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Old 25th July 2021, 14:47   #1
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Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Earlier this month, the CNG version of the Maruti Dzire was spotted testing. Now, a test mule of the CNG version of the Swift hatchback has been spotted.

Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test-swift1.jpg

According to the spotter, the car had a sticker on the rear windshield that said “On Test”. The car was also carrying emission testing equipment.

The Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that develops 89 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm @ 4,400 rpm. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission. While the ARAI fuel efficiency figure for the manual is 23.20 km/l, that of the AMT is 23.76 km/l. With no diesel engine on offer and petrol priced at over Rs. 100 per litre in many cities, Maruti is looking to widen its portfolio of CNG cars to provide a more economical option for customers. The CNG version is expected to be more fuel efficient than the Swift petrol.

Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test-swift2.jpg

At present, Maruti Suzuki offers S-CNG versions of the Alto, Celerio, Wagon-R, S-Presso, Eeco, Ertiga, Tour S and the Super Carry LCV. The carmaker sold over 1.57 lakh vehicles with factory-fitted CNG kits in FY2020-21.

The CNG versions of all Maruti cars come equipped with Dual Interdependent ECUs and re-tuned chassis, suspensions and braking systems. Maruti offers an extended warranty of up to 5 years on its CNG vehicles.

Link to Team-BHP News Article

Source: Rush Lane

Last edited by Aditya : 25th July 2021 at 16:55.
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Old 25th July 2021, 18:24   #2
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Got to say. Maruti is making all the right CNG noises. They know with the stratospheric petrol prices, a lot of people esp. In NCR and Mumbai region (and wherever CNG is widely available) are going to prefer this over petrol too.
I won't be surprised if they release CNG version of all their cars from Alto to Brezza.

The only issue is that the queues at the CNG pumps will get even longer.
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Old 25th July 2021, 19:45   #3
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

What Maruti needs to do is provide the CNG options on the top variants. This will go a long way in increasing acceptability. Limiting the option to the base or mid variants not only drives a fair share of customers away, it also promotes the notion that CNG is somehow inferior.
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Old 25th July 2021, 19:51   #4
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain View Post
What Maruti needs to do is provide the CNG options on the top variants. This will go a long way in increasing acceptability. Limiting the option to the base or mid variants not only drives a fair share of customers away, it also promotes the notion that CNG is somehow inferior.
Wholeheartedly agree. Further I feel they really should offer CNG with the option of AMT as well. A major chunk of CNG customers buy it because of their high running and would highly appreciate it for the sheer convenience. It's actually strange that neither Maruti, nor Hyundai offer them in their CNG offerings.

Last edited by porsche_guy : 25th July 2021 at 19:53.
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Old 25th July 2021, 20:10   #5
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Why is it that no manufacturer is offering CNG cars in automatic guise? Is it because of any technical limitation CNG cars have?
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Old 25th July 2021, 20:43   #6
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

On seeing these Maruti cars running their tests on CNG, I think diesels are still long time away from getting launched.

Given the not-so-much difference between petrol & diesel prices & (bleak future of diesel + 10 years rule in NCR), it makes sense for them to launch CNG variants.

Also, factory fitted CNG + best tuning gives peace to mind on top of that up to 5 years warranty.

I agree with Shreyans_Jain, they should provide CNG to top variants. It'll boost the sales further.
Only problem would be the long time waits in CNG stations.
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Old 25th July 2021, 22:25   #7
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

I am not very confident of this development. On one hand we all want to reduce running costs specially after persistent increase in fuel prices over past few months however at the same time Swift has always been sold as a 'sporty' car from Maruti stable. This move increases the popularity or not, only time will tell.

My only hope is that it doesn't go Tata Indica way and becomes a cabbie favourite so much as that a private car buyer would not want to get it.
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Old 26th July 2021, 07:46   #8
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

You cannot change the way that the masses think. Not even Maruti can. The public has decided CNG isn't for them. Instead of wasting time on this, Maruti should bring out its BS6 1.5L diesel soon.

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Why is it that no manufacturer is offering CNG cars in automatic guise?
CNG demand from private owners is too tiny for any brand to bother with. A CNG Automatic model in the mid & top variants will at best sell in the double digits each month.
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Old 26th July 2021, 08:03   #9
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

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Originally Posted by GTO View Post
You cannot change the way that the masses think. Not even Maruti can. The public has decided CNG isn't for them. Instead of wasting time on this, Maruti should bring out its BS6 1.5L diesel soon.
CNG demand from private owners is too tiny for any brand to bother with. A CNG Automatic model in the mid & top variants will at best sell in the double digits each month.
I believe both the current perceptions of Indian Market is about to have a paradigm shift soon. In Tier 1 & 2 cities, CNG pumps are on a rise. Though, majorly it is been used by the taxi owners yet there are many private buyers showing interest.
With the prices of Petrol & Diesel at an all time high and pinching the pockets of a middle class man, there is considerable curiosity for a CNG car.
Without commenting on the technical aspects of a CNG AT, this too shall come once the sales of CNG MT picks up.
Swift CNG if priced well can cannibalize the sales of Wagon R CNG. Maruti loyalist will surely give the former atleast one try before cribbing that theres no diesel on offer.
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Old 26th July 2021, 08:33   #10
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

