In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction worldwide, including in India. However, for a significant portion of the Indian middle-class population, electric cars remain impractical due to cost and infrastructure limitations. Petrol cars, on the other hand, are increasingly expensive to run because of rising fuel prices. Hybrid cars, though efficient, often come with a hefty price tag that puts them out of reach for many buyers. In this blog we talk about CNG Cars Under 15 lakhs in India.
List of Top 10 CNG Cars Under 15 lakhs In India
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Enter Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars — a practical, affordable, and greener alternative that perfectly bridges the gap for those who need an economical yet reliable vehicle. With India’s metro cities boasting a growing network of CNG stations, and many vehicles already being retrofitted with CNG kits, the time to consider a factory-fitted CNG car is now.
Drawing from extensive experience driving various CNG-powered cars and engines, this article presents a carefully curated list of the top 10 CNG cars currently available in India. Each model has been evaluated based on its engine performance, fuel efficiency, interior and boot space, safety, and overall practicality for Indian roads and families.
Why Choose a CNG Car in India?
CNG has steadily emerged as a popular alternative fuel in India for several reasons:
- Cost Efficiency: Running a CNG car is often cheaper than petrol or diesel, with mileage often comparable to or better than petrol versions.
- Environmental Benefits: CNG burns cleaner than petrol or diesel, reducing harmful emissions and contributing to greener air quality.
- Infrastructure Growth: Increasing number of CNG stations in metro cities makes refueling convenient.
- Practicality: For people who travel long distances regularly and want to avoid the high running costs of petrol cars, CNG is a sensible choice.
With that context, let’s dive into the detailed review and ranking of the 10 best CNG cars you can consider as your next vehicle.
10. Suzuki Celerio
Celerio CNG on road price ex-showroom ₹6.99 lakhs, the Suzuki Celerio is a practical city car with a CNG variant that offers excellent fuel efficiency. Unlike the WagonR, which has a somewhat cab-like image, the Celerio boasts a more conventional look and is not positioned as an entry-level car like the Alto.
Powered by a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, the CNG version delivers 56 bhp and 82 Nm of torque. Its ARAI-certified mileage is an impressive 34.43 km/kg, meaning you can drive this car for the running cost equivalent to a 200-250 cc motorcycle.
However, this efficiency comes with trade-offs:
- Power Limitations: With just 56 bhp, the Celerio struggles on highways and steep inclines.
- Space Constraints: The compact size comfortably seats only four passengers, and the CNG cylinder placement in the boot severely limits luggage space.
- Safety Concerns: The car lacks advanced safety features, making it less suitable for long-distance family travel.
Overall, the Suzuki Celerio is best suited for city commuters who want a cost-effective, compact, and efficient car for daily use.
9. Maruti Fronx
The Maruti Fronx CNG variant starts at ₹8.47 lakhs ex-showroom and has been a popular choice since its launch. It is powered by a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces a healthy 76 bhp, which translates well even on CNG.
Key highlights include:
- Smooth Performance: The 4-cylinder engine ensures smooth operation and durability over time.
- Fuel Efficiency: It offers an excellent mileage of 28.5 km/kg, impressive for a car of its size.
- Comfortable Seating: Rear seats fit three adults comfortably, making it family-friendly.
- Highway Usability: The decent power output makes it suitable for highway driving.
The main drawback is the limited boot space after fitting the CNG cylinder and a spare wheel, restricting luggage capacity for long trips. This makes the Fronx ideal for daily commuting but less practical for extended family vacations.
8. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
At ₹7.75 lakhs ex-showroom, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG variant is a compelling option for those seeking a balance between space, performance, and fuel economy. A unique feature is its dual-cylinder CNG setup, first introduced by Tata and later adopted by Hyundai, allowing the car to retain ample boot space despite CNG fuel storage.
Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-liter 4-cylinder
- Power: 68 bhp
- Torque: 98 Nm
- Fuel Efficiency: 27 km/kg
The 4-cylinder engine ensures smoothness and long-term refinement, a point of concern for some 3-cylinder CNG cars that tend to become less refined over time. With decent interior space, quality finishes, and practical boot room, the Grand i10 Nios is a strong contender for families looking for an affordable, efficient hatchback.
7. Hyundai Aura
The Hyundai Aura CNG variant is priced from ₹7.55 lakhs ex-showroom and shares the same engine as the Grand i10 Nios—a 1.2-liter petrol engine. However, it has a slightly lower ARAI mileage rating of 22 km/kg, which might be a reporting anomaly but is still worth noting.
Unlike the Grand i10 Nios, the Aura features a single larger CNG cylinder, but thanks to its sedan body style, it still offers reasonable boot space for small bags. The interiors are spacious and comfortable, although additional boot space would have been appreciated.
Overall, the Aura is a practical sedan choice for those who prioritize comfort and style over maximum fuel efficiency or luggage space.
