Best CNG Cars in India – the eco-friendly guide

As fuel prices continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Indian consumers. These eco-friendly cars offer a perfect blend of cost-effectiveness and reduced emissions, making them an attractive option for both urban commuters and families. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best CNG cars in India, catering to various budgets and needs.

Why Choose CNG?

The automotive landscape in India is evolving rapidly, with CNG vehicles emerging as a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers. As we delve into the world of the best CNG cars in India, it’s important to understand why these vehicles are gaining such traction in the market.

CNG cars offer numerous advantages, starting with cost-effectiveness. CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, providing substantial savings for frequent drivers. This makes CNG an attractive option for those looking to reduce their fuel expenses without compromising on performance. Additionally, CNG vehicles produce fewer harmful emissions, contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint. This environmental benefit aligns with the growing global focus on sustainable transportation solutions.

The Indian government has been actively promoting the use of cleaner fuels, including CNG. This support often translates into incentives and policies that favor CNG vehicle owners, making them an even more attractive option for potential buyers. Furthermore, the technology behind CNG vehicles has improved significantly in recent years. Modern CNG cars incorporate advanced systems that ensure optimal performance, smooth driving experience, and enhanced safety features, addressing many of the concerns associated with earlier CNG models.

As the demand for CNG vehicles grows, there has been a significant expansion of CNG refueling stations across major cities in India. This improved infrastructure makes owning and maintaining a CNG car more convenient than ever before, further boosting their appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Top 13 CNG Cars for Indian Roads and Drivers

Now, let’s dive into our comprehensive list of the best CNG cars in India. This selection includes a range of options from budget-friendly hatchbacks to spacious family vehicles, catering to various needs and preferences.

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 CNG

Price: Starting at ₹5.74 lakh
Mileage: Up to 33.85 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 stands out as one of the best CNG cars in India under 10 lakhs. This compact hatchback is perfect for first-time buyers and urban commuters. Equipped with a 998cc engine delivering 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque, the Alto K10 CNG offers an impressive balance of performance and efficiency. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for navigating through congested city streets, while its impressive mileage ensures low running costs. The Alto K10 CNG comes with essential safety features and comfortable seating for five passengers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for reliability and efficiency.

Tata Punch CNG

Price: ₹6.13 – ₹10.20 lakh
Mileage: Around 25 km/kg

The Tata Punch CNG combines style with substance, making it a popular choice among compact SUV enthusiasts. As one of the best CNG cars in India under 10 lakhs, it offers a unique blend of rugged design and eco-friendly performance. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 86 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, the Punch CNG delivers spirited performance on urban roads. Its spacious interior comfortably seats five passengers, while features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and multiple airbags enhance comfort and safety. The Punch’s high ground clearance and sturdy build make it capable of handling diverse Indian road conditions, appealing to those seeking a versatile and efficient compact SUV.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG

Price: ₹6.44 – ₹8.50 lakh
Mileage: Up to 34.05 km/kg

A well-established name in the Indian hatchback segment, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG is known for its practicality and spacious interior. It’s consistently ranked among the top 10 CNG cars in India due to its reliability and efficiency. The 1.0-litre engine produces 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque, offering a good balance of power and economy. The Wagon R’s tall-boy design provides ample headroom and a commanding view of the road, while the spacious interior can comfortably accommodate five passengers. With its impressive mileage of up to 34.05 km/kg, it’s one of the best mileage CNG cars in India, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and family use.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG

Price: Starting at ₹6.74 lakh
Mileage: Up to 30 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG is a compact hatchback that has gained popularity for its fuel efficiency and practicality. It offers a cost-effective solution for urban commuting without compromising on features or comfort. The 1.0-litre engine delivers 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque, providing adequate power for city driving. With its impressive mileage of up to 30 km/kg, the Celerio CNG is one of the most economical options in its class. The spacious cabin accommodates five passengers comfortably, while features like a touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control enhance the overall driving experience.

Hyundai Exter CNG

Price: ₹8.43 – ₹9.16 lakh
Mileage: 27.1 km/kg

The Hyundai Exter CNG is an appealing option in the compact SUV segment, combining practicality with efficiency. It offers a fresh design and a feature-rich package that appeals to young urban buyers. The 1.2-litre engine produces 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm of torque, ensuring a responsive driving experience. With a spacious interior and a boot capacity of 391 liters, the Exter CNG is well-suited for both daily commutes and family outings. Its SUV-inspired design and high ground clearance make it suitable for both city driving and occasional off-road adventures, while the efficient CNG system ensures low running costs.

Tata Tiago CNG

Price: Starting at ₹6 lakh
Mileage: Approximately 26.49 km/kg

The Tata Tiago CNG offers a good balance of performance and efficiency, making it one of the best CNG cars in India under 10 lakhs. It combines Tata’s robust build quality with the economic benefits of CNG. The 1.2-litre engine produces 73 bhp and 95 Nm of torque in CNG mode, delivering adequate performance for city driving. The Tiago CNG impresses with its build quality and safety features, which are often a notch above its competitors. While the CNG tank does reduce boot space, the overall package remains practical for daily use, offering a good combination of style, features, and efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG

Price: ₹5.92 – ₹6.12 lakh
Mileage: About 31 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG is one of the most affordable options in the CNG car segment, making it an excellent CNG car low price choice. Its unique design and compact dimensions make it stand out in the crowded hatchback market. The 998cc engine generates 56 bhp and 78 Nm of torque in CNG mode, suitable for city driving. The S-Presso CNG’s high fuel efficiency of about 31 km/kg makes it one of the best mileage CNG cars in India. Its compact size is perfect for city driving, while the high seating position provides a commanding view of the road, appealing to those seeking an affordable and efficient urban runabout.

