Maruti Baleno CNG spotted ahead of launch [Video]

Maruti Suzuki is expected to soon launch the CNG powertrain for the Baleno. It will be called Baleno S-CNG. The manufacturer has not yet said anything about the launch but there have been sightings of Baleno’s test mules with emission kits. Moreover, 2022 Toyota Glanza’s fuel efficiency while running on CNG has been leaked online through Toyota’s official website. Here, is a video in which we can see Baleno CNG’s test mule.

In the video, we can see a heavily camouflaged test mule of Baleno with an emission kit mounted behind it. The host says that this is the Baleno CNG that was being tested before the launch. Every vehicle needs to pass emission testing before it gets launched in the market.

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The Baleno CNG will deliver a fuel efficiency of 25 km/kg. We know this because this figure was claimed by Toyota for their recently launched Glanza. It would be called Glanza e-CNG and the figures were displayed on their official Indian website.

Baleno is currently offered only with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that produces 90 Ps of max power and 113 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. The manual gearbox has a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.3 kmpl whereas the AMT variant has a claimed fuel economy of 22.9 kmpl.

Maruti will not be offering the CNG powertrain with the AMT gearbox, it would be offered only with the manual gearbox. While running on CNG, the power could be reduced to 77 PS and the torque output will fall to 98.5 Nm. These figures are of the Dzire CNG which also uses the same engine as the Baleno. We would have to wait for the official launch of the Baleno CNG which would confirm what will be the power outputs of the engine while running on CNG.

Maruti already has the largest line-up of factory-fitted CNG vehicles. They have the Alto, Celerio, Eeco, Dzire, WagonR, S-Presso and Ertiga. The manufacturer is also working on offering factory-fitted CNG variants for their Nexa range of cars.

The S-CNG vehicles come with Dual Interdependent ECUs with an intelligent injection system to provide an air-fuel ratio that ensures superior performance with better savings. Maruti is using stainless steel pipes so that the pipes and joints do not corrode. The wiring harness for the CNG has been integrated with the main harness, this reduces the risk of a short circuit. Then there is a microswitch that ensures that the vehicle is off while CNG is being filled.

People have started considering CNG powered vehicles since the fuel prices have increased. CNG is more affordable and returns better fuel economy so it makes sense why so many people are opting for factory-fitted CNG vehicles. Other manufacturers are also now offering a factory-fitted CNG version of their vehicles.

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