LPG, CNG cars in India: Quick guide

CNG and LPG cars are indeed very tempting, if you look at the potential cost savings. We bring you a guide to the alternative fuel cars in India

LPG and CNG powered cars are the need of the hour mainly because of ever-increasing petrol and diesel prices and vehicle pollution levels. Emissions coming out of an LPG fueled engine has 10% lesser Co2 content when compared with a petrol engine. Similarly, CNG and LPG-driven vehicles emit lead free, less harmful elements into the atmosphere. Besides, the operational cost of cars driven by LPG and CNG is a mouth watering 30%-70% lesser compared to petrol or diesel. However, due to lack of infrastructure, except for Delhi and Mumbai, others have to adjust with the scarce availability of LPG and CNG and plan beforehand in case they wish to save money by buying LPG/CNG cars.

How much difference?

When compared to a petrol car, the cost of a similar LPG car is roughly Rs. 22,000 more and the cost of similar CNG car is roughly Rs. 55,000 more. However, you can recover the initial amount by running the car more in LPG/CNG than in petrol. Since CNG price is lower than LPG, the time of cost recovery is faster. In either case, it would take at least a year and a half to recover the initial cost.

LPG vs CNG

We are very well aware about LPG’s lower ignition temperature and heavier density. Hence, among the two alternate fuels, LPG kits must be double checked periodically so as to ensure no leakages. Now, since manufactures themselves provide us the LPG kits, we need not worry much. On the other hand, CNG is cleaner than petrol as it lacks lead compounds and is colorless, odorless, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Even in case of leakage in CNG cylinder, unless the leaked gas comes into contact with fire, there is a low possibility of accidents. It must also be noted that the usage of domestic LPG in cars is illegal and must be forbidden because it has a different composition as against Auto Gas and may damage the vehicle parts besides being unsafe.

Performance

Regarding the performance of LPG and CNG in cars, in both the cases, manufacturers themselves have given data regarding the power and torque of their LPG/CNG models which are lower by 1-10 bhp of power and 5-20 Nm of torque than the corresponding power and torque figures of petrol models. The driving experiences of LPG/CNG car owners confirm the fact that the alternate fuels do cause a dent in the vehicles pick-up and power delivery. Well, that is just a small compromise we have to make in order to save money spent on fuel bills.

Pros & Cons

While diesel is considered as the cheaper fuel that offers lower running costs than petrol, LPG, and especially CNG can drastically lower the running costs of your car. Since LPG and CNG are cleaner fuels, the life of lubricants increases, allowing us to save some more money. However, care must be taken to clean the air filter frequently in case of LPG cars in order to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. A well maintained LPG/CNG car gets a better resale value.

LPG and CNG are not as easily available in all gas stations and hence, we have to research the availability of LPG/CNG filling stations before purchasing the greener vehicles. In the worst case, since the cars come with petrol tanks, we can still manage to save fuel wisely by filling the LPG/CNG tanks wherever available. Regarding safety, a decade ago there were frequent fire accidents due to unapproved less safer LPG/CNG conversion kits. But now, as manufacturers themselves offer factory fitted kits with warranty, people can ensure that they are buying safe LPG/CNG cars.

If you can stretch your budget, and have enough of CNG/LPG filling stations, do consider buying the ‘greener’ cars for a second time. Due to lack of widespread infrastructure for LPG/CNG filling stations, customers may have to wait for almost double or triple the time in refilling LPG or CNG as against refilling petrol or diesel during peak hours.

Alternate Fuel Cars in India

In this article we will have a brief discussion on all the LPG and CNG cars (with factory fitted kits) available in the country. Maruti Suzuki, being India’s largest carmaker with strong sales and distribution networks offers Alto, Wagon R, Estilo, Eeco and Sx4 with factory fitted CNG kits. In the LPG category, Maruti offers Wagon R LPG, Omni LPG and M800 LPG. The upcoming models to be launched soon in LPG/CNG versions include Chevrolet Beat (LPG) and Fiat Punto (CNG). In case of Beat LPG, the launch is quite certain because internet media have caught the LPG Beat being tested. In case of Punto, Fiat showcased the Punto CNG at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and the company may launch the car soon.

SMALL CARS WITH LPG / CNG OPTION

Maruti Suzuki Alto CNG

Photo: Maruti Suzuki Alto CNG

The country’s largest selling car The Maruti Suzuki Alto is available in both petrol and CNG variants. The CNG variant is roughly Rs. 40,000 more than the petrol variant. Alto Green (CNG) gets Maruti Suzuki’s i-GPi (intelligent Gas Port Injection system (I-GPI) technology. The Alto CNG is powered by a 796 cc engine (BS IV) that produces 38.8 bhp at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 54 Nm at 3000 rpm. The car is fitted with 60 litres CNG tank that occupies the entire boot space. Maruti offers CNG in two trim levels, Green LX and Green LXi.

