The rising fuel prices have prompted automakers to adopt alternate fuel options including EVs, hybrid and CNG. While complete transfer to EVs will take few years, manufacturers believe that CNG and hybrids are immediate solution to counter rising petrol & diesel prices. Not just small cars, even SUVs are now offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit. In this article, we bring you a list of top 6 upcoming SUVs with CNG fuel option in the country in the next 1 year –
1. Maruti Brezza CNG
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the new Brezza compact SUV with a factory-fitted CNG kit. In fact, the Maruti Brezza CNG version has already started reaching dealerships. It will be 1st CNG SUV to come with automatic gearbox. In fact, all the variants of the existing petrol-powered Brezza will get factory-fitted CNG kit. The Brezza CNG will be made available in 7 variants – CNG LXI 5MT, CNG VXI 5MT/6AT, CNG ZXI 5MT/6AT and CNG ZXI 5MT/6T.
The Maruti Brezza CNG will be powered by a 1.5L K15C petrol engine with Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid tech, and will be paired to a CNG kit. The powertrain produces 87bhp and 122Nm of torque, which is a significant drop from the regular Brezza’s petrol. The Brezza CNG is expected to offer a mileage around 25-30km/kgs.
2. Toyota Hyryder CNG
Toyota has officially announced to soon launch the CNG version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV in the country. It will be the first CNG-powered model in the midsize SUV segment. The Hyryder CNG can be booked online or at dealership by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. It will be offered on the mid-spec S and G trims of the standard SUV. Toyota has not officially revealed the power and torque figures of the Hyryder CNG. It will be powered by Maruti’s sourced 1.5L K15C 4-cylinder engine with a factory-fitted CNG. In the CNG mode, the powertrain produces 88bhp and 121.5Nm, whereas in the petrol mode it produces 101bhp and 137Nm of torque. Toyota has confirmed that the Hyryder CNG will be offered with the 5-speed manual gearbox. It is claimed to offer a certified fuel economy of 26.10km/kg.
3. Maruti Grand Vitara CNG
Similar to the Hyryder, Maruti’s most expensive and flagship SUV, the Grand Vitara will also receive a factory-fitted CNG kit. It is likely to come with the Suzuki’s 1.5L K15C 4-cylinder petrol engine. The same gasoline motor with a factory-fitted CNG kit is available in the XL6 and Ertiga CNG models. In the CNG mode, the powertrain produces 88bhp and 121.5Nm of torque. It will be made available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Its mileage will be 26.10km/kg, which is slightly less than the XL6 CNG that promises 26.32km/kg. The CNG kit is expected to be offered on the mid-spec Delta and Alpha trims.
4. Tata Nexon CNG
Buoyed by positive response for Tiago and Tigor CNG, Tata Motors is now preparing to launch the CNG versions of the Nexon and Punch in the country. In fact, the Tata Nexon CNG has already been spotted testing on the Indian roads. It is expected to be offered with the 1.2L Revotron turbo petrol engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The motor pushes out a peak power of 120bhp and 170Nm of torque. Though, the factory-fitted CNG kit is likely to reduce its power output by 15bhp. The CNG versions of the Nexon are likely to be based on the mid-level and range-topping variants.
5. Kia Sonet CNG
Kia India is also planning to foray into the CNG vehicle space with the Sonet CNG. In fact, the CNG kitted Sonet has already been spotted during its test rounds near the company’s manufacturing facility. The spotted model had the brand’s old badge along with the CNG sticker on the rear windshield and CNG intake valve. It is likely to come with the 1.0L, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as the test mule carried the GT and T-GDi badges. The turbo-petrol unit pushes out a peak power of 118bhp and 172Nm of torque. At present, it comes with a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. If the automaker will introduce the Sonet CNG with the turbo-petrol engine, it could be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.
6. Tata Punch CNG
Similar to the Tiago CNG, Tata Motors’ entry-level Punch SUV is also expected to receive a factory-fitted CNG kit. The Punch micro SUV is available in a single 1.2L petrol engine producing 85bhp and 113Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. It is likely to get the same 1.2L engine with a factory-fitted CNG kit. In the CNG mode, the powertrain produces 73.4PS of power and a peak torque of 95Nm. This is around 13PS and 18Nm less than the regular petrol variant. A 5-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels come as standard.
