These popular cars are set to launch in CNG variant this year

Fuel prices in India are at an all-time high, with petrol exceeding 100 rupees per litre in some states and diesel exceeding 85 rupees per litre in others. This puts a strain on people's monthly budgets, persuading
them to seek out less expensive modes of transportation, even if it means less speed.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still wary of taking public transit and are opting for lower-cost vehicles.

Many people would say, why not shift to electric vehicles? Well, as compared to CNG, they are better options. To know this better personally, we asked Harish Kumar, A businessman in Delhi, 55, who says,
" I cannot spend over 15 lakhs on a car, in India EV cars are very expensive compared to CNG cars. It takes more than a 2-hour drive to reach my office and CNG cars seem a good and cost-effective option to
me. The increasing prices of diesel and petro are getting out of hand for the middle-class".

Several automakers plan to release CNG versions of their best-selling models. Here are some of the most important details about the upcoming CNG cars, expected to arrive by the end of the year.

MARUTI BREZZA CNG

In the coming months, the Indo-Japanese automaker will unveil the second-generation Maruti Brezza. Along with the stronger hybrid technology, the compact SUV will receive extensive changes both inside
and out. According to updates, the Maruti Brezza CNG will be available by April 2022. The 1.5L K15B petrol engine and a factory-installed CNG kit will be standard on the model. While the 2022 Maruti Brezza CNG's power and torque outputs will be slightly lower than the petrol version, it will have high mileage.

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MARUTI SWIFT & DZIRE CNG

The factory-fitted CNG kit will be available soon for Maruti Suzuki's top-selling Swift hatchback and Dzire compact sedan. A 1.2L Dualjet K12C petrol engine and a CNG kit will be standard on both models. It will
have a maximum power of 70bhp and a torque of 95Nm. It's worth noting that a regular gasoline engine can produce 81bhp and 113Nm. There will be no other changes to the upcoming CNG variants.

TOYOTA INNOVA CRYSTA CNG

According to reports, Toyota Kirloskar Motor will release a CNG version of the Innova Crysta MPV in the coming months. The upcoming Toyota Innova Crysta CNG costs around Rs 80,000 – Rs 1 lakh more than the standard petrol variant. It will be equipped with a 2.7L 4-cylinder petrol engine and a CNG kit. The CNG variants' power and torque figures will be slightly lower than the gasoline unit's 166PS and 245Nm. It will
only be available with a manual transmission.

TATA PUNCH CNG

Tata Motors is developing a CNG version of the Punch mini SUV, recently launched. It's expected to hit the streets in 2022. A 1.2L petrol engine and a CNG kit will power the Tata Punch CNG. While the former has 85 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, the CNG is expected to be slightly less powerful. It will most likely only be available with a manual transmission.

MARUTI BALENO CNG

According to reports, the Indo-Japanese automaker will offer CNG versions of its Nexa models, including the premium Baleno hatchback. The Maruti Baleno CNG 2022 could debut with its updated model, expected to arrive next month (February). The new variant will come with a CNG kit and an 89bhp 1.2L Dualjet petrol engine.

HYUNDAI VENUE CNG

According to the South Korean automaker, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG and Aura CNG variants are highly demanded. Given the current trend, the company intends to introduce more CNG models. While no official announcement has been made, the Hyundai Venue CNG will arrive shortly. The compact SUV is currently available with 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol, and 1.5L turbo diesel engines.