I have compiled a list of the top 5 upcoming CNG cars in India. CNG has emerged as an interesting option to tackle the ever-increasing petrol and diesel prices. Also, its low running cost nature attracts a lot of car owners. In fact, that is the prime reason why commercial fleet operators use CNG cars in their lineup. In recent times, the demand for CNG cars has grown exponentially. While people had to head to the aftermarket to retrofit CNG cylinders in their cars, today, top carmakers are offering CNG variants on a lot of their models from the factory. The top names on this list are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors. Let us take a look at the upcoming CNG cars in India.
Top 5 Upcoming CNG Cars in India
Kia Carens
Let us commence this list with a rather unusual suspect, the Kia Carens. Now, Carens is a 7-seat SUV which rivals the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector Plus in our market. Kia has achieved incredible success in our market with its Seltos and Sonet SUVs. Thereafter, Carens carried the baton forward. In fact, it recently breached the milestone of 1,50,000 sales ever since its launch in February 2022. Hence, people are clearly appreciating the SUV. Furthermore, it makes sense to launch a CNG version of the Carens since people would most likely welcome a trim with low running costs. As a result, we might see the Carens CNG launch in our market soon. It could carry the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill which could develop around 100 hp and 133 Nm of peak power and torque in the CNG guise.
| Specs & Price (exp.) | Kia Carens CNG |
| Engine | 1.5-litre Petrol+CNG |
| Transmission | MT |
| Expected Launch | December |
| Expected Price | Rs 11 lakh |
Hyundai Creta
The other vehicle from the Hyundai Motor Group in our list of upcoming CNG cars in India is the Creta. It is, by far, the most popular mid-size SUV in our country. It has ruled the sales charts for years now. That is a testament to its appeal since the mid-size SUV segment is the most crowded space in our market. All major carmakers sell some models in this category. But Hyundai can leverage the success of Creta to test the waters with a CNG powertrain. Again, the reason why anyone would want a CNG trim is low running costs. Even it could utilize the same bi-fuel engine as mentioned in the Kia Carens. It shall be exciting to see the mid-size SUV with the CNG mill.
| Specs & Price (exp.) | Hyundai Creta CNG |
| Engine | 1.5-litre Petrol+CNG |
| Transmission | MT |
| Expected Launch | 2025 |
| Expected Price | Rs 15 lakh |
Maruti Swift
Now, the next vehicle on this list of the top 5 upcoming CNG cars in India is the Maruti Swift. Swift is among the highest-selling vehicles in our market ever. In fact, it just crossed the 30,00,000 sales milestone. That is a testament to the love people have for this hatchback. Its previous generation model was available with the CNG powertrain. However, in its latest fourth-generation avatar, the CNG mill is missing from the lineup. That could be due to the fact that it gets a brand-new engine. With time, the company will figure out the integration of the CNG with this engine. Hence, we would get the new Swift with a CNG mill yet again.
| Specs & Price (exp.) | Maruti Swift CNG |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Petrol+CNG |
| Transmission | MT |
| Expected Launch | H2 2024 |
| Expected Price | Rs 8 lakh |
Tata Nexon
Next up, we have the Tata Nexon. It is among the most popular compact SUVs in the country. Again, it is surrounded by numerous worthy competitors. It is one of the few vehicles in the country which is available with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. That is what makes the Nexon so special. Also, credit must be given to the Indian auto giant for creating a portfolio where the customers can choose as per their requirements. That is what Tata Motors has done with its other offerings too. The latest generation model of the Tata Nexon will soon offer the CNG powertrain. It will bear the 1.2-litre engine with the dual-cylinder technology which will allow a practical boot space despite the CNG cylinders. We can expect 105 PS and 150 Nm of peak power and torque.
| Specs & Price (exp.) | Tata Nexon CNG |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Petrol+CNG |
| Transmission | MT |
| Expected Launch | September |
| Expected Price | Rs 9.50 lakh |
Tata Curvv
Finally, we have yet another Tata SUV on this list of the upcoming CNG cars in India. I have reported the Curvv testing on our roads on multiple occasions in recent times. Just like the Nexon, it will be one of those vehicles which would be offered in petrol, diesel, electric and CNG variants. It is fascinating how Tata is implementing this strategy across its range to woo all sorts of customers. Curvv was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo in February this year. It bears a striking appearance. Also, the ICE model might be available on sale by the festive season this year. We will witness the electric and CNG iterations soon afterwards. It might share the powertrains with the Nexon. I shall keep an eye out for all these.
| Specs & Price (exp.) | Tata Curvv CNG |
| Engine | 1.2-litre Petrol+CNG |
| Transmission | MT |
| Expected Launch | December |
| Expected Price | Rs 15 lakh |
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