Tata Nexon iCNG Concept vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG Spec Comparison: Whis is Better?

Tata Motors' compact SUV with a CNG powertrain, the Nexon iCNG, was showcased at the recently held Bharat Mobility Expo 2024 in New Delhi, and is expected to go on sale soon in India. Once launched, it will join the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG in the compact SUV segment. Maruti Suzuki launched its first compact SUV with a CNG powertrain in March 2023. While both SUVs boast a factory-fitted CNG kit, they are differentiated on the grounds of technology, features, and more. Let's compare them to find out.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: Technology

Based on the facelifted version of the Nexon, the CNG-powered Tata Nexon looks quite similar to the ICE-powered variants, save for CNG-specific cosmetic and mechanical changes. Speaking of the latter, the Nexon iCNG draws power from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with twin-cylinder CNG technology, making it the first vehicle to do so. The CNG-tank capacity is rated at 60 litres, while the car gets 230 litres of boot space.

While the Nexon iCNG comes with a twin-cylinder arrangement, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG has one cylinder less than its rival. Powering the Brezza CNG is a next-gen, K-series 1.5-litre Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine hooked up to a factory-installed, single-cylinder CNG kit. 

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: Transmission

Once launched, the Nexon SUV will come with a CNG powertrain, and will be the only vehicle in the country to be equipped with a range of powertrains, such as petrol, diesel, CNG, and EV. The transmission options on offer include manual, AMT, and DCT. 

Like the Tata Nexon iCNG, the CNG-powered Maruti Suzuki Brezza gets a manual gearbox. The other transmission option in the Brezza is a 6-speed automatic unit for the petrol-powered models. 

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: Output

The power and torque figures of the CNG version of the Tata Nexon SUV are yet to be revealed. For your reference, the petrol-powered unit generates 118bhp and 170Nm of peak torque. The Maruti Suzuki Brezza, meanwhile, develops 102bhp and 137Nm of peak torque at 4,200rpm when running on petrol. Onboard CNG, the engine develops 87bhp at 5,500rpm and 121.5Nm of peak torque at 4,200rpm. It is claimed to have a fuel efficiency of 25.52km/kg, somewhat similar to the Ertiga and the XL6.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: Features

The Tata Nexon iCNG gets leakage-proof materials, a leak detection feature, thermal incident protection, a single advanced ECU, direct start in CNG mode, an auto switch between fuels, a micro switch, and a modular fuel filter, while the Brezza CNG comes packed with personalised CNG-specific features like integrated petrol and CNG fuel lid, CNG drive mode, digital and analogue CNG fuel gauges, and an illuminated fuel change.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG: Price

Expect the production-spec Nexon iCNG to be priced in the range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom). With such pricing, the Nexon iCNG is set to go against the Hyundai Exter, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG (Rs 9.29 lakh to Rs 12.10 lakh, ex-showroom).