The CNG cars segment is dominated by Maruti Suzuki as the company currently offers 5 models while Hyundai and Ford also offer one each
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is one of the cleanest alternative fuels currently available in India and it is going to become more popular in coming years as the government is planning to make it available across the country. Lots of manufacturers are now offering factory-fitted CNG kits, which make them safer compared to aftermarket ones. In this article, we take a look at the top 7 CNG powered cars in India.
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
The Alto is the entry-level model of Maruti Suzuki and the CNG equipped model is available in two variants – LXi and LXi (O). The Alto CNG model is powered by the same 800 cc petrol engine of the regular model and it puts out 47 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and it returns 33.44 Km/kg.
The company has equipped the Alto CNG model with Dual Interdependent ECU’s and Intelligent Ignition system. The Alto CNG also gets microswitch, which assures that vehicle goes-off and does not start during refilling. The hatchback comes with features like power steering, front power windows, manual AC, driver side airbag, child lock and more.
2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
The Alto K10 CNG model is also offered in two variants – LXi and Lxi (O), it is powered by 1.0 L K-Series engine producing 59 PS of power at 6000 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine is mated 5-speed manual gearbox and the hatchback returns 32.26 Km/Kg. The company has made some changes for the suspension, chassis and braking.
The hatchback comes with features like power steering, tailgate opener, outside mirrors, manual AC, driver side airbag, high mounted stop lamp, front disc brake, child lock, seat belt for all passengers and more. Maruti Suzuki is also offering the Alto K10 with a petrol engine and it comes with AMT transmission.
3. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Maruti Suzuki offers Celerio CNG in two version – VXi and Vxi (O). The CNG model is powered by 1.0 L K-Series, which also powers the Alto K10 and it produces 59 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and the claimed efficiency is 31.76 Km/Kg.
The CNG models come with features like power steering, front and rear power with auto down option on the driver side, central lock, dual-airbags, ABS, front seat belt with pre-tensioners and force limiters, reverse parking sensors, speed alert system, pedestrian protection system, ventilated front disc brakes and more.
4. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Maruti Suzuki introduced the new generation Wagon R earlier this year and the company offers CNG option in the base LXi and LXi (O) variants. The CNG model is powered by 1.0 L K-Series engine producing 59 PS at 6,000 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and it returns 33.54 Km/Kg.
The company has packed the Wagon R with lots of features like front and rear power windows, reclining front seats, 1 L bottle holder, rear parcel tray, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seat-belt reminder, central locking, dual-tone finish for cabin, manual AC, body coloured mirrors, advanced MID and more.
5. Maruti Suzuki Eeco
Maruti Suzuki Eeco is the only model in its segment to come with CNG fitted directly from the factory. The Eeco CNG model is powered by 1.2 L petrol engine producing 63 bhp of power at 6,000 rpm and 83 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and the claimed efficiency is 20 Km/Kg.
The company is currently offering the CNG option in its entry-level variant, which doesn’t come with many features. Maruti is working on a new generation model of Eeco and it is expected to be introduced later this year. The sales of Eeco is really good and it is more popular among fleet buyers.
6. Hyundai Santro
Hyundai launched the new generation of Santro last year and the CNG option is currently offered in Magna and Sportz middle variants. The CNG model comes with Dual ECU which offers excellent performance and efficiency along with matrix injector and microswitch to cut off fuel, which offers extra safety for the hatchback.
The company has given 8 litres of the fuel tank for the CNG model and it is powered by 1.1 L four-cylinder engine producing 59 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 84Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and the claimed efficiency is 30.5 Km/kg. The hatchback also comes loaded with lots of features.
7. Ford Figo Aspire
Ford introduced the Aspire CNG model last month and it comes in two variants – Ambiente and Trend Plus. The CNG Kit for the Aspire is supplied by a company called Lovato and it is fitted at the dealer level. Ford also offers segment-first ‘suspension type cylinder fitment’ as it won’t reduce the volume of the boot and it also gets front stabilizer bar.
The company has integrated the CNG kit with the ECU system of the Aspire and the CNG kit requires service once every two years or 20,000 km. The Aspire CNG comes with the same 1.2 L petrol engine from the regular model with 96 PS and 120 Nm, mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and the maintenance cost is just 46 paise/km according to the brand.