With rising fuel prices, car manufacturers are increasingly looking at alternative fuel options. Apart from electric vehicles, CNG-powered cars are also gaining popularity among buyers. Automakers are actively expanding their existing line-ups by introducing CNG variants of their popular models. Lower running costs and improved fuel efficiency are among the key reasons why many customers are choosing CNG vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki was once the only manufacturer offering factory-fitted CNG kits with its cars. While it still has one of the largest CNG portfolios in the country, several other brands have now started offering CNG options across different vehicle segments. Here is a list of five upcoming CNG SUVs that are expected to be launched in the market soon.
Tata Motors is one of the brands that revolutionised the CNG segment by introducing twin-cylinder technology. Several manufacturers later followed the same approach. One of Tata’s upcoming CNG offerings is the Sierra CNG. The company is currently testing the CNG version, and its launch is expected later this year.
Tata is likely to offer the CNG option with the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine is currently available with both manual and DCA automatic transmission options. It remains to be seen whether Tata will also offer a CNG-automatic combination in the Sierra, as it does with some of its more affordable models.
Renault recently made a comeback in the Indian market with the launch of the Duster SUV. The company has also announced plans to update the Triber and Kiger platforms and introduce factory-fitted underbody CNG tanks. Renault is expected to offer the turbo-petrol and CNG combination in both models.
Once that happens, the same turbo-petrol CNG setup is expected to make its way to the Duster as well. The CNG option is likely to be offered on variants powered by the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. The SUV is expected to feature a twin-cylinder CNG tank setup, ensuring that boot space is not significantly compromised.
Nissan is all set to launch its mid-size SUV, the Tekton, in the Indian market this year. The official launch is expected to take place in July. The Tekton is essentially Nissan’s version of the Duster, although its exterior design draws inspiration from the larger Nissan Patrol SUV.
Initially, the SUV is expected to be offered with 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options. A 1.8-litre strong-hybrid version is expected to arrive at a later stage. Similar to the Duster, the Nissan Tekton is also likely to receive a CNG variant powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine in the future.
Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on a seven-seater version of the Grand Vitara. The upcoming SUV is expected to feature a slightly revised exterior design with extended rear overhangs and a redesigned rear section to create additional space for third-row passengers.
Like the Maruti Victoris, the new seven-seater SUV is expected to feature an underbody-mounted CNG tank. This arrangement will allow Maruti to package the gas tank efficiently without compromising cabin or luggage space. The CNG variant is expected to be powered by the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Following Maruti Suzuki’s lead, Toyota is also expected to introduce a seven-seater version of the Hyryder. The SUV is likely to feature a slightly longer wheelbase along with minor cosmetic changes to differentiate it from the standard model.
The seven-seater Hyryder is expected to use the same underbody-mounted CNG tank setup as the upcoming Grand Vitara seven-seater. It is also likely to be powered by the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
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