Maruti Suzuki has expanded its CNG portfolio in India with the introduction of automatic variants for three popular models - Swift, Dzire and Baleno. The new S-CNG versions come with a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), which gives two-pedal option to customers who previously had to choose a manual gearbox with these CNG cars. The new range starts at Rs 7.92 lakh ex-showroom.
These new models are part of Maruti Suzuki’s “Auto Green Mission”— combining the company’s factory-suited S-CNG technology with an automatic transmission. This will broaden the choice for customers who want the running-cost benefits of CNG but also the convenience of an automatic transmission, particularly in congested urban traffic.
Maruti Swift, Dzire, Baleno CNG AMT prices
The Maruti Suzuki Swift S-CNG AMT is the most affordable of all the three new automatic CNG models and comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs 7.92 lakh. The Baleno S-CNG AMT starts at Rs 8.32 lakh and the Dzire S-CNG AMT is Rs 8.53 lakh. These are special introductory festive season prices.
Swift CNG AMT is offered in VXi, VXi (O) and ZXi trims. The Dzire CNG AMT is available in VXi and ZXi trims and the Baleno CNG AMT in Delta and Zeta. This can give buyers a choice of the three models depending on their equipment and budget.
The AMT technology can automatically operate the clutch and change gears and can operate the cars without the use of a clutch pedal. Drivers can also manually select gears. And this system allows for less driving in the day-to-day life but retains the basic features of the work done by an automated manual transmission.
Mileage figures of New Maruti CNG Automatics
Fuel efficiency is still one of the key features of the new CNG-AMT models. The Dzire CNG AMT promises 36.47 km/kg while the Swift CNG AMT has a claimed efficiency of 35.34 km/kg. The Baleno CNG AMT promises 34.47 km/kg.
According to the certification report, all three automatic CNG models are claimed to have higher claimed mileage than the manual CNG versions. The Dzire is the most efficient of the three, with its automatic CNG version rated at 36.47 km/kg compared to 33.73 km/kg for the CNG manual version. Swift is rated at 35.34 km/kg compared to 32.85 km/kg for its manual CNG version, while the Baleno's automatic CNG efficiency is 34.47 km/kg compared to 33.61 km/kg for manual.
Maruti Suzuki has positioned the Dzire CNG AMT as the most fuel-efficient sedan in its segment based on its certified efficiency figure. CNG and AMT could appeal to buyers who spend considerable time driving in stop-and-go city traffic.
Engine And Powertrain Details
The Swift, Dzire and Baleno CNG AMT versions use Maruti Suzuki's 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder engine. The petrol-to-CNG engine produces 82.93 PS and 112.4 Nm of torque. In CNG mode, output is 69.75 PS and 101.8 Nm. The powertrain is connected to a five-speed Auto Gear Shift (AMT) transmission.
The vehicles have the factory-built dual-fuel setup and can operate on petrol and CNG. The S-CNG system also has safety and durability features, as well as stainless steel pipes and joints, wiring, and a mechanism to prevent the vehicle from starting while CNG is being filled.
Maruti's Growing CNG Push
The launch comes as Maruti Suzuki continues to expand its CNG portfolio as demand for vehicles with low running costs rises. S-CNG sales in the first quarter of this year reached 58 per cent year-on-year. It also had its highest monthly CNG sales at 83,000 units in July.
Now that Swift, Dzire and Baleno are available with CNG and automatic transmission, Maruti Suzuki can offer more options for customers who want to be able to choose between fuel efficiency and driving comfort. The new models also expand the company’s already built-in CNG line-up for the hatchback and sedan categories.
CNG-AMT in these three models represents a major expansion of Maruti Suzuki's automatic CNG offerings. For buyers considering a new car for regular city commuting, automated transmission and claimed CNG efficiency will add to the choice of powertrain options alongside petrol and other alternatives.
