Maruti Suzuki Set To Introduce CNG Variants Of Its Sub-4 Metre Models

• This decision comes off the back of Maruti Suzuki increasing production of CNG cars as well as government plans for CNG network expansion.
• The new alternative is expected to help the carmaker stabilise its recent drop in domestic sales and deliver a low running-cost option after ending diesel engine sales.
• The XL6, Ciaz and S-Cross are unlikely to get a CNG variant.

There was a lot of anticipation on what Maruti Suzuki's diesel alternative would be after it announced its plan to stop offering diesel models once BS6 emission norms come into effect in 2020. Now, we have a clearer picture on the alternative as Maruti has announced that it will be introducing CNG variants of all its sub-4 metre models soon.

Currently, eight cars from Maruti’s passenger car portfolio come with a factory-fitted CNG kit - Alto, Alto K10, WagonR, Celerio, Dzire Tour S, Eeco, Super Carry and Ertiga. With Maruti’s recent announcement, even the Swift, Baleno, Ignis, Vitara Brezza as well as the upcoming S-Presso could be in line to get a CNG variant. However, it could also mean that the likes of the S-Cross, Ciaz and XL6 are unlikely to get a CNG variant as they are larger in size and targeted at a different set of buyers. For these cars, Maruti might upgrade its 1.5-litre diesel engine to BS6 emission norms if there is enough customer demand. If not, they will remain petrol-only models. 

This announcement comes off the back of Maruti steadily increasing the production capacity for CNG-powered cars. The carmaker has managed to sell around 5.65 lakh cumulative CNG vehicles till July 31 and over 31,000 CNG vehicles from April to July 2019. According to Maruti, CNG variants account for 30 per cent of sales of each model in the states where the fuel is easily available. 

In the end, the relatively cleaner fuel should help fill the gap left by Maruti’s exit of small diesel engines. This decision gets a further boost by the fact that the government had earlier announced plans to open 10,000 more CNG distribution outlets across the country over the next 10 years which should give customers easier and uncluttered access to the fuel. With the country’s largest automotive manufacturer seeing its monthly domestic sales numbers drop drastically in recent months, the introduction of more CNG models and the expansion of CNG fuel stations seem to be the first measure in stabilising the auto industry.