5 Upcoming CNG Cars Set To Launch In India
Several new CNG cars are expected in India, with factory-fitted kits, improved space, automatic gearboxes and new powertrains aimed at growing demand.
CNG cars are gaining wider acceptance among private buyers in India as consumers look for lower running costs and alternatives to conventional petrol vehicles. Automakers are also expanding their factory-fitted CNG offerings, with new models expected to feature improved packaging and, in some cases, automatic transmissions.
Several new CNG models are currently being developed or are expected to enter the Indian market. Here are five upcoming CNG cars to watch.
Hyundai Bayon CNG
Hyundai is preparing to introduce the Bayon in India as a new SUV positioned between the Venue and the next-generation Creta. The model is also expected to become Hyundai's first SUV above four metres to offer a factory-fitted CNG powertrain.
The Bayon is expected to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which produces 113bhp and 144Nm in petrol mode. CNG-specific output and mileage figures have not been confirmed yet.
The SUV is expected to launch in India soon, with an estimated price range of around ₹11 lakh to ₹17 lakh. Final specifications and pricing will be announced by Hyundai closer to the launch.
Renault Triber CNG
Renault is working on a CNG version of the Triber, which could address one of the biggest limitations of the existing dealer-fitted CNG setup: reduced luggage space.
The upcoming factory-fitted CNG version is expected to use an underbody tank, potentially allowing the seven-seater to retain more usable boot space. The engine for the CNG version has not been confirmed.
A test vehicle featuring Turbo and CNG markings has led to speculation that Renault could use the Kiger's 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The existing 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is another possibility.
Renault has confirmed that an updated version of the Triber is scheduled to launch in India, although the CNG variant's exact launch timing has not been disclosed.
Toyota Glanza CNG AMT
Toyota could soon introduce a CNG version of the Glanza with an automatic transmission. The development follows Maruti Suzuki introducing a CNG AMT option with the Baleno, which shares its platform and powertrain with the Glanza.
The Glanza CNG is currently available only with a manual gearbox. The upcoming CNG-AMT version is expected to use the same 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 5-speed AMT.
The current Glanza CNG has a claimed efficiency of 30.61km/kg. The efficiency figure for the automatic version has not been confirmed.
The facelifted Glanza is expected to arrive around October, although Toyota has not officially confirmed the launch timing or pricing of the CNG-AMT version.
Kia Sonet CNG
Kia has confirmed plans to expand its factory-fitted CNG portfolio in India. The company has already introduced CNG versions of the Carens and Carens Clavis, and the Sonet could be another model to receive the alternative-fuel option.
The Sonet CNG is expected to use the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a manual transmission. There is also speculation that Kia could offer CNG with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
If the turbo-CNG option is introduced, the Sonet could compete with compact SUVs such as the Tata Nexon iCNG. However, Kia has not yet confirmed the Sonet CNG's specifications or launch timeline.
Skoda Kylaq CNG
Skoda could introduce its first factory-fitted CNG model in India with the Kylaq. The compact SUV is expected to compete with CNG-equipped models such as the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Nexon.
The expected powertrain is the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which produces 114bhp and 178Nm in petrol configuration. The CNG version is likely to have different output figures and could be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Skoda has not officially confirmed the Kylaq CNG, including its specifications or launch date. If introduced, it could arrive by 2027.
Upcoming CNG Cars In India
The expansion of factory-fitted CNG technology is giving buyers more choices beyond traditional petrol and diesel models. Underbody CNG tanks, improved packaging and automatic transmissions could also address some of the limitations associated with earlier CNG cars.
However, launch dates, prices, engine specifications and mileage figures for several models listed above are yet to be officially confirmed. More details are expected as manufacturers announce their upcoming product plans.