Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-propelled cars are expanding their presence in the Indian market. In the previous fiscal year, sales of CNG vehicles surged by 40.7 percent, despite a 49 percent price hike for these models. Currently, CNG vehicles hold nearly a 12 percent market share in the Indian automotive market. In 2023, seven CNG cars have been introduced for sale, including four from Tata, two from Maruti, and one from Toyota. Let’s take a close look at them.
Tata Altroz CNG
Tata Motors’ new twin-cylinder CNG technology made its debut with the launch of the Altroz hatchback in May 2023. Interestingly, it was the first CNG-powered hatchback to come with a sunroof. The model utilizes a 1.2L petrol engine with Tata’s CNG technology, delivering a maximum power of 77bhp and 103Nm of torque. It competes with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG and Toyota Glanza CNG. In terms of design and styling, it appears identical to its ICE counterpart. What sets it apart is the ‘iCNG’ badge on the tailgate. The Altroz CNG offers a boot space of 210 litres and is currently available within the price range of Rs 7.55 lakh – Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Tiago/Tigor CNG
The Tata Tiago hatchback and Tigor compact sedan are the second offerings with the brand’s new twin-cylinder CNG. The former is currently priced between Rs 6.55 lakh – Rs 8.20 lakh, and the latter costs from Rs 7.80 lakh to Rs 8.95 lakh (all ex-showroom). Both CNG cars use a 1.2L, three-cylinder petrol motor with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In petrol mode, it generates power worth 86bhp with 113Nm, while in CNG mode, it delivers 73bhp and 95Nm. Tata’s twin-cylinder CNG tech features two CNG cylinders placed under the boot floor, with a total capacity of 60 litres. The Tiago and Tigor CNG offer boot spaces of 80 litres and 205 litres, respectively.
Tata Punch CNG
The Tata Punch model lineup includes five CNG variants – Pure, Adventure, Adventure Rhythm, Accomplished, and Accomplished Dazzle S – priced at Rs 7.10 lakh, Rs 7.85 lakh, Rs 8.20 lakh, Rs 8.85 lakh, and Rs 9.68 lakh, respectively (all ex-showroom). It comes with a 1.2L, three-cylinder petrol engine with the CNG kit, delivering power worth 73.4bhp and 103Nm of torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Punch CNG offers a cargo space of 210 litres, which is 156 litres less than the ICE-powered Punch.
Maruti Brezza CNG
Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza is the first compact SUV in India to come with the CNG fuel option. Launched in March 2023, the model lineup includes four variants – LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi dual-tone – priced at Rs. 9.24 lakh, Rs 10.59 lakh, Rs 11.99 lakh, and Rs 12.15 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom). The compact SUV features the same 1.5L K15C Dualjet engine found in the Ertiga and XL6 MPVs. In CNG mode, it offers a maximum power of 88bhp and 121.5Nm of torque, claiming a fuel efficiency of 25.52km/kg.
Maruti Grand Vitara CNG
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG was launched earlier this year within the price range of Rs 12.85 lakh – Rs 14.84 lakh. Currently, its Delta and Zeta CNG variants are available at Rs 13.05 lakh and Rs 14.86 lakh, respectively. The mid-size SUV uses the 1.5L K15 petrol engine, delivering 88bhp with 121.5Nm in CNG mode and a claimed power of 103bhp and 136Nm of torque in petrol mode. Maruti Suzuki claims that the Grand Vitara CNG offers a fuel efficiency of 26.6km/kg in CNG mode. Apart from a CNG badge, no cosmetic changes have been made to its CNG version.
Toyota Hyryder CNG
Toyota Kirloskar Motor introduced the Hyryder CNG in January at a starting price of Rs 13.23 lakh. Buyers can choose from two CNG variants – S and G – currently priced at Rs 13.43 lakh and Rs 15.31 lakh, respectively. It comes with a 1.5L, 4-cylinder K12C engine, offering 103bhp with 136Nm in petrol mode and 88bhp with 121.5Nm in CNG mode. The setup is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Toyota claims that the Hyryder CNG delivers a mileage of 26.6km/kg. Except for the CNG badging, it appears exactly similar to its regular version.
