- Here is the comprehensive list of upcoming CNG SUVs in India under Rs. 15 lakh
- Light on the pocket, these upcoming CNG SUVs will likely be less powerful than their petrol counterparts
- Will command a premium of Rs. 50,000-70,000 over the regular models.
All thanks to the inflated fuel prices, CNG-powered vehicles have made their way to popularity in the Indian market. There is no denying the fact that these vehicles are light on the pocket, although commanding a reasonable premium initially. Moving down the line, these vehicles will put a huge difference in overall ownership cost when compared to their petrol counterparts. Pocket-friendly is just one side of the story as CNG cars are also friendlier to the environment. Maruti Suzuki is currently leading the CNG market space with the highest number of offerings, while Hyundai and Tata Motors are tailing behind. CNG as a fuel in hatchbacks is a common norm and CNG SUVs are the next big thing. So today we have compiled a brief list of upcoming CNG SUVs in India under Rs. 15 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
Maruti Suzuki launched the updated Brezza in June this year, and it was speculated that a CNG-powered iteration will be made available at a later stage. Putting an end to the long wait, the Indo-Japanese car maker will soon roll out the Brezza CNG in the Indian market. It will likely be powered by the same powertrain as the recently launched XL6 CNG. Churning out 88 bhp and 121 Nm of peak torque, the transmission duties will be performed by a 5-speed manual unit.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG
Joining the list of upcoming CNG SUVs, the Grand Vitara is the flagship product from India's largest car manufacturer. Available in two powertrain options, the Grand Vitara CNG will use the 1.5-litre K15C engine with power output rated at 88 bhp and 121 Nm of peak torque. As the configuration is quite similar to the XL6 CNG, there are no two ways about the fact that a 5-speed manual unit will do the transmission duties. Maruti Suzuki will probably offer the CNG option in the lower Sigma and Delta trims.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG
Confirming the arrival of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG, Toyota Kirloskar Motors commenced the booking for the SUV in early November. Once launched, it will be the first CNG-powered vehicle in the mid-size SUV segment. Powering the CNG SUV will be the familiar 1.5-litre K15C with identical power figures of 88 bhp and 121 Nm of peak torque. As per Toyota, the claimed fuel efficiency of the CNG Hyryder will stand at 26.10 kg/km. Only the mid-spec S and G variants will make it to the CNG line-up.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 CNG Walkaround - Here's What It Gets
Tata Punch CNG
Tata Motors is currently one of the most aggressive players in the CNG vehicle segment. After launching the CNG-powered Tiago and Tigor, the Indian car maker is working on the Punch CNG. Spotted multiple times doing test runs, the CNG-powered SUV will be powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol motor currently doing duties on the aforementioned cars. The power output is expected to be identical at 72 bhp and 95 Nm of peak torque, although the fuel efficiency will be comparatively lower as a result of the added weight.
Hyundai Creta CNG
A CNG-powered version of the popular mid-size SUV, Hyundai Creta is in the works. The most recent spy images that surfaced online showcased the SUV with the emission testing kit. Going by some media reports, it is certain that CNG-powered Creta will soon be a reality. The surprising part is that the CNG four-wheeler could be powered by a 1.4-litre tGDi petrol engine, although nothing can be assured as of now. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine makes more sense in the CNG fuel option, both in terms of economic as well as mechanical feasibility. The CNG option in Creta will also make way for CNG-powered Kia Seltos.
Kia Sonet CNG
The reports of Kia Sonet CNG subjected to road-testing popped up in the first half of 2022. When the images of the test mule surfaced online, it was speculated that Kia will launch the Sonet CNG by the end of 2022. However, there has been no significant development in this regard and the Korean brand could launch the CNG SUV in the first quarter of 2023. In terms of powertrain, the four-wheeler will be powered by the 1.0-litre tGDi petrol engine, although the power figures will be comparatively power.
Also Read: Top 10 CNG Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh In India
Verdict: The recent rise in the popularity of CNG vehicles has been fully welcomed by car manufacturers. This can be attributed to the fact that all the major brands are gearing up to launch CNG vehicles. Hatchbacks with CNG fuel option was quite normal, however, SUVs seem to be taking the lead in the CNG category, all thanks to the customer's preference for a high-ground clearance vehicle that should be economical to run. Can the upcoming CNG SUVs launching in India take the lead in terms of sales figures? We have to wait until the clouds of the triggering factor i.e. high fuel prices roll by.
