Fuel prices are almost always on the rise. Even when they are not rising, they are still on the higher side. This makes it inconvenient for people to continue with their petrol or diesel driven cars. Electric cars are an option but that industry is still in its nascent stage. There are questions about its maintenance cost and recharging. Till these questions are resolved, electric cars cannot be looked at as a viable option for the masses.
What’s the option then? The answer is CNG. Best CNG cars give more mileage. CNG also costs less to refill. People earlier resorted to fitting a CNG unit externally. However, manufacturers have started offering CNG-fitted cars in India. Read ahead to know about CNG-fitted cars in India and pick your own best CNG car. This market is dominate by Maruti Suzuki but Tata Nano is also a popular option.
- Tata Nano EMax CNG
The original Tata Nano was launched keeping in mind its affordability. Even today, that is the thought associated with the brand. Keeping this in mind, its CNG version is also affordable, as it is priced at Rs. 2.96 lakhs. It is a compact hatchback and goes by the name Tata Nano EMax XM and has only one option, no other variant. This car is available on order basis.
- Maruti Suzuki Alto
Maruti Suzuki loyalists will always prefer cars by their trusted brand in comparison to other options. Cars under the brand name Alto have been around in India for over a decade. This speaks volumes about the brand’s popularity. Maruti Suzuki Alto comes with four variants and costs in the range of Rs. 3.7 to 4.14 lakhs. Maruti Suzuki Alto has undergone a transformation recently thanks to cosmetic changes to its exterior and interior.
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Those who have used or seen a Wagon R vouch for its tall structure. The CNG-fitted version of this hatchback from Maruti Suzuki is priced at 4.68 lakhs. The CNG kit is installed in its LXi version and offers a mileage of 26.6 km/kg. If you want to increase the car’s safety quotient, air bags are also available to be purchased on an optional basis.
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The CNG version of Celerio is called Maruti Suzuki Celerio Green. Celerio is an entry level B segment hatchback from Maruti. Its claimed mileage is an impressive 31.79 km/kg. Celerio falls under the price range of Rs. 5.14 to 5.30 lakhs. It comes with an installed MSI patented iGPI system CNG kit.
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
If you are looking for a Multi Purpose Vehicle fitted with a CNG engine, then your search should end with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s CNG version. This was the brand’s sixth CNG-fitted vehicle. Ertiga offers a mileage of 22.08 km/kg. Being a MUV, it is expensive than the hatchbacks. You can purchase the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG-fitted version for Rs. 8.27 lakhs.
Should you purchase a CNG-fitted Car?
Purchasing a CNG-fitted car is a better option than getting it installed externally. There might be safety issues while getting it installed in comparison to purchasing an installed version. As mentioned earlier, the mileage is better but the maintenance and insurance cost might be higher.
As per The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is mandatory to possess atleast a third party insurance for car if you want to ride it legally in India. Thus, you will have to insure your car to comply with the law of the land. CNG cars are looked at as being high maintenance. Their damage costs are also perceived to be high. This is reflected in its insurance premium. If you do not opt for a company-fitted CNG unit and install it separately in your car, you need to inform the insurance company about the same.
Consider all aspects before purchasing your CNG-fitted car and always follow traffic rules and regulations in India.
