SUZUKI FAN

Maruti Suzuki Launched five new models with CNG option

As it battles rising competition, Maruti Suzuki drove in five new models with CNG option, including its best-seller Alto. The company will offer factory-fitted CNG cars, and the models are priced at a premium of about Rs 50,000 to the petrol-only version. Maruti’s market share slipped below 50% after the launch of compacts from Ford, Volkswagen and GM.

Apart from the Alto LXi (Rs 3.23 lakh), other models to sport CNG option are Estilo LXi (Rs 4.05 lakh) and WagonR LXi (Rs 4.11 lakh), Eeco 5-seater multipurpose (Rs 3.64 lakh) and SX4 VXi sedan (Rs 7.47 lakh).

The CNG variants are priced approximately Rs 50,000 to Rs 90,000 more than their non CNG versions, but it is the first time that the kits are being fitted at the factory. The advantages of a factory fitment are they are safer, covered under warranty and suffer minimal power loss.

“CNG offers lower running cost of up to 60 per cent while it ensures lower import of oil and also lower emission levels,”  said Shinzo Nakanishi, managing director and CEO, MSIL.

Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology dubbed ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ technology’ or i-GPI. This technology will be implemented on five models.

The technology is a dual engine control unit that delivers gas to the engine to ensure improved and consistent performance under a variety of driving conditions. The quantity of compressed natural gas required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated unit which offers more efficient fuel usage.

It also means there is more power when compared to retrofitted compressed natural gas vehicles and there is a peppier ride more reminiscent of a petrol engine.
Each vehicle has passed quality checks and customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits, including an extended warranty.
The Government of India has committed to developing a network of compressed natural gas stations across the country in an effort to reduce the reliance on foreign fossil fuels.

Currently there are 9.4 lakh CNG cars in the country with around 600 outlets, where as other countries such as Pakistan has over 3,000 filling stations and around 50 per cent of all vehicles are run on CNG.

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