CNG or Compressed Natural Gas in India is not only cheap but is totally a game changer, it burns cleaner than petrol or diesel and saves money flowing out of your wallet.
Over the last 10 years, CNG cars have become crazy popular, and Maruti Suzuki is the undisputed king of this space. Every other car manufacturer wants to launch a car that comes with a CNG option, be it a hatchback or sedan.
CNG’s appeal goes beyond just saving money. It’s better for the environment, cutting down on emissions and helping keep India’s air a bit fresher. With fuel prices always climbing, it’s no wonder more and more people are jumping on the CNG bandwagon.
Grand Vitara CNG: A Bold Move
Back in 2023, Maruti dropped a game-changer: the Grand Vitara CNG. This wasn’t just any car—it was the first mid-size SUV in India, over 4 meters long, to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit.
Here's the crack: mostly, the CNG cars are compact, similar to hatchbacks or sedans; therefore, bringing a fuel option to a bigger, premium SUV was a daring step.
The Grand Vitara CNG promised the best of both worlds: the space and style of a mid-size SUV with the cost-saving perks of CNG. But recently, fans noticed it’s gone from Maruti’s Nexa website.
Cue the rumors—has Maruti ditched the Grand Vitara CNG for good? Let’s find out.
Not Discontinued, Just Taking a Breather
Good news, CNG lovers!
Maruti Suzuki confirmed to us that the Grand Vitara CNG is not discontinued.
The reason it’s missing from the Nexa site? - The 2025 model year (MY2025) version of the CNG SUV hasn’t been launched yet. That’s it! The 2024 models are still available at Nexa dealerships across India, ready for anyone who wants to snag one.
Here’s the deal: the 2024 Grand Vitara CNG comes with only two airbags, which feels a bit outdated for today’s safety-conscious buyers.
Meanwhile, the MY2025 Grand Vitara (non-CNG versions) now rocks six airbags as standard. Maruti’s likely waiting to roll out the updated 2025 CNG model with those extra airbags to keep the lineup safe and competitive. Smart move, right?
Why Isn’t It Selling Like Hotcakes?
The Grand Vitara CNG sounded like a winner, but it hasn’t been a massive hit. Market vibes suggest buyers aren’t sold on a CNG-powered mid-size SUV. Let’s break down why this cool concept might be struggling.
It’s Kinda Underpowered
The Grand Vitara CNG runs on a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. In petrol mode, it pumps out 102 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque.
That’s fine for city driving—think school runs or grocery trips—but it’s not exactly a powerhouse. Switch to CNG, and the output drops to 87 horsepower and 121.5 Nm. For a mid-size SUV that’s supposed to feel sturdy and versatile, that’s a bit underwhelming.
If you’re cruising on highways or hauling a car full of friends, the CNG version can feel sluggish. Mid-size SUV buyers often want a punchier ride, and the Grand Vitara CNG’s lack of 00 mph might be turning them away.
Not a Cab Driver’s Dream
CNG cars are huge in India’s fleet segment, where cab companies love them for their low running costs. Models like the Maruti Dzire, WagonR, and Swift are total rockstars for taxi operators. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for racking up miles. But the Grand Vitara? It’s a tougher sell.
As a mid-size SUV, the Grand Vitara has a higher price tag, which isn’t ideal for fleet buyers who need to keep costs low. Plus, Maruti hasn’t made a “Tour” version of the Grand Vitara for commercial use, unlike its smaller cars. Without that fleet-friendly option, the Grand Vitara CNG is missing out on a massive chunk of the CNG market.
Inventory Piling Up?
Another clue to the slow sales: there’s still plenty of 2024 Grand Vitara CNG stock at dealerships. This suggests demand hasn’t been as strong as Maruti hoped. While we don’t have exact sales numbers, the fact that older models are still sitting around points to buyers hesitating. Maybe it’s the performance, the price, or just the idea of a CNG SUV that hasn’t clicked yet.
What’s Next for Grand Vitara CNG?
Maruti’s probably working hard on the MY2025 Grand Vitara CNG, which we expect to hit showrooms with those six airbags and maybe some extra bells and whistles. For now, the 2024 models are still up for grabs at Nexa dealerships. If you’re into the idea of a spacious SUV with CNG’s cost savings, it could be worth checking out.
But Maruti’s got some work to do to make the Grand Vitara CNG a crowd-pleaser. A more powerful CNG engine could help, or maybe a version tailored for fleet buyers. They could also crank up the marketing to show off what makes this SUV special, like its roomy interior, sleek design, and fuel savings.
Whatever’s next, we’re excited to see how Maruti plays it.
Just for you, here’s something fun: Maruti recently launched a Dzire Hybrid in the Philippines, and it’s got everyone talking. Could India get a hybrid Dzire or even a hybrid Grand Vitara someday? Keep your eyes peeled for more juicy car news!
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