Upcoming CNG Car Launches in 2023; Toyota Hyryder CNG, Tata Altroz CNG and More

When it comes to buying a new car, Indian customers mostly look for cheaper and more economical options, given that the prices of petrol and diesel continue to fluctuate. While electric cars have recently gained prominence, not everyone might be satisfied with their range and charging time. If you are one of them, you can opt for a CNG variant. The appeal of CNG vehicles has increased recently, and manufacturers like Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki have also introduced CNG variants of their products – the Alto K10 CNG and the Tata Tiago NRG iCNG, respectively. Since CNG cars are more cost-effective for buyers, several manufacturers are likely to launch more of them in 2023. In this article, we will look at the upcoming CNG models that are expected to be launched in India in 2023.

Toyota Hyryder CNG

Bookings for Toyota's new Hyryder compact SUV have already begun, and the company has officially confirmed the availability of the CNG option. It will be offered in mid-spec G and S trims, with the same 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine as the XL6, and will only be available with a manual transmission. The 1.5-litre petrol engine with strong-hybrid technology is the other powertrain on offer with the Hyryder SUV, and it makes big promises with a stated fuel economy of close to 28km/l. The price of Toyota's compact SUV ranges from Rs 10.48 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh, with the mild-hybrid manual S and G trims costing Rs 12.28 lakh and Rs 14.34 lakh, respectively. The CNG variants are anticipated to retail for Rs 95,000 more than the equivalent petrol-manual variants.

Also Read: Tata Tiago EV Review : There is just ONE deal breaker for this Electric Car | First Drive | autoX

Tata Punch CNG

The Tata Punch micro-SUV is the company's second best-selling model, trailing only the Nexon. It shares its 1.2-litre petrol engine with the Tiago and the Tigor, both of which now offer CNG as an option, making the Punch a viable candidate for the greener fuel. It is expected to offer the same 73bhp and 95Nm of torque in the CNG mode and is likely to come only with a five-speed manual shifter. The Tata Punch CNG may cost Rs 90,000 more than the standard petrol variants of the micro SUV.

Kia Sonet CNG

A Kia Sonet CNG test mule with a separate fuel cap and a CNG sticker on the back windscreen was spotted in April 2022. Given that the spotted vehicle was a GT Line model, Kia is developing a CNG option for its turbo-petrol engine – a first for the Indian market. Despite the lack of information, it would likely have lower performance than the standard turbo-petrol versions, which is a feature shared by all CNG vehicles. If the Sonet's CNG variant becomes a possibility, it would have six different powertrain options, including a 1.2-litre manual-only petrol engine, a 118bhp 1-litre turbo-petrol with a choice of iMT or DCT automatic, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine with a manual or torque converter automatic transmission option. The price range for the turbo-petrol Kia Sonet models is between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 13.39 lakh. For the CNG versions of the Sonet, Kia may demand a premium of Rs 1 lakh over the equivalent variants.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG

Maruti Suzuki's subcompact SUV, the Brezza, was recently sighted with a CNG kit in the boot, which means that it's possible that it may be launched in early 2023. This upcoming Brezza model would be the first Maruti SUV to offer a CNG option. The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Brezza is shared with other MPVs, which already offer the option of a CNG kit, such as the Ertiga and the XL6. It is very likely that it will only be available with the five-speed manual transmission in the same state of tune. The pricing of the Brezza ranges between Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 13.96 lakh. Its CNG trims are estimated to cost Rs 1 lakh more than the standard petrol variants.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Xtra Edition Unveiled; Gets Several Cosmetic Enhancements

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG

Maruti Suzuki may consider launching the CNG variants of the Grand Vitara, following the lead of the Hyryder CNG, since both of these compact SUVs feature the very same underpinnings. The Grand Vitara has the same engine options as the Hyryder. The Grand Vitara's price ranges between Rs 10.45 lakh and Rs 19.65 lakh. The CNG variants are estimated to cost Rs 95,000 more than the equivalent petrol-manual variants.

Tata Altroz CNG

Following a positive growth of the CNG segment in 2022, Tata Motors will be keen to extend its CNG portfolio. It already offers CNG options for the Tiago and the Tigor with its 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 72bhp and 95Nm in CNG mode. The same engine is available in the Altroz's petrol models, and the premium hatchback may soon gain the CNG option as well. It is also expected to have the same power figures despite being mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Other engine options for the Altroz include a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine, producing 108bhp and 140Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 88.8bhp of maximum power and 200Nm of peak torque.