Maruti Estilo CNG

Photo: Maruti Estilo CNG

Maruti Suzuki Estilo, the successor of the Zen Estilo has been now launched with airbags and ABS in the top variant. However, along with CNG variants of Alto, Wagon R and Eeco, Estilo too gets a CNG kit and is available for customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat. Estilo CNG is powered by a 998 cc K-series engine that produces 59.3 bhp at 6200 rpm (CNG mode). The car is fitted with a 60-litre CNG tank that occupies the entire boot space.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Duo LPG and Wagon R CNG

Photo: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Wagon R Duo is by far, the most popular LPG/CNG car besides the 800 LPG that can be driven either on petrol or in LPG. Wagon R Duo is fitted with an LPG kit certified by the Department of Explosives and ARAI. Backed by Maruti’s technology, the fitment is covered by a complete vehicle warranty. The LPG Kit is placed such a way that the boot space is not reduced. Wagon R Duo has two tanks, one for LPG (22.5 litres capacity) and other for petrol (35 litres capacity). Owners can choose from LPG to petrol with a simple switch located near the right hand side of steering.

Wagon R is powered by a 1061 cc, 4 cylinder, inline, 4 valve engine that produces a maximum power of 57.5 bhp at 6000 rpm (LPG mode) and maximum torque of 77 Nm at 4500 rpm (LPG mode). In petrol mode, the same engine produces 64 bhp at 6200 rpm and 84 Nm at 3500 rpm of maximum torque. The base version, Wagon R Duo LX is priced at Rs. 3.39 lakh and Wagon R Duo LXI is priced at Rs. 3.65 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Sadly, Maruti Wagon R Duo is a previous generation car and isn’t as good looking as the present Wagon R ‘Blue eyed’ boy launched in April 2010.

Maruti Suzuki launched the Wagon R LXi CNG in August 2010. Wagon R CNG is powered by a 998 cc K-series engine that produces 59.3 bhp at 6200 rpm (CNG mode) and 90 at 3500 rpm of maximum torque (CNG mode). The CNG Technology of Wagon R features Maruti Suzuki’s intelligent Gas Port Injection system (I-GPI) and fully compliant with BS IV emission norms. Wagon R CNG has a 60 litres CNG tank capacity which occupies the entire 180 litres boot space. Wagon R LXi CNG is priced at Rs. 4.51 lakh (on-road, Delhi) and is available for customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat. The car is fitted with 60 litres CNG tank that occupies the entire boot space.

Chevrolet Spark LPG

Photo: Chevrolet Spark LPG

Chevrolet Spark, the small car from GM has a comfortable cabin, refined engine and decent fuel economy. The Spark is attractive to many small car buyers because of its competitive price and ‘zero maintenance’ 3 years warranty. The company claims a mileage of 13.2 kmpl for the Spark LPG. GM offers Chevrolet Spark in two variants, the 1.0 L PS LPG and 1.0 L LS LPG. The LPG kit of the car is placed in such a way that the cargo space is still available just like in the Spark petrol.

Chevrolet Beat LPG

Photo: Chevrolet Beat LPG

Chevrolet Beat, the stylish small car from GM will attract many buyers just by its looks. Beat can be regarded as a souped-up Spark and in fact, is sold as the next-generation Spark in other markets. Like Spark, the Chevrolet Beat LPG also comes with a 3 years ‘zero maintenance’ warranty. The company claims a mileage of 13.29 kmpl for the Beat LPG. GM offers Chevrolet Beat with LPG kit equipped with Advanced Multipoint Sequential LPG Injection Technology that overcomes the limitations of the regular Venturi kit used widely today.

Chevrolet Beat LPG has a ‘push to change fuel mode’ button that allows the driver to easily change from LPG to petrol and vice versa. Additionally, the fuel system automatically shifts to petrol when there is no LPG left.

Hyundai Santro LPG

Photo: Hyundai Santro LPG

Hyundai launched the Santro LPG in September 2008. The Santro is one among the top 5 largest selling cars in India. Santro comes in three trim levels, non-AC, GL and GLS. Hyundai offers GL and GLS with factory fitted LPG kits.

