Tata Altroz iCNG vs Maruti Baleno CNG vs others: Which would you buy?

Tata's CNG deployment is the industry's best. It shows sheer attention to detail.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Tata Altroz CNG

What you'll like:

• A well-calibrated CNG system that’s comfortable to drive
• A CNG car with factory-backing, factory warranty & OEM standards of safety/quality
• Mature on-road behaviour, including at highway speeds despite the added weight
• 210 litres of usable boot space even with the CNG tanks
• CNG benefits like cheap running costs and lower CO2 emissions
• Looks absolutely stunning! Solid build too
• Nice interior with good quality parts & adequate space
• City-friendly nature: light controls, agreeable ergonomics & good driveability (in CNG too)
• Available in the top variant, unlike other CNG models
• Enjoyable Harman 8-speaker ICE. One of the better systems in this segment
• Impressive kit (voice-assisted sunroof, wireless charger, auto headlamps & wipers, air purifier, ambient lighting...)
• 5-star NCAP safety rating is commendable

What you won't:

• Reduced power output is evident on the highway. CNG mode has lesser top-end performance
• Many Indian cities & towns don’t have CNG pumps. The queue for CNG can be long in metro cities
• Higher maintenance costs & upkeep (overall) in comparison with the regular petrol variant
• Automatic transmission unavailable with the CNG kit
• Focus on CNG driveability means that the FE numbers won’t be as high as the competitors
• Instrument cluster from Tiago/Tigor CNG doesn’t feel premium
• Mature suspension does have a firm edge at low speeds (16" rim variants)
• Fire extinguisher is not easily accessible
• Some missing features (cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, thinner spare tyre on top trims, split-folding rear seat...)
• All passengers need to get out of the vehicle while refilling CNG
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Maruti Baleno CNG

sonmi-451's ownership review

Toyota Glanza CNG

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Maruti Swift CNG

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Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG

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Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

If you are looking at sheer quality in CNG, there really is no contest. Tata is king. In fact, if I wanted a CNG car, I would cross-shop between Tata's own CNG models and not even consider the alternatives which seem like jugaad fitments.

Tata's CNG deployment is the industry's best. It shows sheer attention to detail. Just read our review and you'll know. The innovative dual-tank system, the engine tuning in CNG mode, the controls, the boot space...not to mention, the Altroz has the best safety levels, build and ride / handling of any of the cars in this poll.

To the competition = shape up or shape out.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Altroz is THE car to buy if you want to run on gas. Tata’s implementation of CNG makes Maruti’s solution look like the aftermarket jugaad it is. The fact is that even Hyundai copied Maruti to the T with zero effort and innovation. The top 2 manufacturers which together hold 70% of the car market gave step-motherly treatment to a crucial alternative fuel for well over a decade, which makes Tata’s effort and initiative all the more commendable. They didn’t even bother to offer it in well-equipped variants.

All this is without even getting into the merits of the car - its build and safety and ride and handling and comfort etc. All of which, the Altroz aces.

Now that the boot space problem has been resolved once and for all, eagerly awaiting someone to fix the other CNG-specific issue - the lack of an automatic option. CNG is the fuel to have in these non-diesel times, and the first gas-powered automatic will be a game changer.

Here's what BHPian DevilzzzzOwn had to say on the matter:

Voted for Baleno.

While I agree with what everyone said about TaMo and the leaps and bounds that they are ahead in terms of implementation of CNG, the fact remains that the real pain with Tata will start once the Service schedules begin cropping up.

We know Tata Motors has paid no attention to this aspect and instead, is focusing on selling more Tatas.

The situation is such in Pune, that people have to leave their cars overnight now for a simple 10K service. That doesn’t inspire confidence. And the less said about the unavailable parts, the better.

Remember, you buy a car once. But you have to endure the service every now and then. And this is where MS shines.

Here's what BHPian satish.gawai had to say on the matter:

Undoubly Tata Altroz.

Reasons:

1. Innovative CNG tank packaging. Looks very neat and clean compared to others, (as GTO said "JUGAAD")
2. Best-in-class design (subjective)
3. Confort and ride quality
4. 5* global NCAP

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.