In the last few years, ever since automakers have started fitting CNG kits from the factory, a lot of new car buyers have started opting for CNG cars in India. As a result, more automakers are now getting ready to launch new CNG-powered cars to make sure that they do not miss out on a huge chunk of sales. So, without any delay, here are the details of the 6 new CNG cars that are in the launch pipelines.
The biggest change in the Baleno facelift will be under the bonnet. This premium hatchback is expected to get Maruti’s 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine produces 80 bhp and 117 Nm in petrol form. And in the CNG version, it is expected to produce around 76.5 bhp and 98.5 Nm.
What is interesting is that the new Baleno is expected to become the first Maruti Suzuki car to offer a factory-fitted CNG-AMT combination. The CNG version will use a twin-cylinder setup mounted underneath the body. It will help in saving up the usable boot space. The CNG-AMT is expected on the Delta and Zeta variants. Meanwhile, features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera and Level 1 ADAS could also be offered on higher variants.
The Renault Triber is also getting ready to get a much-needed powertrain upgrade with the introduction of the Kiger’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This engine produces up to 100 PS and 160 Nm in the Kiger. And it is expected to offer the same figures in the Triber. It has also been reported that the same engine will be offered with a factory-fitted CNG option.
The Triber Turbo CNG is expected to use a dual-cylinder setup mounted underneath the boot floor. This will allow Renault to retain the MPV’s practical and modular cabin layout. The CNG version is expected to be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the pure petrol turbo version could also get a CVT. This shift to CNG is becoming possible because the Triber is now moving to the RGEP platform from Renault.
Kia has officially announced and showcased the factory-fitted CNG version of the Carens Clavis. This makes it one of the most important new CNG cars of this year. The CNG version will use the existing 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce 93 bhp and 123 Nm in CNG mode, and will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The biggest change will be the addition of a 60-litre CNG tank underneath the boot floor. As a result, boot space will be reduced from 216 litres to 116 litres with all three rows in use. However, Kia has managed to retain the spare wheel underneath the vehicle. The suspension has also been retuned, and the front disc brakes have also been upgraded to handle the additional weight. CNG will be offered on the HTE and HTE(O) variants.
Along with the Carens Clavis, Kia will also introduce a factory-fitted CNG version of the Carens. The MPV will use the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will produce 93 bhp and 123 Nm with CNG, and will be available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. According to Kia, it will offer around 22 to 25 km/kg.
The Carens CNG will get the same 60-litre tank mounted under the boot floor, which will reduce the luggage capacity to 116 litres with all three rows occupied. The company has also retuned the suspension and upgraded the front brakes. Unlike the Carens Clavis, the factory-fitted CNG kit on the Carens will be available only with the entry-level Premium variant.
The Toyota Glanza is also expected to get a major update this year. Its facelift will also follow the Baleno’s powertrain changes like the current model. It is expected to get the new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E naturally aspirated petrol engine, which makes 80 bhp and 117 Nm. And the CNG version could produce around 76.5 bhp and 98.5 Nm.
The biggest highlight could once again be the gearbox. Toyota is expected to introduce a 5-speed AMT with the CNG version for the first time. The CNG system is expected to use Maruti’s twin-cylinder underbody layout. The updated Glanza could also get features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera and Level 1 ADAS on higher variants.
Last on this list is the Hyundai Bayon-based SUV, which has been internally codenamed BC4i. This new SUV, which will be sitting in between the Venue and Creta, will measure around 4.18 metres in length. Hyundai has confirmed that it will be launching around the festive season, and a CNG version will also be offered.
The SUV is expected to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and could get a factory-fitted CNG system with an underbody-mounted tank. If launched as expected, it would become Hyundai’s first SUV above four metres to get a CNG powertrain. The new SUV is expected to feature a premium cabin with dual screens, ventilated seats, a sunroof, 360-degree camera and ADAS on higher variants, and could rival the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG.