Maruti Suzuki Launches CNG Dual Fuel Variant of New Ertiga in India

Maruti Suzuki has launched the CNG variant of Ertiga in the Indian market. The update has been brought over to the latest model of the Ertiga in the market and the price for the CNG variant has been set at Rs. 8.88 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi for the normal model while the Tour M CNG (for the cab market) has been priced at Rs. 8.83 lakhs. The introduction of CNG trim will mean that Ertiga will be a dual fuel vehicle as the CNG model is based on VXi petrol trim of the MPV. The engine doing the duty on the CNG trim is the 1.5L 4 cylinder K-Series petrol engine rated to deliver 104 Bhp and 138 Nm on petrol and 91 Bhp and 122 Nm on CNG. The transmission duties will be handled by a 5 speed manual gearbox on both the variants.  

The introduction of CNG variant will mean huge savings for the owners of this model. The operating cost of CNG is far lower than that of petrol or even diesel. That the Ertiga is a dual fuel vehicle and can also run on petrol will mean that the range worries of the prospective owners will also be taken care of as CNG is not available in all parts of the country as of now. The cab market can also now look at the new model of Ertiga as an option, now that the latest gen model also comes with CNG. Earlier, the cab market was only restricted to the older model of Ertiga in the market as the CNG fuel option was only available with the older model.

Mileage of the new Ertiga on CNG is rated at 26.20 km/kg, with the capacity of CNG tank being 10 Kgs, the CNG only range of MPV is also quite healthy at around 260 kilometres. However, presence of the CNG tank under the luggage bay floor will mean that the luggage space on the CNG trim of Ertiga will take a hit. Apart from the CNG-petrol, and petrol only options, the Ertiga also comes with 2 diesel engine options. The first one being a 1.3L diesel engine rated for 89 Bhp and 200 Nm and the second one being the new 1.5L diesel engine rated to deliver 94 Bhp and 225 Nm.

Maruti Suzuki had brought a model replacement for Ertiga only last year and the new model is based on the lightweight HEARTECT platform of the company. The new Ertiga also comes with revamped interiors and a restyled body. Apart from the fresh design the MPV is also more spacious and plush than before. There are price overlaps between Ertiga and Mahindra Marazzo but Maruti Ertiga pulls ahead in sales with the market share of 39% in the segment. The company is also planning to launch a more premium 6-seater variant of the MPV in India with two captain seats in the middle row. The more premium variant will probably be sold through the NEXA dealerships of the brand.