Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is proving to be a viable fuel option for many consumers in India off late. While It helps save on running costs of a vehicle considerably, CNG vehicles also play a part in reducing air pollution. That is why some of India’s leading car makers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors have been bullish about introducing an expanded range of CNG cars in the market. After launching the CNG versions of Tiago and Tigor, the homegrown auto maker has recently launched the AltroziCNG, a car which has many firsts to its credit.
Design & feature
The AltroziCNG comes equipped with advance features such as Voice-assisted Electric Sunroof, Wireless charger and Air purifier. It is also equipped with projector headlamps, LED DRLs, R16 diamond cut alloy wheels, an 8-speaker touchscreen infotainment system by Harman which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity, premium leatherette seats, fully automatic climate control, rear AC vents and height adjustable driver seat.
A big highlight on the car is that it is equipped with India’s first twin-cylinder CNG technology which ensures a much bigger boot space when compared to other CNG cars which get a single, large fuel tank and therefore negligible luggage space.
Tata Motors says the car comes with an Industry first advanced Single ECU which ensures effortless and jerk free shifting between petrol and CNG modes. The car also gets a direct start feature in CNG mode which eliminates the hassle of switching modes which is an added advantage.
Safety
The Altroz portfolio is built on company’s ALFA (Agile, Light, Flexible and Advanced) Architecture platform which has received the 5-Star Global adult safety rating from NCAP. Tata Motors says the use of ultra-high strength steel and reinforced body structure provides rigidity to the car and makes it robust. The hatchback also has a micro-switch to keep the it switched off at the time of refuelling while the thermal incident protection cuts off CNG supply to the engine and releases gas into the atmosphere as a measure of safety. The tanks come with a 6 point mounting system which provides additional rear crash safety.
Engine
The AltroziCNG runs on the same 1.2 liter Revotron Petrol Engine used in the Petrol version of the car. With CNG tech it makes 73.5 PS @6,000 rpm and torque of 103 Nm @ 3500 rpm. Tata says the smart placement of the twin cylinders lowers the centre of gravity that ensures more planted drives on the car.
Variants and Prices
The AltroziCNG is offered across six variants, XE, XM+, XM+(S), XZ, XZ+(S) and XZ+O(S). Prices for these variants range between Rs. 7.55 lakh to 10.03 lakh, ex-showroom.
It is available in four colour options-Opera Blue, Downtown Red, Arcade Grey and Avenue White. The company is offering a standard warranty of 3 years or 100000 km on the car whichever is earlier. The car’s main rival in the market is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG which is priced between Rs 8.35 lakh and Rs 9.28 lakh, ex-showroom.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.