With skyrocketing fuel prices, more and more customers are turning to CNG vehicles. And Maruti Suzuki is trying its best to seize this opportunity. Earlier this month, we have spotted Maruti Dzire's CNG experimenting model with emission testing equipment. Now, India's most popular hatchback, the Swift, has been spied testing with a CNG powertrain.
Currently, the Maruti Suzuki Swift is only available with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder DualJet petrol engine that puts out 90PS of maximum power at 6,000rpm and 113Nm of peak torque at 4,400rpm. It comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The Indo-Japanese maker claims an ARAI fuel efficiency figure of 23.20 kmpl with Swift's manual variants, whereas the Swift AMT returns 23.76 kmpl. With the introduction of the factory-fitted CNG model, the Maruti Swift will provide a more lucrative & economical option for buyers. It is expected to offer better mileage than the Swift petrol. However, the engine power figures will surely go down to some extent.
As of now, Maruti Suzuki has as many as six CNG models in its portfolio for private customers, including Alto, S-Presso, Eeco, Celerio, WagonR, and Ertiga. While the official details regarding Swift CNG are yet to be revealed, Maruti is expected to follow the same marketing approach as other CNG vechiles in its line-up. That said, the option of a CNG powertrain could be restricted to its lower variants only. For those who aren't aware, Maruti Suzuki Swift is currently available in four trims: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. It is likely to command a premium of around Rs 90,000 over the regular variants.
In the mid-sized hatchback segment, the Maruti Suzuki Swift rivals the likes of Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Ford Figo, of which only the Korean offering is currently being offered with a factory fitted CNG kit. Also, it is the only model in its class that also gets a turbocharged petrol engine choice, along with naturally aspirated petrol & diesel motors. The Ford Figo, on the other hand, comes with both petrol and diesel engines. Recently, Ford has reintroduced the Figo petrol with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission option. Head here for details.
So, if you are also worried about your fuel expenses and find electric vehicles (EV) as a costly affair, you can unquestionably go with CNG vehicles. Click here to find the top 10 most fuel-efficient CNG cars available in the Indian market.
