Automobiles have come a long way since their inception. The demand in people and attitude in decreasing our carbon footprint have paved the way for CNG cars, which, trailing behind only after the EVs (electronic vehicles), are now in much use all over the world. The CNG cars are living proof of our consideration towards the future generations and a cleaner, greener present world scenario. This article briefly sums up the best CNG cars in India, along with their price, specs, and mileage. On this note, it should be noted that Maruti Suzuki blazed the trail in introducing CNG cars in the Indian automobile universe.
Before diving into the list itself, let’s clarify a few things about CNG cars and how they operate. CNG cars (abbreviation for compressed natural gas) are administered by spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It essentially has the properties of a standard gasoline-run engine. Natural gas typically resides in its tank or cylinder on a regular CNG vehicle. The CNG fuel system does direct pressurized gas via fuel lines, where a regulator simultaneously harnesses and lowers the pressure, thus making it compatible with the fuel injection system. Soon after, the fuel reaches its destined combustion chamber, where it mingles with the remaining air inside and is readily compressed and kindled thanks to a spark plug. This is how CNG cars run. Now with that out in plain view, let us delve into the list of best CNG cars in India.
9 Best CNG Cars in India: 2022
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
Alto is one of the best CNG cars in India. Having a 4-seater capacity and with a manual transmission SOHC engine & FWD drivetrain. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is a regular-sized budget-friendly vehicle sitting on a Mac Pherson Strut suspension in the front and 3-Link Rigid Axle suspension in the back. It finely fuses ABS with EBD, brake assist, front disc, and dual airbags, thus insuring every ride with the utmost consideration. Whereas the specifications are concerned, Alto 800 is BS6 compliant and readily updated with the emission norms. Being one of the cheapest cars in India, much modern equipment is excluded from its interior space, yet this does not negatively impact Alto 800 as a trustworthy companion on the road.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
- Ex-showroom price: 4.82 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 796 cc
- Model: LXi (O) CNG
- Mileage: 32 kmpl
2. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The segment-best Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is arguably the best CNG hatchback in India. It is termed as a “mini-SUV.” While the AMT transmission is found only in the top variants, S-Presso loves to rev even at low gears. Additionally, it holds well even at high speeds. It has features like expansive dimensions, hoisted bonnet, angular headlamps, and front grilles. On the other hand, the interior is spacious. It has enough room to accommodate four people, on top of having boot space and multiple types of equipment like a digital instrument cluster parking sensors, among others. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is also one of the best economical cars in our country due to its best mileage in the petrol and CNG car segment.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
- Ex-showroom price: 5.43 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 998 cc
- Model: VXi & LXi (O) CNG
- Mileage: 31 kmpl
3. Maruti Eeco
Challenging the limits of length in its genre, Maruti Eeco is appreciated as a transport vehicle with 5 and 7 seater options and among the best CNG cars in India. Its exterior recalls the shape of a van, having upright sitting positions both for the driver and passengers. The tallboy design is in regular demand for people in transport services – having standard features like enough legroom and boot space, plastic bumper, flat interior with a minimalistic approach. Since the occupant’s number is above average, safety features are also loaded – ABS with EBD, multiple airbags, seatbelt reminders, to name a few. Eeco is made for regular city commuting purposes and excels at it all the same.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Maruti EECO
- Ex-showroom price: 5.61 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1196 cc
- Model: 5 STR AC CNG (O)
- Mileage: 21 kmpl
4. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
WagonR is hands down, the best mileage CNG car in India, having a market presence of over 20 years now. Due to constant upgrades over the years and appeal to middle-class families offering value for money packages at a desirable price.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR is still among the top picks of every first-time buyer and is one of the best-selling cars in India. Very practical in nature and ideal for daily commuting, WagonR is known by its box-shaped frame and relatively sporty outlook. The interior focuses more on functionality rather than style, finely implementing a digital MID, infotainment system, several handy pieces of equipment in a spacious cabin of 5 people with decent headspace and legroom. All safety features are also properly there.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
- Ex-showroom price: 5.89 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 998 cc
- Model: LXi (O) 1.0 CNG
