A spy shot of a Tata Altroz mule, fitted with an emission testing device, is being shared around on the internet. Could this be a sign that a Tata Altroz CNG model is in the making?
In April this year Shailesh Chandra, President of the Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle, announced their plans to launch select models with factory-fitted CNG kits by FY 2021-2022. We have already seen Tata testing CNG variants of Tata Tigor, Tiago and Punch. Now with Tata Altroz added to the list, the company seems to be preparing a well-rounded portfolio of CNG vehicles.
Check out 5 Best CNG-Petrol Combo Car Garage Under 15 Lakhs
The first premium CNG Hatchback
Both Maruti and Hyundai offer CNG fitted models for their low to mid-range cars. However, if Tata decides to go ahead with the CNG option for the Altroz, it will become the first premium hatchback to come with a factory-fitted CNG option.
Also read:8 Hatchbacks That Should Come With Stock CNG in India
Factory fitted CNG kit vs aftermarket kit
There have been instances where Altroz car owners got CNG kits installed as post-purchase customisations to save costs. The aftermarket CNG kit costs around Rs 38,000. The CNG kit gives slightly better mileage than the petrol engine. The cost of CNG is also cheaper than petrol. However, this leaves the car warranty invalid. Now with the factory fitted CNG kit Altroz owners can enjoy the fuel economy of a CNG vehicle while benefitting from Tata’s post-purchase customer services.
Engine options
Altroz is currently available with 4 engine options a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor, and a 1.5-litre diesel mill and we expect an EV version to be made available soon. The company is likely to launch the CNG variant with a 1.2l naturally-aspirated petrol engine. The CNG variant of the Altroz is most likely to have a manual 5 level gear like its petrol counterpart.
Also read: Tata Altroz EV To Offer 500Kms Range On A Single Charge?