has been one of the most notable volume generators in the country’s premium B and C segment SUVs and MPVs. The company currently offers petrol and diesel engine options in its portfolio and has forayed into the EV world with the Carens Clavis EV. We have also seen test mules of the Kia Carens CNG version on road tests.
While the Carens CNG spied in 2022 won’t be launched as a factory-fitted option, something new is brewing based on the Carens Clavis. Given the direction India’s energy and automotive sector is headed, one can connect the dots and speculate that this Carens Clavis test mule could be Kia’s first E85 flex fuel vehicle.
kia clavis flex fuel
Although Kia India has not confirmed that they are diversifying their interests away from hybrids into flex fuel technology, there is a good chance that this test mule will be a flex fuel vehicle. The test mule was spotted by automotive enthusiast Vinay, who spotted it around Kia’s manufacturing facility near Penukonda mandal in Andhra Pradesh state.
As seen in the spy shots, this Kia Carens Clavis test mule is completely wrapped in opaque fabric camouflage. It looks like the color is Imperial Blue and the trim could be GTX or GTX+ due to these wheels and lime green brake callipers. Also, this particular test model is based on the new 2026 model, which brings with itself some visual changes.
With E85 flex fuel compatibility, Kia India will position the model for a future when higher blending of ethanol in domestic fuel will be the norm. Flex fuel vehicles come with significantly modified fuel storage, fuel supply and fuel injection systems because ethanol has a high tendency to retain moisture which causes corrosion in non-compatible vehicles.
2026 kia carens clavis
It should be noted that the flex fuel test mule (not confirmed) was based on the new 2026 Kia Carens Clavis and it gets some new elements similar to the updates given to the 2026 Carens Clavis EV and 2026 Ciero. As part of the new model year 2026 update, the Kia Carens Clavis gets a new fascia along with a revised front bumper.
It should be noted that the Clavis ICE did not get fog lights and the latest 2026 update brings fog lights for the first time. The new model also gets new wheel designs for the higher-spec GT Line variant, on which this particular test mule was based. Currently, Kia has invested in strong hybrid technology and it is expected to be launched in India around 2027.