6. Tata Tigor
The Tata Tigor CNG variant starts at ₹7.70 lakhs and is notable for its dual-cylinder CNG setup that allows for a deeper boot and more luggage capacity than typical single-cylinder sedans.
Engine specs include:
- 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine
- 72 bhp power
- 95 Nm torque
While the 3-cylinder engine may cause some vibrations over time, Tata has improved refinement significantly post-BS6 phase 2 emissions standards. Although Tata’s CNG cars have a shorter track record, early user feedback shows no major reliability issues.
The Tigor is a solid sedan option that balances performance, space, and fuel economy with a competitive price tag.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our reviews on Why the Maruti Dzire Remains India’s Favourite Sedan and Mahindra BE 6: The Future of Electric Vehicles in India.
Now, let’s continue with the Top 10 CNG Cars Under ₹15 Lakhs in India.
5. Maruti Dzire
Maruti Dzire has been one of the best-selling sedans in India for years, and its Maruti Dzire CNG variant starts at ₹8.80 lakhs ex-showroom. The slightly higher price is justified by improved safety features, including six airbags, making it one of the safest cars in this segment.
Engine and performance details:
- 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine
- 69 bhp power
- 101 Nm torque
- Fuel Efficiency: 33.7 km/kg
The Dzire offers excellent mileage, stylish looks, and quality interiors, making it an attractive choice for families and working professionals alike. However, it still employs a single-cylinder CNG setup, limiting boot space slightly compared to dual-cylinder competitors.
4. Tata Nexon
One of the few CNG SUVs on this list, the Tata Nexon CNG variant begins at ₹9 lakhs. It features a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, offering impressive power and torque figures for a CNG vehicle:
- Power: 99 bhp
- Torque: 170 Nm
This power output gives the Nexon a driving experience that doesn’t feel compromised by the CNG fuel system. It also comes with dual cylinders and decent boot space, along with good ground clearance suitable for Indian roads.
The downside is its relatively low fuel efficiency of 17 km/kg on CNG, which may deter buyers looking primarily for economical running costs. Nonetheless, for those seeking power and practicality in an SUV format, the Nexon remains a compelling option.
3. Maruti Grand Vitara
The Maruti Grand Vitara CNG variant is priced at ₹13.25 lakhs ex-showroom, placing it in the premium segment. It is powered by a larger 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 87 bhp and 120 Nm torque on CNG. Despite its size and power, it delivers a commendable mileage of 26.6 km/kg.
This car stands out for its practicality:
- Spacious seating for five adults
- Large boot with cleverly hidden CNG cylinder
- Comfortable ride and premium features
Though the price point is higher than typical CNG cars, the Grand Vitara is ideal for buyers who clock high mileage and want a bigger, more comfortable, and practical vehicle with CNG benefits.
2. Tata Punch
Starting at ₹7.30 lakhs, the Tata Punch CNG is the second most affordable car on this list and packs a lot of value for money. It features dual cylinders, allowing ample boot space, and a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 72 bhp on CNG.
Key advantages of the Punch include:
- Good ground clearance for Indian roads
- Tall and spacious design popular among Indian buyers
- Decent mileage of 27 km/kg on CNG
- Excellent ride and handling qualities
While the 3-cylinder engine might show some vibration over time, the Punch’s overall package makes it an excellent choice for middle-class buyers prioritizing affordability and practicality.
1. Hyundai Exter
Hyundai Exter CNG Priced starting at ₹8.56 lakhs for the base CNG variant, with dual-cylinder variants beginning at ₹8.60 lakhs, the Hyundai Exter is a feature-rich compact SUV that justifies the slightly higher price compared to the Tata Punch.
Highlights include:
- 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine ensuring smooth and refined performance
- Dual-cylinder CNG setup for ample boot space
- Good ground clearance and wide interior for comfort
- Fuel efficiency of 27 km/kg on CNG
- Strong brand reliability with Hyundai’s proven CNG engines
The Exter’s combination of features, space, performance, and reliability makes it a highly desirable choice for a wide range of buyers looking for a practical and efficient CNG car.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right CNG Cars Under 15 lakhs
All the CNG cars under 15 lakhs listed above bring something unique to the table, catering to different needs and budgets within the Indian middle class. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car like the Suzuki Celerio, a spacious sedan like the Tata Tigor or Maruti Dzire, or a practical SUV like the Tata Nexon or Hyundai Exter, there is a CNG option tailored for you.
What ties all these vehicles together is their ability to deliver lower running costs, reduced emissions, and practical usability thanks to India’s expanding CNG infrastructure. For many families and daily commuters, CNG cars represent the perfect balance between affordability, performance, and environmental consciousness.
When choosing your next car, consider your typical travel distances, space requirements, and budget. Also, keep an eye on the availability of CNG refueling stations in your area. With the right choice, a CNG car can be your “God sent” companion on the road, helping you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Happy car hunting!