If you are looking for a CNG SUV, there is currently no dearth of options in the market. CNG has made its way into sub-compact SUVs to even midsize SUVs, spanning a wide price band to suit different customer needs. Here, we have listed the five best compact CNG SUVs you can buy within a budget of Rs 12 lakh.
1. Maruti Brezza CNG
Price: Rs 9.17 lakh-Rs 11.46 lakh, Autocar rating: 8/10
If you are looking for a practical, no-nonsense, efficient CNG SUV, it’s hard to beat the Maruti Brezza. It not only impresses with its 22.95km/kg efficiency figure from the 88hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, but it also has a spacious interior and good ride quality. CNG variants are also decently equipped, as only the top ZXi+ trim is not offered with the factory-fitted CNG kit. Moreover, Maruti’s low maintenance cost and peace of mind will appeal to many buyers. A single large CNG tank, however, limits boot space.
2. Tata Nexon CNG
Price: Rs 8.30 lakh-Rs 13.22 lakh, Autocar rating: 8/10
The Nexon CNG is the only CNG vehicle in the country to offer a turbocharged engine. It produces 100hp from its 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit, the highest of any CNG SUV, and that means performance is quite good by CNG standards. On the flip side, at 18.55km/kg, its efficiency is quite poor, which is of utmost importance to CNG buyers. That said, the Nexon CNG is available across a wide price range, and top trims are particularly well-equipped. It also gets twin CNG tanks, a setup that helps maximise boot space.
3. Hyundai Exter CNG
Price: Rs 7 lakh-Rs 9.41 lakh, Autocar rating: 8/10
The Exter CNG stands out for its refined powertrain and good driveability. The 69hp 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine is quiet and eager to rev, and its overall smoothness is hard to ignore. It’s the most efficient CNG SUV on this list, returning 26.55km/kg, and the compact size is ideal for the city. The Exter also gets twin CNG tanks that do not massively impede boot space, and top variants offer a good mix of features, too. However, out on the highway, it doesn’t feel composed, as there’s noticeable vertical movement over undulations.
4. Tata Punch CNG
Price: Rs 6.75 lakh-Rs 10.60 lakh, Autocar rating: 8/10
The Punch CNG has the distinction of being the only CNG SUV offered with an automatic AMT gearbox, which greatly improves convenience. It’s ideal as a city car thanks to its compact size and good efficiency of 25.85km/kg, but out on the highway, performance from the 73hp 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine feels quite sluggish in CNG mode. Like the Nexon CNG, the Punch CNG is available in a broad spread of trims, including well-equipped top ones, and the twin CNG tank layout allows for a usable boot.
5. Maruti Fronx CNG/Toyota Taisor CNG
Price: Fronx: Rs 7.79 lakh-Rs 8.59 lakh, Taisor: Rs 8.24 lakh, Autocar rating: 8/10
Both the Fronx CNG and the Taisor CNG use a 77hp 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine, which offers a good mix of efficiency and performance. Both cars are spacious and comfortable, and you can’t go wrong with either Maruti or Toyota’s after-sales services and ownership experience. However, on both cars, the CNG kit is only available on lower trims, so features are quite limited, and as with the Brezza, one large CNG tank eats into the boot space.