The soaring fuel prices have seen a resurgence of CNG cars in the market. More manufacturers are rolling our new CNG-equipped variants of their existing vehicles and if spy shots are anything to go by, we could see CNG alternatives in the Rs. 10 lakh and above segment very soon. But if you are looking for a CNG car and don't want to spend the big bucks, you can look for some great alternatives in the used car market. Unlike their counterparts in the 2000s, there are more options for CNG cars that come directly from the factory now, which promises a more peaceful ownership experience. Here are five cars with factory-fitted CNG kits that you can consider.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG Facelift Review
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR is one of the most popular CNG cars and is easy to source in the pre-owned market. It offers an efficiency of 34.05 km/kg (ARAI-certified)
Arguably one of the most popular CNG cars on sale, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR remains a popular offering in the CNG space and comes with a factory-fitted CNG kit. The unit offers a seamless switch between petrol and CNG options, while it does come at the cost of boot space. Finding a WagonR CNG is relatively easy and spares are equally to find. There's plenty of support from authorised service centres too. Finding a used example with a service record should be your priority. We'll recommend you opt for the current generation CNG versions of the WagonR if you find those in the used space. A low-run example though may be a tough find.
The Hyundai Grand i10 with the CNG kit remains a more premium option in the hatchback space and offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 18.9 km/kg
Another nice example of a family CNG car to consider is the Hyundai Grand i10. Decently equipped on the feature front, the hatchback is spacious enough, while the 1.2-litre Kappa engine is peppy enough for city and highway runs. The sequential CNG kit comes from the factory and can offer trouble-free ownership if maintained well. Look for the service history on the car and do check the rear suspension condition as well on the used examples that you consider. What works for the Grand i10 is its premium design over the WagonR which will seem more appealing to first-time car buyers.
The Hyundai Xcent is big on space in the cabin and the boot, while returning an ARAI-certified efficiency of 25 km/kg
Much like its hatched sibling, the Hyundai Xcent also came with a factory-fitted CNG option. That's a lucrative option for those looking to get a usable boot in a car. It's powered by the same detuned 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The takeaway is the three-box design that not only looks more premium but also gives you enough space to store bags and even a small suitcase that will do well for a weekend's excursion. You can also look at the Xcent's replacement, the Hyundai Aura with the CNG kit if you want a slightly more modern offering.
As a multi-seater, the first-generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is extremely practical and the CNG kit lowers the running cost by a healthy margin with a mileage of 24.59 km/kg
If you are looking for a multi-seater with a CNG kit, the first-generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga offers great value to buyers. The offering allows ample room for seven passengers but the cargo space does take a hit due to the cylinder in the boot. However, with a claimed mileage of 24.59 km/kg (ARAI certified), the Ertiga offers impressive running costs that will surely entice many. Make sure to look for a car with detailed service history to get acquainted with any potential problems.
The new Hyundai Santro is extremely practical as a city car and you may even snag a brand new one from dealerships if there are pending stocks. It returns a mileage of 30.48 km/kg
The new generation Hyundai Santro could not create the same impact as its predecessors did but you can still consider it for a variety of reasons, particularly the CNG version. Given the model is a recent one, you can find a low mileage option and is fairly spacious to ferry a small family. The car is also compact enough to be a breeze in the city while the factory-fitted CNG unit is largely fuss-free in operation. Given that the Santro was recently discontinued, you may want to check with dealers for any unsold CNG models that they may still have in stock. You may just end up with a brand new car with a hefty discount in place.
