Electric power is currently the most promising alternative to traditional ICE engines. It is often dubbed as being the ultimate option in future green mobility. But given the current infrastructure of electric mobility in India, EVs becoming mainstream still has a long way to go. Thus, the next best possible alternative fuel is CNGs. They offer both convenience and eco-friendly-ness. Further helping CNG’s cause is the ever-rising fuel prices of both petrol and diesel. Thus, factoring in all the cases, CNG is increasingly becoming popular and a much more viable option for many.
Maruti Suzuki is the leader in the Indian four-wheeler passenger segment and pretty much understands this demand for CNG. Thus, the company has come up with two new CNG variants namely, Baleno CNG and XL6 CNG.
With the addition of XL6, it becomes the first premium MPV to get a CNG option. XL6, both will come with factory-fitted S-CNG equipment. The S-CNG vehicles come with dual inter-dependent Electronic Control Units (ECU) along with an Intelligent Injection System. This provides an air-fuel ratio that ensures superior performance and fuel efficiency. The S-CNG system also offers enhanced safety with the use of stainless steel pipes and joints. This aids in avoiding corrosion and leakage in the entire CNG structure
XL6 CNG will carry forward the same 1.5L K15C engine with DualJet and Dual VVT technology that also powers Ertiga. The motor makes 87.83 PS of power at 5,500 RPM and 121 Nm of torque at 4,200 RPM in the CNG mode. This engine gets either a 5-speed or the new 6-speed AT with paddle shifters. Thus with the CNG, the figures are down from 100.61 PS and 136 Nm for the petrol mode. XL6 CNG is available in a single trim which is the Zeta with the manual gearbox. This comes with a sticker price of INR 12,24,000 (ex-showroom).
Currently, the company offers factory-fitted CNG variants with other models as well. This includes Swift, WagonR, Dzire, Alto 800, Alto K10, Ertiga, Celerio, Eeco, and S-Presso. Branded under the name S-CNG tech, this is the largest CNG portfolio currently offered in the country. Maruti is also planning to launch the Brezza CNG, as we reported a few days back.
Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG coming soon, specs leak.