With so many cars on the road right now, pollution levels are on a constant rise. With a strong change witnessed in the climate due to pollution, we can do our bit by running cars on a more environmentally friendly fuel. With implementation of stricter emission norms, electric cars seem to be the perfect solution to this problem. Even with a string of launches recently, we lack the required infrastructure to support electric vehicles.
The next best eco-friendly fuel is compressed natural gas or CNG which is now available as a kit fitted from the factory in various cars in the Indian market. These cars not only pollute less, they also are easy on your pockets in terms of running costs. Here are a few:
Maruti Suzuki WagonR
Probably the most popular CNG car in the country. The ideal size plus the benefit of CNG make this the most ideal city car in the market right now. Equipped with CNG, this WagonR can deliver as much as 26.6 kilometres for every kilogram of CNG.
- What’s good: Very practical | affordable to maintain.
- What’s not so good: Outdated design, due for an update | Popular in the taxi fleet
- Prices start at INR 5.25 Lakhs, ex-showroom.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Celerio is an ideal product for you if the WagonR is not your style. Another tall boy design offering from Maruti, the Celerio equipped with CNG delivers as much as 31.76 kilometres to a kilogram of CNG.
- What’s Good: Inexpensive to maintain
- What’s not so good: CNG option not available in the top end trim levels.
- Prices start at INR 5.35 Lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.
Hyundai Santro
The car that had been India’s favourite hatchback at one point in time, the Santro has now made a comeback. The all-new Santro also comes with a factory fitted CNG kit. With CNG power, the car can deliver a mileage figure of 30.48 km/kg.
- What’s good: Modern design | Loaded with features
- What’s not so good: CNG does not come in the top end trim levels.
- Prices of the new CNG equipped Santro start at INR 5.24 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Alto
India’s favourite and best selling car, the Maruti Alto can be bought with a factory fitted CNG kit. An ideal car for a small family, the Alto, previously known as the Alto 800 is a spiritual successor to the Maruti 800. With the power of CNG, the hatchback delivers 33.44 km for every kilogram of the gas.
- What’s good: Not so expensive to maintain and buy
- What’s not so good: Lack of equipment | Cramped interiors
- Prices start at INR 4.11 Lakh.(ex-showroom)
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The Ertiga was recently given a facelift with the introduction of the BS6 emission norms. The 1.5 litre diesel engine was discontinued and a new option of CNG was offered with the petrol engine. The CNG-petrol variant uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine but without the smart hybrid tech. It has a claimed efficiency of 26.08km/kg but the performance drops to 92PS and 122Nm.
- What’s good: Compact, easy to drive in city
- What’s not good: Lack of features
- Prices: RS 8.95 lakh(ex-showroom)
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Hyundai launched the new generation i10 last year and renamed it as Grand i10 Nios. in addition to the petrol and diesel engines a new CNG unit was also put on offer with the same 1.2 litre Kappa VTVT engine as the petrol unit. Its available in two variants- Magna and Sportz.
- What’s good: Generous amount of space inside cabin
- What’s not good: Basics such as headrest, rear wiper limited to the top spec Astra variant
- Prices start: Rs 6.62 lakh(ex-showroom)
Hyundai Aura
Hyundai Aura was launched in January this year and is the second compact sedan from Hyundai after Xcent. The good part of it is that it is on offer with both the petrol and diesel powertrains and in addition as a CNG on one variant.
- What’s good: Interior quality feels on par with cars from a segment above.
- What’s not good: Strict four-seater, seating five will be a stretch.
- Price: Rs 7.29 lakh(ex-showroom)
Maruti Suzuki Eeco
MSIL is known for producing budget friendly vehicles in Indian automobile market. One such model is the Eeco MUV, which comes with a length of under 4-meters.t comes in numerous variants among which, Maruti Eeco CNG 5 Seater AC is one of the top end trim. This variant has a factory fitted CNG fuel kit that helps in improving its fuel efficiency.
- What’s good: Space, good for rugged use
- What’s not good: Basic safety features like ABS or airbags aren’t available even as an option
- Price: rs 4.95 lakh(ex-showroom)