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Originally Posted by GTO View Post
The public has decided CNG isn't for them.
CNG demand from private owners is too tiny for any brand to bother with.
The sale of CNG vehicles is sky high especially in Maharashtra. Now that most tier 2 cities have multiple CNG pumps, we will see another boom in sale of CNG vehicles. I recently spoke to a very reputed CNG kit installer in Pune, he is overworked right now. He not only has local orders but also clients from satara, kolhapur, sangli.etc. He is planning on starting another outlet for repassing work as the current facility is inadequate. As much as I like diesels, CNG is perfect for the masses. The only thing which needs attention is the availability of CNG in higher variants.
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Old 26th July 2021, 09:18   #11
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

The biggest hurdle for CNG adoption is the perceived safety concern of lugging around a huge pressurized gas cylinder in the boot.

Secondly, the CNG cylinder completely eats up boot space. Not many people like this.

Lastly, there is a notion that running the vehicle with Cng results in low power output, compared to petrol.
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Old 26th July 2021, 09:20   #12
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
You cannot change the way that the masses think. Not even Maruti can. The public has decided CNG isn't for them. Instead of wasting time on this, Maruti should bring out its BS6 1.5L diesel soon.

CNG demand from private owners is too tiny for any brand to bother with. A CNG Automatic model in the mid & top variants will at best sell in the double digits each month.
Sales of CNG vehicles are at an all time high. Aftermarket CNG installation business is also booming. We see CNG conversion shops popping up every which where here in and around NCR. Gas filling network has never been better, with coverage extending along highways to Punjab, UP and MP. With petrol pricing showing no sign of coming down, gas prices are straightaway less than half, while mileage per kg is a good 50% higher. For a regular 5 day commute to work, the difference in fuel costs more than makes up for your EMI

Also, there is massive spike in CNG demand among transporters here up north. My transporter sold off his year old diesel Eicher and replaced it with a new CNG powered one. He says running costs are less than half and he expects to cover his costs within an year. We have a fuel bunk in the family, bang on the highway. Bulk of the profit is coming from CNG sales these days, not from diesel. Let’s face it. EV transition is still a decade away, minimum. Within that period, CNG is the answer. With proliferation of the filling network, demand for CNG vehicles is only going to soar.

Last edited by Shreyans_Jain : 26th July 2021 at 09:23.
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Old 26th July 2021, 09:23   #13
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
You cannot change the way that the masses think. Not even Maruti can. The public has decided CNG isn't for them. Instead of wasting time on this, Maruti should bring out its BS6 1.5L diesel soon.

CNG demand from private owners is too tiny for any brand to bother with. A CNG Automatic model in the mid & top variants will at best sell in the double digits each month.
There are markets and consumers beyond diesel BMWs

On a lighter note, there is a huge demand for CNG cars even by private owners in Delhi NCR especially with diesel as well at sky high prices. It makes total sense to bring factory fit CNG cars to make it a hassle free experience. Not to mention, better on the environment.
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Old 27th July 2021, 08:16   #14
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Guys, back it up with hard numbers. If CNG sales even increase 200%, remember, the base is very small to begin with. Example, a manufacturer could say that our CNG sales have doubled, but if he was selling just 500 cars a month and its now 1000 in total, that's a tiny drop of the ocean that is the Indian car market. Similarly, a CNG installer working overtime must have gone to max double digit installs a month (or triple digit if really big, but doubtful).

Maruti is the only brand in India having notable CNG sales for three reasons = 1. Maruti is Maruti. 2. They're pushing CNG hard because they don't have a diesel. 3. Huge number of taxi / commercial customers.

CNG will NEVER take off in India in the private segment. This spurt is just temporary and due to petrol crossing the psychological 100-rupee / liter barrier. For commercial usage though, CNG will see good sales. How many cheap diesel hatchbacks are there on sale anyway?

Last edited by GTO : 27th July 2021 at 08:28.
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Old 27th July 2021, 09:06   #15
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Re: Maruti Swift CNG spotted on test

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain View Post
Bulk of the profit is coming from CNG sales these days, not from diesel. Let’s face it. EV transition is still a decade away, minimum. Within that period, CNG is the answer. With proliferation of the filling network, demand for CNG vehicles is only going to soar.
All said and done, hope the CNG also doesn't go the petrol way and become the golden goose for the Govt as the volumes start to go up
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