Introduction
When you're in the market for a premium hatchback in India and have a preference for CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) as a fuel option, there are several attractive choices available for less than Rs. 10 lakh. In this article, we'll delve into the top premium hatchbacks that offer a balance of luxury and affordability with their CNG powertrains. These cars include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, and Tata Altroz.
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Feature-Rich and Affordable Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Baleno CNG in October 2022, offering two distinct variants - Delta and Zeta. These variants come at a competitive price point, with the Delta priced at approximately Rs. 8.34 lakh and the Zeta variant at around Rs. 9.27 lakh (ex-showroom). The Baleno CNG is impressively equipped with features such as a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless mobile connectivity, a colorful TFT display in the instrument cluster, LED projector headlamps, a rearview camera complete with parking sensors, and the convenience of USB Type A and Type C ports.
Baleno's Power and Efficiency Under the hood, the Baleno CNG houses a 1.2-liter petrol engine. When in petrol mode, this engine delivers a robust 89 horsepower and a torque of 113 Newton meters. The transition to CNG mode results in a slight reduction in power, producing 76 horsepower and 98.5 Newton meters of torque. Notably, the Baleno CNG stands out with its impressive fuel efficiency, offering a mileage of approximately 30.61 kilometers per kilogram of CNG.
2. Toyota Glanza
Closely Aligned with the Baleno The Toyota Glanza CNG closely resembles the Baleno CNG, as both are a result of the collaboration between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. The Glanza CNG comes in two variants, the S and G, and shares key design and mechanical elements with the Baleno. It features a 55-liter CNG tank, and like its counterpart, it delivers commendable fuel efficiency in CNG mode, estimated at around 30.61 kilometers per kilogram.
3. Tata Altroz
Innovative Design and Multiple Variants Tata Motors recently introduced the Altroz CNG, showcasing innovative twin-cylinder technology that positions the CNG tanks beneath the trunk. This design innovation liberates an additional 210 liters of boot space, making it incredibly practical. The Altroz CNG offers a range of six variants, including XE, XM+, XM+ (S), XZ, XZ+ (S), and XZ+ O (S). Except for the top-of-the-line XZ+ O (S) variant, all other variants fall comfortably under the Rs. 10 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
Altroz's Performance and Efficiency The Altroz CNG is powered by Tata's 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine. In CNG mode, it produces 72 horsepower and 103 Newton-meters of torque, while in petrol mode, it delivers 88 horsepower and 115 Newton-meters of torque. This versatile engine is known for its fuel efficiency, with an ARAI-certified claimed mileage of 26.2 kilometers per kilogram of CNG. Additionally, it comes equipped with a substantial 60-liter CNG tank, ensuring a balance of power and eco-friendliness on the road.