CNG cars in India (27)
Cars that run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) have been well-received in India, primarily because CNG fuel is cheaper than either petrol or diesel. CNG cars have separate tanks for storing CNG and petrol, while also featuring dedicated fuel lines, fuel injectors and an upgraded ECU (engine control unit) over regular petrol-only systems. Popular brands that sell CNG cars in India include Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Toyota, Renault and Hyundai.
















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CNG Cars - FAQs
CNG models come with separate fuel lines, fuel injectors and an upgraded engine control unit over regular petrol-only systems. They also need heavy-duty tanks specially designed to store the gas, plus various built-in measures like cut-off valves and leak sensors to enhance overall safety. All of these add to the cost, making CNG cars more expensive.
Compressed natural gas burns cleaner and more completely than regular petrol or diesel, making it more environmentally friendly. Cars running on CNG emit less carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter into the atmosphere. And because CNG's higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratio allow it to combust more thoroughly, there's less fuel wastage as well.
As long as your CNG car has been approved by governing agencies and the manufacturers of the vehicle and fuel system, there are no serious safety risks. However, since CNG is a flammable gas, avoid being near sources of flame during refuelling or if there's a suspected leak.
If the setup call for a single large tank or smaller dual tanks in the boot, then you'll have to deal with lower cargo capacity. On the other hand, some CNG cars have their tanks mounted under the boot floor, which leaves more room to store luggage. While this setup is more practical, it usually leaves no room to store a spare tyre.
Trending Questions on Cars - Answered by Autocar Experts
My requirement is a 6-7 seater vehicle. For low maintenance cost, I can go with either CNG or diesel car as my monthly running is 1000 km and occasionally it can be as high as 2000-3000 km monthly. I am from Pune and my frequent outstation routes will be Mumbai, Kolhapur, Latur and Kokan area (ghat sections). Also, since I can rent it out as self driving car and I will own upto 7-10 years. I have owned Alto, Wagon R, SX4, EON and i20 active disel. I have mentioned vehicles so that you can understand my driving and owning experience.
Given your requirements, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG is the most sensible recommendation. Your monthly running of around 1,000 km, with occasional spikes, does not justify a diesel, especially with the higher purchase cost and maintenance associated with modern diesel engines. The Ertiga CNG strikes the right balance between low running costs, reliability and practicality. It is a proven 7-seater with a comfortable ride, good service network and low maintenance costs, which is important given your plan to keep the car for 7-10 years. The CNG system is factory-fitted and well-integrated, making it a far better option than any aftermarket CNG installation. The only drawback is the reduced boot space with the CNG tank, but for your usage pattern and occasional rental plans, the overall cost savings outweigh this limitation. If you need more space and comfort, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG is a good alternative, offering a more premium cabin and captain seats in the middle row making it a strict 6-seater, but the Ertiga remains the more value-driven choice. Alternatively, there is also the Toyota Rumion, which is Toyota's version of the Ertiga so if there is a lower waiting time, you can check out the Rumion too.
I (55M) need a family car for long-term ownership of 10+ years. My current monthly running is 1,500-2,000km. We are a family of four with two dogs, but we will rarely travel together. My budget is Rs 10-13 lakh on-road. My priorities are low running costs and comfort. I was mostly looking at the new Brezza CNG and Nexon CNG, but I am open to diesel as well.
With a monthly running of 1,500-2,000km and a 10+ year ownership horizon, diesel might sound like a good idea, but at your budget, there aren't many options. What you will get will only be base model cars with few creature comforts. In that respect, CNG is a better VFM option as you can get mid- to high-spec variants of cars. Plus, diesel requires the added maintenance of a DPF and the cost of AdBlue top-ups, as well as more maintenance costs over time. That said, there are also compromises of CNG ownership, such as lower power and torque, and the inconvenience of refuelling.The Maruti Brezza CNG ZXi would be the best choice, as it has an efficient yet powerful enough engine, a CNG tank located under the floor, and plenty of features within your budget. The Nexon CNG would be the next best bet, offering more power and similar underfloor CNG tanks, but it is not as efficient and is more expensive, spec-for-spec.
Hi Team, I have a 2021 Kia Seltos HTK iMT and am planning to install an aftermarket CNG kit due to my increased running. Could you please confirm whether the iMT gearbox works well with an aftermarket CNG setup? The car has currently run 8,000 km.
We would strongly advise against installing an aftermarket CNG kit on your Kia Seltos HTK iMT. This Kia car uses a direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, which isn't well suited to aftermarket CNG conversions. The iMT gearbox adds another layer of complexity, as the system relies on precise engine and clutch control, and CNG conversions could affect drivability and calibration. More importantly, Kia does not offer a factory CNG option on the Seltos, so any conversion would void your warranty and introduce reliability risks. If your running has increased significantly, it would be more sensible to replace your Seltos with a diesel car or consider a factory-fitted CNG car where the engine and fuel system are designed to work together from the factory.
My daily running is 70km. Currently, I own a 2017 Wagon R CNG, which has been driven 170,000km. Although it is in good condition, I still want to upgrade. My budget is around Rs 7-9 lakh on-road in Chandigarh. Please suggest some good cars in this budget as per my usage.
We'd recommend the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta CNG. After covering 1.7 lakh km in your 2017 Wagon R CNG, the Baleno will feel like a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, refinement, ride quality and highway stability, while retaining the low running costs and reliability you've come to appreciate. The proven 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is smooth and refined, and the factory-fitted CNG kit makes it an ideal companion for your daily 70km commute. The Delta variant of this Maruti Suzuki car also strikes an excellent balance between price and features, making it the value-for-money pick in the range.If you'd prefer the higher seating position and SUV styling, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma CNG is a strong alternative. It uses the same dependable 1.2-litre four-cylinder CNG powertrain but offers better ground clearance and a more rugged design. Although it's the base variant, it comes equipped with all the essential features and remains excellent value for money.
Last Updated on: 8 Aug 2026







