Among the challenges of the 21st Century, the foremost issue is that of environmental protection. The biggest factor that leads to global warming and climate change is the pollution caused by carbon-based fuel consuming automobiles. One way of controlling this damage is by investing in alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG). It is not only environmental friendly as compared to other traditional fuels but also safer for human and environmental health. When the petrol prices soar high, CNG acts as the next best alternative to fuel due to its cost effectiveness. Today, on the World Environment Day, we have listed the 'Top 5 Budget-Friendly CNG cars in India'. Let us contribute to protecting the environment by replacing the carbon-based fuels with CNG.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI CNG
Maruti Suzuki launched the BS6 compliant CNG variant of the Celerio at Rs 5.30 lakhs (ex-showroom). The CNG trim comes equipped with a factory-fitted CNG kit that employs dual interdependent ECUs and an Intelligent Injection System. Cosmetically, it gets a chrome grille, body-coloured bumpers and ORVMs. In terms of safety features, it gets driver airbag, Reverse Parking Sensors, ABS, Pedestrian Protection, and Speed Alert System among others. Mechanically, it is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 68 bhp power and 90 Nm torque on petrol and 59 bhp power and 78 Nm torque on CNG. The CNG variant comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox only.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
Hyundai Motor India launched the CNG compatible version of Grand i10 Nios. It is available in two variants namely Magna and Sportz. The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Magna CNG is priced at Rs 6.62 lakhs (ex-showroom) while Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS Sportz CNG has been priced at Rs 7.16 lakhs (ex-showroom). The price difference between both the variants is of Rs 54,000. The Sportz variant is a little pricier as it comes equipped with a host of features like front projector fog lamps, rear parking camera, rear defogger, and alloy wheels. Under the skin, it sources the power from a BS6 compliant 1.2-litre Kappa dual VTVT petrol bi-fuel engine that delivers 81 bhp power and 114 Nm torque for petrol and 68 bhp power and 95 Nm torque for CNG. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The CNG tank capacity of the vehicle is 60-litres while the petrol tank stands to offer 37-litres.
The BS6 Hyundai Santro offers two CNG trims namely Magna and Sportz. The Hyundai Santro Magna CNG is priced at Rs 5.84 lakhs (ex-showroom) and the Hyundai Santro Sportz CNG comes for Rs 6.20 lakhs (ex-showroom). Cosmetically, the BS6 Hyundai Santro features a cascading grille encased in chrome, swept-back headlamps, and turn indicators on ORVMs. As for the safety features, BS6 Santro comes equipped with a driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensor, seat-belt reminder for driver & front passenger, and a speed alert system. Under the skin, it is powered by a 1.1-litre, four-cylinder engine that churns out 69 bhp power and 99 Nm torque for petrol and 58 bhp power and 84 Nm torque for CNG. The engine comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The CNG trims are equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR S-CNG
Maruti introduced the BS6 version of WagonR CNG. It is available in two variants namely LXi and LXi (O). They have been priced at Rs 5.25 lakhs and Rs 5.32 lakhs respectively (ex-showroom). The S-CNG variant is powered by a 1.0-litre K10B motor that delivers 68 bhp power and 90 Nm torque in the petrol mode and 59 bhp power and 78 Nm torque in the CNG mode. The engine comes mated to 5-speed manual transmission only. The compact hatchback is equipped with dual interdependent electronic control units and intelligent injection system. The claimed water equivalent tank capacity of the vehicle is 60 litres. As for features, it boasts of body-coloured bumpers, roof antenna, dual-tone interiors, AC and heater, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors.
Maruti Suzuki launched the BS6 compliant CNG variant of Alto at Rs 4.33 lakhs (ex-showroom). In terms of features, it gets a trapezoidal grille with honeycomb pattern, body-coloured ORVMs along with B-pillars and door handles, and 12-inch wheels. The cabin boasts of fabric upholstery, power windows, and a three-spoke power steering wheel. The hatchback is powered by a BS6-compliant 796 cc petrol engine that churns out 40.36 bhp power and 60 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode. The same unit in petrol-only tune produces 47.33 bhp of power and 69 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox only.
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