CNG models are increasingly popular in India. Previously, these variants used to be based on entry-level models, making owners compromise on features for efficiency. But not anymore as brands are offering top-end variants that offer just as many features as their non-CNG siblings, which is helping them gain a newfound appeal amongst private buyers.
Today, we take a look at some of the upcoming CNG cars launches in India in 2024.
Kia Carens
Kia Cars is planning to introduce a CNG variant on its popular MPV, the Carens. Spy shots have already revealed that a test mule was spotted with a separate filling cap and a CNG tank in the boot. While it is yet to be confirmed, Kia Carens CNG could be offered with the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and a 6-speed manual transmission only.
The Carens CNG will be identical to the regular models in styling and features. However, it will miss out on boot space as the CNG tank will be positioned there.
Prices for the Carens currently range between Rs 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom) - Rs 19.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the CNG variants to cost around Rs 1 lakh more when it launches next year.
Kia Sonet
Kia cars is currently planning to introduce the facelifted Sonet in India by early 2024. The compact SUV will get a refreshed exterior with new vertical LED headlights and DRLs, different alloy wheels, angular LED tail lights with connected lightbar, and redesigned bumpers. Moving inside, the new Kia Sonet Facelift will get new features like a fully digital instrument cluster, updated climate control switchgear, and a rear centre armrest. It will also get a new brown upholstery colour.
While Kia is yet to confirm, the latest reports suggest that the Sonet facelift will be offered with a new CNG variant alongside the diesel and petrol options. The new Kia Sonet CNG model is expected to use the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated motor that will be mated to a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox.
Expect the Sonet CNG variants to be priced at about Rs 1 lakh more than its petrol counterparts.
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Hyundai Alcazar
The Alcazar has been a strong seller for Hyundai since its launch in 2021. It is slated for a mid-life update soon which will bring mild styling changes like updated LED headlights and taillights, a new grille, and redesigned bumpers. The SUV is also slated to get new features like ADAS tech and a new digital instrument cluster.
Hyundai cars is also planning to add a new CNG powertrain option in the updated Alcazar. Like other Hyundai models, the CNG tank will be positioned in the booth and will get a separate fuel cap as well. The Alcazar CNG could come provided with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine making slightly less peak power figures than its petrol counterpart. It will be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai Alcazar CNG is expected to launch by the first quarter of 2024. It will be priced around Rs 1 lakh above the petrol variants, which currently range between Rs 16.77 lakh (ex-showroom) - and Rs 20.64 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Nexon
Tata Motors recently introduced the Nexon facelift. It got a raft of changes like a sharper front end with vertical headlights and LED DRLs, new alloy wheels, and a full-width LED light bar at the rear. The SUV also received an update to the interior with a larger infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, Haptic Touch panel for climate controls, and a new two-spoke steering wheel.
Currently, the Nexon is available with the option of either a turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel motor. Now, Tata is planning to introduce the Nexon CNG in the country. A recently leaked video has revealed a CNG meter showing up on the digital instrument cluster. Tata already offers multiple CNG models, and its twin-cylinder tech also helps in freeing up valuable boot space. While it is yet to be confirmed, the Nexon CNG may use a 1.2-litre turbocharged motor, similar to the turbo-petrol variant but will make different peak power figures. It will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Upon its expected launch in mid-2024, the Nexon CNG could quickly become one of the best-selling variants of the SUV, even though it will likely cost around Rs 1 lakh more than the equivalent petrol variant.
Hyundai i20
Hyundai recently gave the i20 a mid-life facelift. Changes to the exterior include inverted LED DRLs, a parametric grille, and updated bumpers with silver skid plates. Inside, the hatchback gets a new beige and black interior theme and a USB-C fast charging port.
The i20 is currently offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, with the 1-litre turbo-petrol now exclusive to the N-Line model. However, Hyundai could soon add a new CNG powertrain option on the updated i20. It will use the same 1.2-litre unit as the regular i20 but will make different peak power and torque figures. The CNG variant will likely be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission, with an automatic option also on cards.
Expect the Hyundai i20 CNG to be introduced sometime by mid-2024. In terms of pricing, it will cost about Rs 1 lakh - Rs 1.2 lakh more than the equivalent petrol model.
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