Maruti Suzuki Eeco CNG

Price: ₹6.37 – ₹6.79 lakh
Mileage: 20.88 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco CNG is a versatile and economical choice for both personal and commercial use. Its van-like design offers unparalleled space in its segment, making it one of the most practical CNG vehicles available. The 1.2-litre engine produces 63 bhp and 85 Nm of torque, making it suitable for urban driving and small-scale commercial tasks. The spacious interior can accommodate up to seven passengers or provide ample cargo space, making it ideal for large families or small businesses. While it may lack some modern amenities, its practicality and low running costs make it an attractive option for those prioritizing space and economy.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG

Price: ₹8.69 – ₹13.03 lakh
Mileage: Around 26.08 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG stands out as one of the best 7 seater CNG cars in India. It offers a perfect blend of space, comfort, and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for large families. The 1.5-litre engine delivers 103 bhp and 138 Nm of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The Ertiga CNG’s impressive mileage of 26.08 km/kg makes it one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in the market. Its spacious interior and comfortable ride quality make it perfect for long family trips, while the flexible seating arrangements add to its versatility.

Toyota Innova Hycross

Price: Starting at ₹20 lakh
Mileage: Approximately 23 km/kg

While on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Toyota Innova Hycross offers a luxurious ride with ample space, making it one of the premium 7 seater CNG cars in India. It combines Toyota’s renowned build quality with advanced hybrid technology. The 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with a hybrid system delivers 186 bhp, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. The Innova Hycross stands out with its powerful hybrid powertrain and premium features like a panoramic sunroof and advanced driver assistance systems. While it’s more expensive than other CNG options, it provides a level of luxury and features that are unmatched in the segment.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG

Price: ₹11.29 – ₹14.55 lakh
Mileage: Around 26.32 km/kg

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG is an excellent choice for those seeking a premium MPV with the benefits of CNG. It offers a more upscale experience compared to the Ertiga while retaining the practicality of a 7-seater. The 1.5-litre K-Series engine produces 86.6 bhp and 121.5 Nm of torque in CNG mode, delivering a good balance of power and efficiency. The XL6 CNG impresses with its fuel efficiency and premium features, including captain seats in the second row for enhanced comfort. Its impressive mileage of 26.32 km/kg ensures low running costs despite its size, making it an attractive option for those seeking a premium CNG vehicle.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG

Price: ₹7.60 – ₹8.46 lakh
Mileage: Approximately 28.5 km/kg

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG is a stylish and feature-rich hatchback that offers excellent value for money. It’s one of the best CNG cars in India under 10 lakhs, combining Hyundai’s modern design language with efficient CNG technology. The 1.2-litre engine produces 68 bhp and 95.2 Nm of torque in CNG mode, providing a good balance of performance and efficiency. The Grand i10 Nios CNG stands out with its contemporary design and feature-loaded interior, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and wireless phone charging. Its impressive mileage of 28.5 km/kg places it among the best mileage CNG cars in India.

Honda Amaze CNG

Price: ₹8.56 – ₹9.86 lakh
Mileage: Around 26.8 km/kg

The Honda Amaze CNG brings Honda’s renowned build quality and reliability to the CNG segment. It’s one of the few compact sedans available with a factory-fitted CNG kit, making it an attractive option for those preferring a sedan body style. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine produces 77 bhp and 98 Nm of torque in CNG mode, offering a refined driving experience. The Amaze CNG features a spacious cabin with ample legroom and a large boot space even with the CNG kit installed. Its combination of comfort, efficiency, and Honda’s reputation for reliability makes it a compelling choice in the CNG car market.

Conclusion

The CNG car market in India has evolved significantly, offering a wide range of options to suit various needs and budgets. From the best CNG cars in India under 10 lakhs to more premium offerings, there’s a CNG vehicle for every type of buyer. These eco-friendly cars not only help reduce fuel expenses but also contribute to a cleaner environment.

As we’ve seen in our list of top 10 CNG cars in India (which we’ve expanded to 13 for more options), manufacturers are continuously improving CNG technology to offer better performance, safety, and features. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option like the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 CNG or a more luxurious ride like the Toyota Innova Hycross, there’s a CNG car that fits your requirements.

For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, models like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG stand out as some of the best mileage CNG cars in India. Families needing more space can consider 7 seater CNG cars in India like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG or the premium Maruti Suzuki XL6 CNG.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more advanced and efficient CNG models in the future. With the Indian government’s push towards cleaner fuels and the expansion of CNG infrastructure across the country, CNG cars are poised to play a significant role in India’s automotive landscape for years to come.

Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, an eco-conscious consumer, or simply looking to reduce your fuel expenses, CNG cars offer a compelling alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. By choosing one of the best CNG cars in India, you’re not only making a smart financial decision but also contributing to a cleaner, greener future for our country.