Maruti Suzuki’s current order backlog of over 1.2 lakh CNG models is evidence of the popularity that CNG vehicles in India are currently enjoying. The CNG models itself make up for 33 percent of Maruti's nearly 4 lakh pending orders. Of course, there are other players like Tata Motors and Hyundai in this space too, but none offer as expansive a line-up of CNG models as Maruti with seven models across the hatchback, sedan and MPV segments. Here, we take a deep dive into the five most fuel efficient CNG models in Maruti’s portfolio, arranged in ascending order.
5. Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency: 30.90km/kg
Launched earlier this month, the Swift is the newest model in Maruti Suzuki’s line-up to be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit. It is powered by a 77hp, 98.5Nm, 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine in CNG-spec, and returns an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 30.90km/kg. That makes it more efficient than its rivals Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (28.5km/kg) and Tata Tiago (26.49km/kg). The Swift CNG is also the most powerful of the lot.
The Swift CNG is available in the mid-spec VXi and ZXi trims and is priced from Rs 7.77 lakh-8.45 lakh, and is the only model in its class that can be availed on a subscription basis.
4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG
ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency: 31.12km/kg
The Dzire CNG is powered by the same 1.2-litre K12C engine as the newly launched Swift CNG, and while power and torque figures are identical on both models, the Dzire CNG is marginally more efficient with an ARAI-claimed figure of 31.12km/kg. This is despite the additional weight over the Swift hatchback. The Dzire CNG rivals the likes of the Aura CNG (28.5 km/kg) and the Tigor CNG (26.49km/kg), and while it is both more efficient and more powerful, it is also the most expensive of the lot.
Similar to the Swift, the Dzire CNG is also available in the mid-spec VXi and ZXi trims and is priced between Rs 8.23 lakh-8.91 lakh.
3. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency: 31.59km/kg
Maruti Suzuki recently launched the third-gen Alto K10 in India, but the second-gen model continues to be on sale with the smaller 0.8-litre engine that’s offered in both petrol and CNG guise. The 796cc, three-cylinder engine produces 40hp and 60Nm of peak torque in CNG-spec and has an ARAI-claimed fuel economy of 31.59km/kg. This makes it the least powerful CNG powered vehicle in the country, but it is also the most affordable at Rs 5.03 lakh, and is available in a single LXi (O) trim.
The new Alto K10 with its 1.0-litre K10C engine will also be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit in the near future, and could be even more efficient than the 0.8-litre version.
2. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency: 34.05km/kg
While the Wagon R is available with two engine options – the 1.0-litre K10C and the 1.2-litre K12C – it’s only the former that’s offered in CNG-spec. The engine produces 57hp and 82Nm in CNG-spec and has a claimed fuel economy of 34.05km/kg. Offered in two trims – LXi and VXi – the Wagon R CNG is priced between Rs 6.42 lakh-6.86 lakh.
The Wagon R CNG comes with a 60-litre fuel tank, but unlike its petrol-counterpart, it does not get an idle start-stop system.
1. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
ARAI fuel efficiency: 35.60km/kg
The Celerio CNG is currently the most fuel-efficient CNG vehicle in India. Powered by the same 1.0-litre K10C as the Wagon R, the Celerio CNG returns a marginally better fuel economy of 35.60km/kg. In CNG-spec, the Celerio produces 57hp and 82Nm of peak torque – identical to the Wagon R. Maruti Suzuki offers the Celerio CNG only on the mid-spec VXi trim priced at Rs 6.69 lakh. The Celerio is the most fuel-efficient hatchback in the country in both its CNG and petrol guise.
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