Tata Indica V2 Xeta LPG

Photo: Tata Indica V2 Xeta LPG

The Tata Indica V2 is a good ‘value for money’ car known for its spacious interiors and mass market appeal. The diesel Indica V2 variant is quite popular among taxi operators and the middle class buyers who want a practical family hatch. But the petrol V2 Xeta didn’t sell well. Tata Motors, however did not lose hope and offered LPG variant of Xeta in two trim levels, GLE and GLS.

Maruti 800 LPG

Photo: Maruti 800 LPG

Although Maruti Suzuki did not upgrade the 800′s engine to BS IV, the company still sells 800 models in tier II and tier III cities and towns in India. Similar to Wagon R Duo, 800 Duo can run on both petrol and LPG. The 800 is powered by a 796 cc, 3 cylinder engine that produces a maximum power of 35 bhp at 5000 rpm (LPG mode) and maximum torque of 56 Nm at 2500 rpm (LPG mode). In petrol mode, the same engine produces 37 bhp at 5000 rpm and 59 Nm at 2500 rpm of maximum torque. Maruti offers LPG option in both the standard (non-AC) variant as well as the AC variant.

SEDANS

Maruti Sx4 CNG

Photo: Maruti SX4 CNG

The Maruti Sx4 is known for its full-load of equipment and high ground clearance giving a macho look from any angle. While competitors offer diesel variants in this segment, Maruti has taken a different route and offers CNG variant for the economy conscious buyer. The Sx4 is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine that produces 103.2 bhp at 5600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4100 rpm of maximum torque. Sx4 CNG is available for customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat. The car is fitted with 60 litres CNG tank that occupies significant part of the boot.

Mahindra Logan CNG

Photo: Mahindra Logan

Mahindra launched the Logan CNG variant in December. The cost of the kit is Rs. 56,000 and the price range of the Logan 1.4 litre petrol ranges from Rs. 6.04 lakhs to Rs. 6.33 lakhs. M&M claims that the running cost of Logan with CNG kit will come down from Rs. 3.93 – 6.11 per km on petrol to Rs. 1.62 – 2.26 per km. The CNG Kit weighs 12 kg and 9.5 kg of CNG can be filled in it. However, Mahindra offers Logan CNG only in Mumbai and NCR. CNG Kit is sure to occupy considerable boot space of the car. A 2 year/50,000 km warranty is offered for the CNG Kit.

Chevrolet Aveo CNG

Photo: Chevrolet Aveo

The Chevrolet Aveo is known for its spacious interiors and low cost of ownership. Chevrolet decided to give a green version of the Aveo a go and launched the CNG variant in May 2010. Only one variant is offered — the 1.4 CNG. GM claims the mileage figures of close to 50 per cent more than the Aveo petrol sedan and 25 per cent more than a diesel powered car from the same segment. The CNG Aveo retains the much-acclaimed GM 3 year/100,000 km unconditional service warranty which has become a benchmark in the Indian automobile market now. Aveo CNG occupies considerable boot space of the car.

Hyundai Accent LPG and CNG

Photo: Hyundai Accent

Hyundai launched the Accent LPG in May 2009. The Accent still continues to pose as a decent looking sedan with practical roomy interiors suiting the requirements of a family well. However, the performance of the 1.5 litre engine is average. Apart from LPG, Hyundai offers CNG kit for a price of Rs. 57,500 which can be fitted to the car.

Multi-Purpose-Vehicles (MPV) with CNG / LPG options

Maruti Eeco CNG

Photo: Maruti Eeco CNG

Maruti Suzuki’s latest MPV, Eeco is offered with a factory fitted CNG kit in the 5 seater version. Eeco is powered by a 1196 cc engine that produces maximum power of 63 bhp at 6000 rpm in CNG mode and 73 bhp at 6000 rpm in petrol mode while the maximum torque is 83 Nm at 3000 rpm in CNG mode and 101 Nm at 3000 rpm in petrol mode. Maruti Suzuki claims a fuel efficiency of 20 km/kg of gas and Eeco CNG is available for customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat

Maruti Omni LPG

Photo: Maruti Omni LPG

Maruti Suzuki’s two decade old Omni is still one among the top 10 largest selling cars in the country. The Omni LPG is offered in two variants, LPG Standard and LPG Cargo (BS III). Omni is powered by a 796 cc engine that produces a maximum power of 27 bhp at 4500 rpm and maximum torque of 50 Nm at 2250 rpm. As the 60 litres CNG kit occupies some of the cargo, Omni LPG is offered only as a 5 seater variant unlike the Omni 8 seater available in petrol. Maruti offers Omni Cargo in BS III variant.

Please note that all the price figures, mileage, petrol, LPG and CNG costs may vary.