- Car companies have actively launched CNG models in their line-up in 2022.
- Lower running costs along with lower emissions make CNG a viable fuel option.
- Here are the upcoming CNG cars in India slated for launch in the year 2023.
CNG cars have gained a lot of traction in the Indian market off-lately, all thanks to the rising fuel prices. In line with this, car companies have also launched a host of new CNG models in the previous year 2022. There is no chance of fuel pricing going down and the feasibility of electric vehicles is highly questionable due to the lack of necessary infrastructure. So CNG vehicles present a good middle ground and the car manufacturers will surely feed on the rising demand. In the pursuit, the introduction of new models is quite predictable. So we have compiled a comprehensive list of upcoming CNG cars in 2023.
Also Read: Top 5 Most Affordable CNG Cars in India
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder will be the first big CNG launch of the year 2023. As confirmed by Toyota, the launch is slated for the 2023 Auto Expo. Christened as E CNG, it will be the first CNG-powered vehicle in the Japanese brand's line-up. The booking for the mid-size SUV is already underway and it will be offered in the two mid-spec S and G trims. The mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine will power the four-wheeler with power output rated at 87.8 bhp and 121.5 Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and the claimed fuel efficiency figures stand at 26.6 km/kg.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG
Joining the list of upcoming CNG cars in 2023 is the mid-size SUV from the house of CNG expert Maruti Suzuki. Launched in 2022, the Grand Vitara CNG will utilize the same powertrain set-up from the XL6 CNG, thus the 1.5 litre K15C petrol engine will put out 87.8 bhp and 121.5 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode. Much like the Toyota Hyryder, the four-wheeler will also come with a claimed mileage of around 26 km/kg. Maruti will likely offer the CNG option in the entry-level sigma and delta trims. In terms of pricing, the CNG version will command a premium of around Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, over the regular petrol-powered trims.
Tata Punch CNG
Tata Motors kicked off its CNG journey in the year 2022 with the launch of Tiago and Tigor i-CNG. These two models became an instant hit and now the Indian carmaker is ready to launch more CNG cars in the market. One of the most prominent names to join the list of upcoming CNG cars in 2023 is the Tata Punch. Currently one of the best-selling vehicles in the Indian market, it will soon get a CNG version and will be powered by the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine, good enough for 72 bhp and 95 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode.
Kia Sonet CNG
Kia Sonet is another vehicle whose CNG version has been long awaited. All thanks to a test mule that was spied testing in April 2022, sparking the rumours of its market launch. The Sonet CNG will likely be propelled by the 1.0-litre tGDi petrol engine, however, the power output will probably go down in the CNG mode. Once launched, It will sport the tag of India's first turbo petrol engine-powered CNG car.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
The most anticipated CNG vehicle in the list of upcoming CNG cars in 2023 is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. Rumours of its CNG version started at the time of its launch in 2022, and Maruti Suzuki will soon launch the powered sub-compact SUV in the country. Having said that, it will make use of the familiar powertrain setup that we have seen in other CNG cars in the Maruti stable. The 1.5 litre K15C petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, puts out 87.8 bhp and 121.5 Nm of peak torque in CNG mode. With all the goodies on board along with a stable powertrain, the Brezza CNG will become quite popular in the market.
Also Read: Upcoming CNG SUVs In India Under Rs. 15 lakh
Verdict: The rapidly flourishing CNG market space has created a lot of sales potential and car manufacturers are trying their best to utilize it by launching new models. CNG option in hatchbacks and sedans was a normal practice, or even in MPVs for a matter of fact. In 2023, however, the CNG market will engulf the SUV segment, thus creating more options for customers.
