CNG cars in India (27)

autocar.india

•6h

Go for a petrol automatic with a torque converter gearbox. Your usage pattern is a mix of short city runs and occasional long highway trips, and at 45 km on weekends plus two 600 km trips, your annual running is not high enough to justify the higher upfront cost and maintenance of a diesel. CNG is also not ideal here, as it compromises boot space and convenience on long highway journeys.Within your Rs 14 lakh on-road budget, the Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic is the best fit. It uses a proper torque converter automatic, which is smooth and reliable in city traffic, and the car itself is well-suited to highway driving with good stability and a strong safety rating. This Mahindra car is also available without a sunroof, which keeps the price in check and aligns with your preference. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point, but with your low running, this should not be a big impact. The XUV 3XO petrol automatic thus strikes a good balance between running costs, comfort and long-term ownership.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

autocar.india

•5h

Go for the Tata Punch CNG. It meets your requirements very well with a good list of safety equipment and a 5-star BNCAP crash test rating. Its dual CNG tank setup also limits boot space intrusion, and thus you get a clear load area free of intrusions. This Tata car is also perfect for the city with its compact dimensions, and it offers good highway stability, which will be handy on your occasional out-of-city trips. Importantly, the CNG range starts below Rs 8 lakh, and there are also many variants below your ceiling of Rs 10 lakh.

Tata Punch

autocar.india

•2d

Go for the Hyundai Exter HX4 CNG. It is the best fit for your requirements as a first-time buyer who is still learning to drive. This Hyundai car is compact, easy to manoeuvre and offers excellent visibility, which will help build your confidence behind the wheel. It also has a slightly higher seating position than a sedan, making it easier to judge the car’s dimensions in traffic and while parking. The CNG option keeps running costs low, and Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The only downside is that, while very smooth, it's not particularly powerful. It will feel more than adequate since your use is primarily in the city.The Tata Nexon Pure CNG is a strong alternative, as it gives you a larger car, more performance for your highway trips and better comfort overall. However, the Exter feels more refined and easier to drive in the city. However, the Pure variant is very barebones on features, not even getting a screen-based infotainment system, which doesn't make you feel like you've got your money's worth. Plus, since your mother only occasionally joins you on your trips, the added space in the rear seat won't be a huge regular benefit. Most crucially, however, the larger and more swoopy Nexon isn't as easy to drive as the Exter for a first-time buyer.

Hyundai Exter

Tata Nexon

autocar.india

•6d

Considering your usage, CNG car would be a better fit. While an electric car will be cheaper to run, the charging network in rural areas is patchy, which will limit your usage. CNG is more readily available where you are and, on longer trips where you don't find a pump, you can still revert to petrol.In your budget, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a solid choice. It comes with a dual-tank setup, so the boot is only slightly smaller than the petrol version. Maruti has also done a good job of tuning the car to run on CNG and its service network is the largest in the country. The downside is that highway performance on CNG will feel a bit dull, requiring a downshift for an overtake.Alternatively, you could continue with a diesel car, as you are already comfortable with that. Running costs will be higher than on CNG, but availability of diesel is not an issue and you avoid the queues at CNG stations. In your budget, the Kia Seltos diesel is the best bet. The manual will be fine for your use, but an automatic is available if you wish. The Creta diesel offers a similar experience, but Hyundai has a wider service network than Kia.Overall, the Victoris CNG makes the most sense for your needs but, if you want a bit more punch on the highway, the Seltos diesel is a good fit.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Hyundai Creta

Kia Seltos

autocar.india

•1w

Go for the Maruti Suzuki Victoris CNG. With your monthly 500km Mumbai-outstation runs, the Victoris CNG is the sensible choice. It is the larger of the two, with a more spacious cabin and a larger boot, which makes a difference on long trips with luggage. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine runs well on CNG, and Maruti's CNG calibration is among the best in the business.The Nexon, with its turbo engine, has a bit more performance for highway overtakes, whereas the Victoris' naturally aspirated engine might need a downshift or two. However, in most scenarios, the Victoris will feel adequate. Overall, the Victoris is the better choice, but test-drive both on the highway to see which you prefer.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Tata Nexon