8 Upcoming Sub-4 Meter CNG-Powered Compact SUVs: Bridger CNG To Brezza CNG
Sub-four-metre SUVs are among the fastest-growing automotive segments in India. CNG as a fuel is increasingly gaining acceptance as well. Addressing both the trends, several manufacturers are now readying CNG-powered sub-four metre SUVs for India. Here is a closer look at eight of them.
Renault now has the Kiger on sale, in the sub-four metre segment. The outgoing model is based on the CMF-A+ platform. Earlier this year, the carmaker announced its new, cost-effective, more advanced small car platform RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform).
This sub-4m platform will support factory fitted CNG with dual tanks that sit under the vehicle underbody. The outgoing model offers dealer-level CNG kits that consume significant boot space. The transition to RGEP will thus ensure a usable boot. Other specifications of the 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine will likely remain unchanged.
Nissan is expected to follow suit and launch an RGEP-based version of the Magnite SUV. This sub-four-metre will also get a CNG powertrain similar to that of the Kiger. Like the Renault SUV, the new Magnite will also get an underbody CNG tank.
Renault has already announced its second sub-four metre SUV offering- the Bridger. It will be based on the RGMP (Renault Global Modular Platform) Small platform. This multi-energy platform will be able to accommodate the CNG powertrain comfortably. It will have a factory-fitted dual-cylinder CNG system. The two interconnected tanks will sit beneath the boot and feed CNG to the powertrain that has a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine at its core. This setup is expected to make around 100hp on CNG.
Nissan is also expected to launch a badge-engineered version of the Bridger sometime in the future. It will also be based on the same RGMP platform and will use the same CNG powertrain.
Maruti Suzuki is working on a facelift to the hot-selling Brezza SUV. It is expected to come with noticeable design changes and an improved cabin experience. The new Brezza will have more features inside. Like the outgoing model, it will also have a CNG powertrain option. It will use the same 1.5L petrol engine as its base and make around 87hp and 121Nm.
The difference will be in how the CNG is stored. The outgoing model has its CNG tank placed inside the boot. The facelift, however, is expected to come with an integrated underbody CNG tank. A similar arrangement can be seen in the case of the Victoris as well.
Maruti Suzuki will also launch a facelifted Fronx sometime this year. It will have notable design changes and feature additions. Like the outgoing version, it will also come with a CNG powertrain option. On the facelift, however, we will see a dual cylinder underbody CNG storage setup.
The SUV will continue to be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine, and make around 77hp and 98Nm on CNG. After its market launch, Toyota is also expected to roll out a facelift on the Taisor ( which is essentially a rebadged Fronx) mimicking these updates. Mechanically, the Taisor facelift will remain the same as the new Fronx.
Skoda is reportedly working on a CNG-powered version of its hot-selling sub-four metre SUV Kylaq. This vehicle is already in high demand. The CNG option would only add to this. Skoda could either offer a factory-fitted CNG arrangement or a company-approved dealer-fitted kit. The actual nature of this remains unclear for now.
The Kylaq’s 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine makes 113hp and 178Nm in the stock form. The CNG version is expected to see around 20% reduction in output figures, in pure CNG mode. Expected to launch sometime this year, the CNG-powered Kylaq will sit towards the more affordable end of the variant lineup.