CNG cars are no longer considered budget options like before. Today, they are offered across multiple body styles and price points and even with automatic gearboxes. Moreover, with manufacturers now offering good features across the line-up, along with dual-tank or underbody CNG tank setups that free up boot space, these cars now don’t feel like a compromise made for lower running costs. Here, we have listed the best that you can buy.
1. Maruti Suzuki Dzire CNG
Price: Rs 8.11 lakh-Rs 9.11 lakh
The is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine that produces 70hp and 102Nm of torque in the CNG spec. While performance is adequate for everyday driving, the Dzire really impresses with its great ride quality and tidy handling manners. The cabin is spacious, and with CNG available on the mid-spec VXi and ZXi trims, most features are covered, too. The Dzire gets a single large CNG tank in the boot but still offers some usable space.
2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG
Price: Rs 7.77 lakh-Rs 8.67 lakh
The uses a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine that develops 78hp and 98Nm of torque in the CNG spec. It’s a smooth, refined and efficient CNG powertrain. Like on the Dzire, CNG is available on the mid-spec Delta and Zeta trims that come reasonably well equipped. This car, too, has a very spacious cabin, although its boot space is compromised by a single large CNG tank. One can also consider its Toyota twin, the Glanza, which, too, is available with CNG on the equivalent mid-spec S and G trims.
3. Hyundai Exter CNG
Price: Rs 6.99 lakh-Rs 9.42 lakh
The has a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 69hp and 95Nm of peak torque. It has a wide spread of CNG variants, with top trims being particularly well equipped. The Exter also gets twin CNG tanks that don’t take up too much boot space, and its smooth engine and compact dimensions make it very user-friendly. However, interior space isn’t as good as some other cars here.
4. Tata Punch CNG
Price: Rs 6.80 lakh-Rs 10.67 lakh
The uses a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine that produces 73hp and 103Nm of torque in CNG mode. The Punch CNG is the only one on this list to offer an AMT gearbox. It’s also the best-equipped CNG model here, with a wide spread of variants, but the top ones are quite expensive. Performance is just about adequate, but ride and handling are good, and twin CNG tanks leave usable boot space.
5. Nissan Gravite CNG
Price: Rs 6.59 lakh-Rs 8.94 lakh
The is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. However, since the CNG kit on the Gravite is a dealer-level fitment and has not been homologated, specific power and torque figures aren’t available. The Gravite’s real USP is its excellent packaging and flexible 7-seat configuration. As the CNG kit comes as a dealer fitment, it can be had on all trims. The Gravite is, however, not as well equipped as some other models here; the performance is quite dull, and the twin CNG tanks in the boot leave no usable space.