Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG detailed in a walk around video

Being one of the pioneers of CNG-powered vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has been evolving its technologies and offerings in this category. With the new Grand Vitara CNG, Maruti Suzuki has ensured that the CNG technology is not restricted only to its small, entry-level offerings. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG has become the first vehicle to offer CNG technology in the premium compact SUV category, in which carmakers are shying away from diesel gradually.

One of the biggest improvements that the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG showcases is the overall packaging of the factory-fitted CNG kit. Usually, the tank for storing CNG is placed in the boot compartment of vehicles in such a way that the tank eats up much of the compartment and leaves it useless for storing large packages or suitcases. However, in the Grand Vitara CNG, Maruti Suzuki has covered the CNG tank fully, while leaving much of the boot compartment clutter-free and capable of storing large items. The covering for the CNG tank extends towards the floor covering of the boot compartment, thus making the boot compartment feel more practical to use.

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Apart from the addition of a factory-fitted CNG kit, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG has no other changes over its petrol-powered counterpart. The overall packaging of the SUV, including the exterior design, cabin layout and list of features in the Grand Vitara CNG is the same as that in the petrol-powered version. The factory-fitted CNG kit is now offered as an option in the mid-spec Delta and Zeta variants of the Grand Vitara.

Powered by the same engine

For the CNG-powered versions of the Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki has retained the 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired to the CNG kit from the other Maruti Suzuki offerings like Ertiga and XL6. Like in the other three-row utility vehicles in which it is available, this CNG powertrain claims 86.6 bhp of power and 121.5 Nm of torque, which are lower than the 103 bhp and 136 Nm of the petrol-powered Grand Vitara. Maruti Suzuki is offering the Grand Vitara CNG only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 6-speed automatic transmission has been given a miss for this new variant.

As said above, the Maruti Suzuki has made the Grand Vitara CNG available in two variants – Delta and Zeta. While the Delta variant is priced at Rs 12.85 lakh, the more-premium Zeta variant with additional features has been priced at Rs 14.84 lakh.

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