Maruti Finally Introduces AMT With CNG In Baleno, Swift & Dzire!
Low running costs and the convenience of an automatic sounds like music to the Indian middle class.
With rising fuel costs and decreasing fuel economy in petrol cars, alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) are growing in popularity. This demand has prompted Maruti to extend CNG variants to the AMT powertrains of the Baleno, Swift and Dzire S-CNG.
Till now, CNG was reserved only for the manual transmission variants. That is changing to make CNG more democratised for people looking for low running costs with the convenience of petrol.
Full variant-wise pricing of the new variants is yet to be announced. However, the starting price of each model is as follows:
Price
Baleno
The Baleno S-CNG AMT is available in two variants, with pricing starting from Rs 8.32 lakh (ex-showroom):
| Variant |
Price |
| Delta CNG AMT |
Rs 8.32 lakh |
| Zeta CNG AMT |
Rs 9.32 lakh |
-
For new drivers who are looking to purchase a Baleno, the appeal of getting a CNG powertrain becomes wider given the convenience of the AMT, which will be a boon in the city.
- The Baleno has a claimed efficiency of 34.47 km/kg
Swift
The Swift S-CNG with AMT is available from Rs 7.92 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards:
| Variant |
Price |
| VXI CNG AMT |
Rs 7.92 lakh |
| VXI (O) CNG AMT |
Rs 8.18 lakh |
| ZXI CNG AMT |
Rs 8.86 lakh |
-
First-time buyers and new drivers will definitely appreciate the option of CNG with an AMT transmission. For many who travel in the city, the Swift can also be a great option.
- The Swift has a claimed effiency of 35.34 km/kg.
Dzire
The Dzire S-CNG with AMT is available from Rs 8.53 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. Detailed pricing is as follows:
| Variant |
Price |
| VXI CNG AMT |
Rs 8.53 lakh |
| ZXI CNG AMT |
Rs 9.54 lakh |
-
The new powertrain option be ideal for high-mileage urban users with an easier-to-drive Dzire while keeping running costs low.
- The Dzire has a claimed efficiency of 36.47 km/kg.
Powertrain
The three cars come with identical powertrains under the bonnet. This includes a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with a 55-litre (water equivalent) CNG tank.
Powertrain specifications are as follows:
| Engine |
1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol + CNG |
| Power |
83 PS |
70 PS |
| Torque |
112 Nm |
102 Nm |
| Transmission |
5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT |
5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT |
MT- Manual transmission; AMT- Automated manual transmission
CarDekho Says…
The rising popularity of CNG has now pushed manufacturers to provide CNG options as much as possible. Until now, Tata was the only manufacturer giving factory-fitted CNG with AMT gearbox options. Now that Maruti has followed suit, this can further trigger a wider appeal towards CNG with automatic transmissions.
Meanwhile, we wish Maruti had added the underbody-mounted CNG tank like in the Brezza and Victoris. This will help open up boot space, which is otherwise eaten up by the CNG tank.
What do you think of the added powertrain flexibility? Let us know in the comments.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom