Tata Tiago iCNG Is India’s Coolest CNG Car: Here’s Who Should Buy CNG Cars
In these times when fuel prices are touching the sky, a lot of people are opting to go with vehicles powered by alternative fuels. One of the most common types of vehicles is CNG-powered vehicles, and recently the country’s third-largest carmaker, Tata Motors, launched the brand-new Tiago iCNG AMT. The all-new model, equipped with the convenient AMT transmission, has been launched with a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakh. And if you are one of those car buyers who are looking to switch to a CNG vehicle, the Tata Tiago iCNG is one of the best cars out there, and here’s why.
Tata Tiago iCNG details
The Tata Tiago iCNG, which now comes with the AMT (automated manual transmission), offers the company’s proprietary and innovative dual-cylinder technology. It is one of the only hatchbacks in the country to offer two cylinders underneath the rear boot area, which helps in maximizing the usable space despite offering CNG cylinders. Here is the drive review of the all-new Tata Tiago iCNG AMT.
Additionally, its unique highlights include a single advanced ECU, which the company claims offers jerk-free shifting between petrol and CNG modes and direct start in CNG mode. Apart from this, in terms of safety features, the cars come equipped with a micro switch to keep the car switched off during refueling, Thermal incident protection cuts off CNG supply in case of a thermal incident, and a leak detection feature that immediately switches from CNG to petrol mode in case of a gas leak.
Tata Tiago iCNG pricing and powertrain
Tata Motors has launched the new Tiago iCNG AMT in four variants. The list of these variants includes XTA, XZA+, XZA+ Dual Tone, and XZA NRG. Coming to the pricing, the base XTA has been priced at Rs 7.89 lakh, XZA+ at Rs 8.79 lakh, XZA+ Dual Tone at Rs 8.89 lakh, and lastly, the XTA NRG at Rs 8.79 lakh. As for the powertrain side of things, it gets a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. It produces a maximum power of 72 bhp and 95 Nm of torque in CNG mode. The car now gets the 5-speed AMT gearbox as well as it comes standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Which type of car buyers should buy CNG vehicles in India?
Now, we understand that a lot of people think that CNG cars might not be their cup of tea. However, if you are one of the below-mentioned people, then you should definitely look at a vehicle equipped with a CNG kit.
Daily commuters with high mileage requirements
If you are a person who has long daily commutes and covers significant distances on a regular basis, you can definitely benefit from a CNG car. These cars offer lower running costs compared to conventional petrol or diesel vehicles, and they generally are cheaper than petrol or diesel in terms of cost per kilometer traveled. Additionally, CNG engines tend to be more fuel-efficient, which means commuters can save a good chunk of money spent on fuel expenses, especially over long distances.
Budget-conscious consumers seeking lower running costs
As highlighted in the above-mentioned point, budget-conscious buyers, including middle-class families and individuals who often prioritize cost-effectiveness when purchasing a vehicle, should definitely look at CNG cars as options. CNG cars offer a very good value proposition for such buyers due to their lower running costs. While the upfront cost of purchasing a CNG car might be slightly higher compared to its petrol counterpart, the long-term savings on fuel expenses make it an attractive option. CNG cars are priced right in the middle of the standard ICE and electric counterparts of the same model.
Eco-friendly individuals prioritizing a reduced carbon footprint
Although not a lot of Indian car buyers look at the growing environmental concerns, some people put great emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and impact on the environment with their vehicles. CNG cars are considered more eco-friendly compared to petrol or diesel vehicles due to lower carbon emissions during combustion. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from CNG vehicles are typically lower than those from petrol or diesel vehicles. Because of this, individuals who prioritize environmental sustainability and wish to minimize their carbon footprint should opt for CNG cars as a greener transportation solution.
Taxi and fleet operators looking for cost-efficient options
If you are a Taxi and fleet operator, then CNG vehicles could be the best solution for you. This is because fleet operators operate multiple vehicles, which means that even small differences in running costs have a substantial impact on their overall expenses. And because CNG cars offer significant cost savings over petrol or diesel vehicles in terms of fuel expenditure, they are great for taxi and fleet operators. Additionally, many cities in India have policies or incentives favoring CNG vehicles, such as reduced taxes or tolls, which can also help with the cost-efficiency of operating CNG fleets.
Metro city buyers facing pollution and emission restrictions
As pollution levels are on the steep rise, residents of populated metro cities in India often encounter issues related to air pollution and emission regulations. Many cities have now also implemented measures to combat air pollution, such as restricting the entry of vehicles based on their emission levels. In such cities, CNG vehicles are favored due to their lower emissions compared to petrol or diesel counterparts. By opting for CNG vehicles, these buyers not only comply with regulatory requirements but can also contribute to improving air quality in their surroundings.