Maruti Suzuki had revealed its plan of expanding its CNG portfolio by producing a half a million units in the upcoming financial year. With over 85 per cent market share, the Indo-Japanese automaker is currently leading the CNG segment in the country. The company has planned CNG versions of its popular models including Alto, Baleno and Brezza. While the Maruti Alto CNG and Brezza CNG are reported to arrive later, the Maruti Baleno CNG is likely to hit showrooms this Diwali season.
The Maruti Baleno CNG variant will feature a 1.2L Dualjet petrol engine paired to a factory-fitted CNG kit. The regular gasoline unit makes a top power of 87bhp and 113Nm of torque. It promises an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of over 22kmpl. The hatchback’s CNG version will be high on mileage. Though, its power and torque figures will be marginally lower than regular petrol motor. As per the leaked information the Baleno CNG will offer a mileage of 25km/kg.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor will also introduce the CNG version of the Glanza hatchback that’s based on the Maruti Baleno. It will be made available in three variants – S, G and V – packed with a 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol motor and a CNG kit. The power output of the hatch will be around 76bhp at 6,000rpm. Transmission duties will be done by a 5-speed manual gearbox. All Toyota Glanza CNG variants will carry GVW of 1450kgs. Similar to the Baleno CNG, the Glanza will offer fuel economy of 25km/kg. The Glanza CNG is reported to launch in coming weeks.
In latest updates, both car manufacturers recently launched their co-developed hybrid mid-size SUVs – Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Powertrain setup of the SUVs include a 114bhp, 1.5L petrol strong hybrid with e-CVT gearbox and a 103bhp, 1.5L petrol mild hybrid with the 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options.
