Maruti Suzuki has launched the XL6 S-CNG, expanding its already large CNG portfolio. Priced at ₹12.24 lakh (ex-showroom, India), and available only in the entry-level Zeta trim, the XL6 CNG costs ₹95,000 more than its equivalent petrol variant. The XL6 CNG and Baleno CNG are the first two models in the Nexa line-up to be offered with a factory fitted CNG kit.
Like the updated Ertiga CNG, the XL6 CNG is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine that makes 88hp and 121.5Nm in CNG mode and 101hp and 136Nm in petrol mode. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and in this CNG variant, it does not get the option of a 6-speed automatic which is only offered on the petrol-XL6. Maruti Suzuki claims that the XL6 CNG offers a fuel efficiency figure of 26.32km/kg.
Maruti gave the XL6 a mid-lifecycle facelift in 2022, and apart from the CNG sticker, no changes have been made to the XL6 S-CNG’s exterior. The cabin of the XL6 CNG is also the same as that of the petrol-powered version. However, there has been a slight compromise in boot space due to the 60-litre CNG tank housed here.
As mentioned earlier, the XL6 CNG is only offered in the entry-level Zeta trim. While it gets features like cruise control, push-button start, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it lacks goodies like 360-degree camera, tire-pressure monitoring system and ventilated front seats that are offered on higher trims. Huh.
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Along with the XL6 CNG, Maruti Suzuki has also launched the CNG-powered Baleno in India with prices starting from Rs 8.28 lakh to Rs 9.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the first premium hatchback to be offered with a factory fitted CNG kit. Compared to its petrol counterpart, the Baleno CNG earns a premium of ₹95,000 for each similar trim. This along with the launched XL6 CNG are the first Nexa models to receive the CNG treatment.
The Baleno uses the same 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, K12N engine as the CNG standard hatchback, but in CNG-spec, it produces 77.5hp and 98.5Nm of torque as opposed to 90hp and 113Nm of torque under the guise of petrol. The Baleno CNG gets a 55-litre CNG tank to boot, which means that the capacity has been compromised a lot when compared to its petrol counterpart.
As is the case with most CNG models, the Baleno CNG is available with a 5-speed manual transmission and not an AMT. Maruti claims that the Baleno CNG can deliver a fuel economy of 30.61 km/kg.
The Baleno CNG will also give rise to the Toyota derivative – the Glanza CNG. The latter, which is expected to be offered in three trims, will also announce its pricing soon.
Maruti is offering the factory-fitted CNG kit on the Baleno only on the mid-spec Delta and Zeta trims. In contrast, Toyota is expected to offer the Glanza CNG in three trims, including the top-spec V trim. Hence, the Glanza CNG is likely to be more feature-laden than the top-end Baleno CNG.
Baleno in its Zeta trim is well equipped with features like CNG LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy, 7.0-inch infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro+ system, voice assistant, connected car tech with OTA updates, start/stop button, six Is. Airbag and rear view camera.