Maruti has added an AMT option to the CNG-powered Baleno, priced from Rs 8.32 lakh (ex-showroom). The new powertrain is available in the Delta and Zeta trims, just like the existing CNG-manual configuration. It uses the same 70hp, 1.2-litre engine but offers slightly higher claimed fuel efficiency than the CNG-MT version.
- Offers a claimed fuel efficiency of 34.47km per kg
- CNG tank is placed inside the boot; continues to offer a spare wheel
Maruti Baleno CNG-AMT powertrain: More details
New CNG-AMT is more fuel-efficient than the CNG-MT powertrain
The Maruti Baleno’s new CNG-AMT powertrain uses the Z12E 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). It produces 70hp and 102Nm, the same output as the petrol-MT configuration. The CNG-AMT has a claimed fuel efficiency of 34.47km per kg, which is 0.86kpl higher than the CNG-MT version.
No underbody CNG tank; CNG tank and spare wheel placed inside the boot
However, Maruti has not equipped the Baleno with the underbody CNG tank that debuted with the Victoris last year and was recently spotted in a Wagon R facelift test mule. Instead, the CNG tank is housed inside the boot, along with the spare wheel, leaving negligible boot space in the premium hatchback. In its segment, the Tata Altroz is the only other car to offer a CNG-AMT powertrain. It uses twin CNG cylinders housed in the boot, leaving 210 litres of luggage space.
Everything else on the Baleno CNG-AMT, including a retuned suspension from the petrol version, is the same as the CNG-MT variants.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
