Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG launched at Rs 12.85 lakh

Maruti Suzuki has announced prices for the Grand Vitara CNG, which is available in mid-spec Delta and Zeta trims. Prices for the Grand Vitara CNG start at Rs 12.85 lakh for the Delta, while the Zeta costs Rs 14.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). With the introduction of the CNG powertrain, the Grand Vitara becomes the first SUV in its segment to offer a factory-fitted CNG kit.

1. Grand Vitara CNG gets 88hp, 1.5-litre engine 
2. Prices for Grand Vitara CNG start from Rs 12.85 lakh
3. Toyota Hyryder CNG launch expected soon

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG: powertrain, efficiency

The Maruti Grand Vitara CNG comes with a 1.5-litre K15 engine that produces 88hp and 121.5Nm of torque in CNG-spec. In petrol-only mode, this engine produces 103hp and 136Nm of torque, which means it delivers 13hp and 14.5Nm less than the petrol variant; the same engine is also offered on the Ertiga and XL6 MPVs. The sole gearbox on offer on the Grand Vitara CNG is a 5-speed manual.

The Grand Vitara has a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.6km/kg in CNG mode. To put things into perspective, the Baleno CNG delivers 30.61km/kg.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG: features

In its Zeta trim, the Grand Vitara CNG comes quite well equipped and packs features like full-LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 9.0-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car tech, engine start/stop button, four airbags, and a reversing camera with parking sensors. Apart from a CNG badge on the exterior, there are no cosmetic changes on the SUV. 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG: pricing, rivals and subscription

The equivalent mild-hybrid petrol variants of the Grand Vitara costs Rs 11.90 lakh (Delta) and Rs 13.89 lakh (Zeta), which means the CNG variants are more expensive by Rs 95,000. Maruti Suzuki says, the Grand Vitara CNG can also be had via a monthly subscription, which starts at Rs 30,723.

As mentioned above, there are currently no direct rivals to the Grand Vitara CNG in the Indian market. However, Toyota is gearing up to introduce a CNG-powered version of the Hyryder SUV soon, bookings of which are already underway.