New Delhi – When it comes to CNG cars, customers today clearly prefer factory-fitted CNG options, and Tata Motors has set a new standard with its twin-cylinder CNG setup.
CNG vehicles not only offer better mileage but are also more economical than petrol or diesel options. But the big question: just how good is Tata’s i-CNG system, and how could it be better? To answer that, I drove the Tata Altroz i-CNG for about a week. Some aspects really impressed me, while others left me a bit disappointed.
Engine and Performance
The Tata Altroz i-CNG gets a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine, producing 88 bhp and 115 Nm of torque in petrol mode. Switch to CNG, and output drops to 72.49 bhp and 103 Nm. The standout feature is that you can start the Altroz i-CNG directly in CNG mode, saving petrol from the get-go. In city driving, the engine offers enough power. Thanks to its single ECU, the switch between petrol and CNG modes is seamless you barely even notice. On both fuels, performance remains very reliable. At higher speeds, there is a slight dip in performance, but not enough to be disappointing. While the engine isn’t the most refined, it delivers solid overall performance. The 5-speed manual transmission offers smooth shifts, and the clutch is light. For long highway runs, you can expect real-world mileage of 24-25 km/kg, which is quite impressive.
Ride and Handling
The addition of twin CNG cylinders means 150-200 kg of extra weight, so Tata has stiffened the rear suspension by 15%. Despite this, you won’t notice much difference in daily driving, and even over minor potholes at low speeds, it doesn’t feel too stiff. At higher speeds on rough roads, though, you will feel some bumps inside the cabin.
As for handling, the particular car I tested had significant steering issues. While you usually don’t face this in a normal Altroz, the i-CNG’s steering felt heavy from day one, and its handling at higher speeds was disappointing.
How Safe Is the CNG Setup?
Leak Detection: The Altroz i-CNG is equipped with a leak detection system, which automatically switches the car to petrol if it detects any CNG leakage.
Micro-Switch: There’s a micro-switch near the CNG nozzle so the car remains off at the fuel pump, reducing fire risks during refueling.
Thermal Protection: The car includes thermal protection, giving peace of mind even in extreme heat protecting against leaks and potential hazards.
In addition, a fire extinguisher comes included, and the CNG tanks are housed in a protective cradle so that, in a severe rear impact, the tanks are shielded from entering the cabin.
Boot Space Is Still Practical
With a CNG tank capacity of 60 liters split across two cylinders (30 liters each), Tata has cleverly packaged them to provide 210 liters of usable boot space. While that’s less than the petrol Altroz, it’s still practical enough for everyday luggage.
Looks and Design
The new Altroz feels even more premium than before. From front to rear, the car looks noticeably refreshed, giving rivals in its segment a tough challenge.
Interiors and Features
The model I drove was the second-from-top ‘Accomplished S’ variant of the Altroz i-CNG. Tata made a smart move by offering CNG in higher trim levels, so buyers don’t have to miss out on features for fuel savings. Highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, a 7-inch digital cluster, a 360-degree camera, touch-based HVAC controls, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an electric sunroof.
Final Verdict
The premium hatchback segment may not be growing quickly, but with its new features and updates, the Tata Altroz i-CNG stands out as a solid choice. It includes several features you can’t even get with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, or Hyundai i20. Post-GST cut, prices for the new Altroz i-CNG start at ₹6.30 lakh, going up to ₹10.51 lakh (ex-showroom), while the CNG variants range from ₹7.21 lakh to ₹10.14 lakh (ex-showroom).