If you think that CNG cars are not popular, think again! CNG as a source of fuel is gathering momentum! In fact, sales of CNG passenger vehicles saw a 40.7 per cent growth in FY2023, with 3,18,752 unit sold! That is equal to almost 9 per cent of all the passenger vehicles sold in India in FY2023. In fact, 40 per cent of Tiago and Tigor sales consist of CNG models. CNG is definitely firing for Tata as well.
Also Read: Tata Altroz iCNG Launched In India
There are two CNG tanks, neatly tucked below the floor of the boot
We drove the newly launched Tata Altroz iCNG in Goa, which was first showcased at Auto Expo 2023. It is a sign of change and Tata has proven itself to be one of the most adaptable, flexible manufacturers in India. The Altroz is the first car in India to get dual cylinder technology, neatly tucked below the floor of the boot, that leaves you with decent, usable bootspace of 210 litres while the regular Altroz models have bootspace of 345 litres. The two cylinders have a total capacity of 60 litres and can give you a CNG only range of up to 220 km.
The engine is same as the regular petrol model
Then, there is a single ECU, which allows for seamless switch between petrol and CNG modes on the go. The car can be directly started in the CNG mode which makes its easier for the driver and less switching between modes. The Altroz iCNG continues to get the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Revotron engine. The power and torque output vary, depending on the mode you are driving in.
| Specifications | CNG Mode | Petrol Mode |
| Displacement | 1,199 cc, 3-Cylinder engine | 1,199 cc, 3-Cylinder engine |
| Max Power | 72.41 bhp at 6,000 rpm | 86.83 bhp at 6,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 103 Nm at 3,300 rpm | 115 Nm at 3,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Fuel Efficiency | NA | 19.33 kmpl |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 litres | 37 litres |
The Altroz iCNG is a smooth operator. It starts off smoothly in the CNG mode
So you start driving the Altroz iCNG mode and you will notice that the car starts off quite smoothly. Usually, CNG engines are noisier than petrol cars and that's the case with the Altroz iCNG as well! When you are driving in the CNG mode, it is not as refined but the moment you switch to petrol, things become much smoother.
The engine offers decent spread of torque at city speeds
If you come to talk about the performance, well, the full spread of torque comes in at about the same RPMs, be it petrol or the CNG mode. The mid-range is decently strong. It gives you decent pulling power at city speeds. There’s enough spread of torque for you.
Altroz iCNG offers plush ride quality and handles decently well
Talking about the handling and the ride quality of the Altroz iCNG, the ride quality in particular was always a key USP on the car that we had driven earlier and we are happy to report that things stand the same on the Altroz iCNG. The ride quality is quite nice, very plush and the occupants will be kept in comfort.
The driving dynamics on the car stay the same as before
As far as the handling is concerned, the steering feels a little loose, right in the centre. Apart from that, it weighs in beautifully when you start carrying enough speed.
Talking about the cost of ownership, Tata says that the difference in the cost of acquisition, which is higher for the CNG models, can be recouped within 25 to 30,000 kilometres. The data on the running cost per kilometre is something that we are yet to ascertain, since this was a short drive.
The cabin continues to be the same as before, getting dark and light colour themes. There are leatherette seats that you get here.
Apart from that, you also have a 7-inch Harman touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Altroz now gets an air purifier inside the cabin as well
The Altroz is the only CNG hatchback to offer a sunroof
Coming to safety, the Altroz iCNG is equipped with a micro-switch that turns off the car during refuelling. The twin cylinders are well protected, with 6-point mounts, to keep them secure. The Altroz has a 5-star crash test rating from Global NCAP and it is the case too, with the CNG model.
The Altroz iCNG is offered in six variants, with prices starting at Rs. 7.55 lakh, going up to Rs. 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Altroz iCNG is offered in more variants than its rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG and the Toyota Glanza CNG. Plus, it is the only CNG hatchback that offers a sunroof! Compared to its petrol sibling, the Altroz iCNG costs a lakh more, variant to variant.
Tata Altroz iCNG Models | Introductory Prices (Ex-showroom, Delhi) |
Altroz iCNG XE | Rs. 7,55,400 |
Altroz iCNG XM+ | Rs. 8,40,400 |
Altroz iCNG XM+ (S) | Rs. 8,84,900 |
Altroz iCNG XZ | Rs. 9,52,900 |
Altroz iCNG XZ (S) | Rs. 10,02,990 |
Altroz iCNG XZ+O (S) | Rs. 10,54,990 |
The Altroz iCNG is now on sale, bookings open as well
CNG cars are not only becoming popular but the performance and features that they offer, is almost at par with the petrol counterparts. The Tata Altroz iCNG is a great example of that. Yes, the initial cost of acquisition is more than the regular petrol models, but the cost of running and ownership, takes care of that over the years. And you will be finding yourself queued up in long lines at a CNG filling station, but that’s a small price to pay and not to mention, you will be kinder to the environment too.
