KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CNG cars offer better fuel efficiency and economy.
- Dual-cylinder technology preserves boot space in cars.
- Tata Punch iCNG starts at Rs. 7.23 lakh.
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios produces 69 PS power.
- Tata Altroz iCNG delivers 26.20 km/kg mileage.
Due to the continuously rising fuel prices in India, CNG cars have become a great attraction for fuel-conscious buyers. Almost every carmaker in India has at least one CNG car in their lineup. However, every coin has two aspects; this rule also applies to CNG cars. The CNG-powered cars generate lower power figures than their petrol versions and most of them offer no space. In my opinion, the compromise on power is not an issue with the CNG-powered because they are known to provide a lower running cost and not for their performance, but the compromise on boot space has been a genuine issue with the CNG-powered cars because of the bulky cylinder placed in the boot space.
But the introduction of dual-cylinder CNG tech has completely changed the game- now you have several CNG-powered options that don't compromise the boot space, providing practicality along with an impressive fuel economy. Below you can check all the CNG-powered offerings with dual CNG cylinder technology in India. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
Note: All the prices mentioned below are ex-showroom prices of each car model.
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Tata Punch iCNG
Starts at Rs. 7.23 lakh
Starting with Tata's most-selling compact SUV, the Tata Punch offers dual-CNG cylinder technology. It comes powered by a 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder engine that runs on both CNG and petrol. However, the CNG version gets the sole option of a 5-speed manual transmission. As for the power figures, the sub-compact SUV produces 86 PS in the petrol mode and 73 PS in the CNG mode. In terms of features, the Tata Punch iCNG offers 7-inch digital information, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps and a start/stop button. Priced at Rs. 7.23 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Punch CNG directly competes with the Hyundai Exter CNG.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Starts at 7.75 lakh
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios has recently received Hyundai's patented Hy-CNG tech, essentially a dual CNG cylinder technology. The Grand i10 Nios CNG sources its power from the same 1.2-litre engine on offer for the petrol trims. In the CNG mode, the powerplant produces 69 PS of power and 95 Nm of torque. For transmission duties, you get a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of features, the Grand i10 Nios offers an 8-inch infotainment system, automatic air conditioner, engine start/stop button, cruise control, rear AC vents and a wireless charging pad.
Tata Altroz iCNG
Starts at Rs. 7.60 lakh
The Tata Altroz also features a twin-cylinder CNG technology that saves a decent amount of space at the back. The Altroz uses a 1.2-litre engine for the CNG variants that generates 73.5 PS of power and 103 Nm. The powerhouse comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and provides a fuel efficiency of 26.20 km/kg. As for the features, the Altroz offers a 7-inch infotainment system, a single-pane sunroof, ambient lighting and cruise control. Priced at Rs. 7.60 lakh, the Altroz locks horns with the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20.
Tata Tigor iCNG
Starts at 7.75 lakh
The fourth car on our list is the Tata Tigor. The Tigor CNG comes powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine, capable of producing 73.4 PS and 95 Nm in the CNG mode. The Tata Tigor CNG takes convenience to the next level by offering a 5-speed AMT gearbox with the CNG version and this is what no other automaker currently offers. In terms of features. As far as the features are concerned, the Tata Tigor gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, ABS with EBD, rain-sensing wipers, TPMS and more.
Tata Tiago iCNG
Starts at Rs. 6.60 lakh
Powered by a similar engine on offer with the Tata Tigor, the Tiago also offers dual-cylinder CNG tech. The Taigo CNG generates 73.4 PS of power in the CNG mode. With the Taigo CNG too, you get a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Features on offer with the Tiago are 7-inch infotainment, automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Audio system, rear wiper, TPMS, electrically adjustable ORVMs and much more.
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Verdict
While CNG cars offer impressive fuel efficiency and lower running costs, the lack of boot space due to bulky cylinders has been a major drawback. However, dual-cylinder technology has changed the game, providing more practicality without sacrificing storage. Models like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and others now offer a better balance between economy and usability.