- Mileage: 33 kmpl
5. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
In its 2nd generation, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is structurally an MPV and one of the best CNG cars in India. Rival to Toyota Innova, Mahindra Marazzo, and Renault Triber, Ertiga is a 7-seater exclusive model with a competitive interior space. It includes a 7-inch infotainment system, twin airbags, mounted steering control, climate control, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, start/stop button, and last but not least, keyless entry. The exterior properties of Ertiga are quite similar to Innova – such as foldable ORVMs, LED taillights, 15-inch alloy wheels, and halogen headlamps.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
- Ex-showroom price: 9.66 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1462 cc
- Model: VXi CNG
- Mileage: 26 kmpl
6. Hyundai Xcent Prime
Now we arrive at Hyundai – their contribution is huge and requires proper credit in introducing and mass-producing CNG cars for the public. Essentially a pre-facelift variant of Hyundai Xcent, this CNG model is catering to the taxi segment. The interior also has very little to offer – like power windows and steering, charging port, rear AC vents, etc. Decreasing the price has also caused the exclusion of central locking while the anti-lock braking remains intact. Nonetheless, for fleet operators, Xcent Prime is one of the best CNG cars in India.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Hyundai Xcent Prime
- Ex-showroom price: 5.56 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1197 cc
- Model: T Plus CNG
- Mileage: 25 kmpl
7. Hyundai Santro
Hyundai Santro saw its last facelift in the year 2018. Moreover, It became evident its changes in terms of aesthetics and inclusion of equipment from its predecessor. Moreover, it is available in 7 color options, it now features front chrome grilles and a carved bonnet. The interior also includes a segment-first rear air con-vent. it also comes with ABS & EBD. Santro is capable of performing well within the city limits and on highways, unlike its rivals Renault Kwid and Tata Tiago. Although certain models have low fuel output, the CNG variant is fuel-efficient and thus certainly among the best CNG cars in India.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Hyundai Santro
- Ex-showroom price: 6.38 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1086 cc
- Model: Sportz & Magna CNG
- Mileage: 31 kmpl
8. Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS
The elder sibling of the Hyundai i10 Grand NIOS is the perfect family-friendly car. It comes with superior features, great driving experience and handling, and a powerful engine considering its size. The Grand NIOS arrived in 2019. It is fully BS6 compliant and an upgrade in terms of features as compared to i10.
Moreover, with a bigger and broader body and signature cascading front grilles, Grand NIOS provides great mileage and delivers a peppy performance.
Also, the features are ABS & EBD, parking sensors, dual airbags, etc. The cabin is also well-done for the driver and passengers’ delight. Moreover, it comprises an ARKAMYS sound system, an 8-inch infotainment system, a leather steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Thus Grand i10 NIOS rightfully belongs to this list of best CNG cars in India.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Hyundai i10, Grand NIOS
- Ex-showroom price: 7.60 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1197 cc
- Model: Magna & Sportz 1.2 Kappa VTVT CNG
- Mileage: 19 kmpl
9. Hyundai Aura
Hyundai Aura does not derive much from the likes of Grand i10 NIOS, and Xcent yet has an identity of its own. Its only defining exterior trait is the double LED DRLs, while the front cascading grilles, halogen headlamps, and fog lamps are all drawn from Grand NIOS. Moreover, thanks to an ARKAMYS 4 speaker sound system, semi-digital instrument cluster, 5-inch MID, and comfortable seats with proper finish touches, the interior space is flawless.
Aura performs well both as a commuter and long-drive vehicle with certain Hyundai -exclusive characteristics all the way.
Hyundai Aura takes the crowning glory effortlessly when the best CNG cars in India are concerned.
Price, Specs & Mileage Of Hyundai Aura
- Ex-showroom price: 7.67 lakhs
- Engine displacement: 1197 cc
- Model: S 1.2 CNG Petrol
- Mileage: 28 kmpl
The best CNG SUV car in India is an often searched query. However, it comes out without results because hardly any SUV runs on a CNG engine. The list above, however, have encompassed the best CNG cars in India from a variety of genre and thus has made it easy for potential buyers to choose their ideal vehicle as per their demands and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best CNG car in India?
In all relevance, Hyundai Aura is the best CNG car in India.
How is a CNG car better than a petrol/diesel-run vehicle?
Due to low maintenance and great resale value, relatively low price, and eco-friendly attitude.
Name 3 most fuel economical CNG cars in India.
- Alto 800 (Suzuki)
- S-Presso (Suzuki)
- WagonR (Suzuki)
Which is the cheapest among CNG cars in India?
Maruti Suzuki Auto 800 is the cheapest CNG car in India, having an ex-showroom price of 4.82 lakhs.
Name a few upcoming CNG cars.
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Audi Q7
