KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Tata Altroz CNG claimed mileage is 27.8 km/kg.
- Maruti Baleno CNG claimed mileage is 30.61 km/kg.
- Altroz boot space is 210 L.
- Read the full report to know which one is a great overall package.
When it comes to premium hatchbacks that offer a great set of features and have a very low cost of running - Tata Altroz CNG and Maruti Baleno CNG names always pop up in the conversations. Both are versatile cars with great space on offer, interiors, and great fuel efficiency. But each feels completely different when it comes to driving. So, which one will suit you? Let's find out. Also, do join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - 3 Pros and 3 Cons
Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Baleno CNG - Price Comparison
Tata Altroz iCNG starts at Rs 7.59 lakh ex-showroom and goes up to Rs 10.99 lakh, and there are a total of 8 variants to choose from. On the other hand, the Maruti Baleno S-CNG is available in just two variants - and it starts at Rs 8.84 lakh, and the second trim costs Rs 9.37 lakh ex-showroom. Out of these, Altroz offers much more trim options and has copious features on offer. Plus, it starts at a much lower starting price, and one great thing about this vehicle is that it comes with a dual-CNG setup, which means unlike one big cylinder of CNG, it has two small ones, which means the boot space isn't that bad like the Baleno one. Now, let's check the price of each variant of these cars.
Tata Altroz iCNG
| XE CNG | Rs 7.59 Lakh |
| XM+ CNG | Rs 8.44 Lakh |
| XM+S CNG | Rs 8.74 Lakh |
| XZ CNG | Rs 9.69 Lakh |
| XZ LUX CNG | Rs 9.99 Lakh |
| XZ + LUX CNG | Rs 10.19 Lakh |
| XZ + S LUX CNG | Rs 10.69 Lakh |
| XZ + OS CNG | Rs 10.99 Lakh |
Maruti Baleno S-CNG
| Delta CNG | Rs 8.84 Lakh |
| Zeta CNG | Rs 9.37 Lakh |
Powertrain and Mileage
In Tata Altroz iCNG, a 1.2L 3-cylinder Na petrol engine is there with 60L (combined) twin-CNG cylinders and petrol tank is of 37L. The power output with CNG is 73.5 PS and 103 Nm of toruqe, and the transmission option is of 5-speed manual. Now, the Tata Motors claimed its fuel efficiency to be 27.8 km/kg, but in real world, it achieves somewhere around of 24 to 25 km/kg.
On the other hand, Maruti Baleno S-CNG is equipped with a 1.2L K-Series 4-cylinder Na petrol engine with a 55L single large CNG tank. It produces 77.5 PS and 98.5 Nm of torque and the gearbox is of 5-speed manual. The claimed fuel efficiency of this car is 30.61 km/kg.
Out of these clearly, the Baleno is a winner in terms of mileage, as it achieves a 30.61 km/kg as per Maruti, but in real world testing, it can easily go past 32 to 33 km/kg, as on light foot, this car becomes extremely generous.
| Cars | Tata Altroz iCNG | Maruti Baleno S-CNG |
| Engine | 1.2 L 3-cylinder | 1.2L 4-cylinder |
| Power | 73.5 PS | 77.5 PS |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 98.5 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 27.8 km/kg | 30.61 km/kg |
Features Comparison
In this comparison, clearly the Tata Altroz is a straight-up winner, as it offers a 10.25-inch infotainment screen by HARMAN, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree parking camera, voice-activated single-pane sunroof, ambient lights, 7-inch MID, blind view monitor, iRA connected car technology, and an air purifier. All of this, along with an all-LED setup with cornering lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and strong build quality with a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP.
In the Maruti Baleno, features are quite limited as the variants are also limited - but in the top-spec Zeta CNG, features like LED projector headlamps, fog lamps with chrome garnish, automatic AC, 7-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4 speakers with 2 tweeters, over-the-air updates, rearview camera, and painted alloy wheels are there. Clearly, this is not even close to the Tata Altroz, but remember, the Baleno CNG is almost 1.5 lakh cheaper.
One major part where the Tata leaves Maruti miles behind is the boot space, as the Altroz gets twin CNG cylinders which leave 210 L of boot space - good enough for two mid-size suitcases and other small items. In comparison, the Baleno has very little space, and that is so low that even the brochure doesn't mention it, because most space is occupied by a large CNG tank. To add more, without it, the boot space is 318 L.
Driving Dynamics
Before getting into details, remember one thing - both excel in providing a comfortable ride quality with easy-to-drive nature. However, the Baleno feels more active despite CNG, as this is quite a light vehicle and its engine is always ready to be pushed hard. This feels much more quick than Altroz CNG, and that's because the engine of Altroz doesn't have grunt at all. It feels underpowered and unrefined. Upon starting, it creates a sound like a diesel engine - which means it's loud.
Also, as you try to press the throttle after 2500 RPM, one will feel that it has nothing exciting to offer. However, Altroz impresses a lot when it comes to high-speed stability, handling, and suspension setup. Baleno, on the other hand, feels too light, and at high speeds, it gets un-stable. So, this is how these two perform when it comes to driving dynamics.
Also Read: CNG Retrofitment: Factory Fitted vs Dealer Fitted vs Aftermarket: Which One Is Better?
Verdict
If you've read it till the end, then you would clearly think Altroz is the vehicle one should go with, as it's an overall great package, and Baleno could be avoided. However, remember one thing - Baleno is a product of Maruti Suzuki and has more mileage, plus offers much better engine performance, and this is what a customer usually asks for when it comes to getting a CNG car. That said, Altroz is a great option because it starts at a lower price and has multiple variants offering a great set of features. So, as per me, the Altroz CNG is a winner here.
