Maruti Swift and Dzire MIght Gain CNG Option In Future

CNG option is likely to be introduced on the Swift and Dzire range. Maruti has recently confirmed the end of the diesel version of the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. The redundance of the diesel option is due to the expensive upgrade cost it takes to make the current engine BSVI-compliant. The CNG engine is going to be the alternative for the dying diesel variants of their best-selling hatchback and sedan.

It is reported that, as requested by Maruti Suzuki, their dealership will make a bid for the licences to establish CNG-filling stations. It is a step forward the longer goal of distributing more than 2,00,000 CNG-run unit by 2022.

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Dzire diesel will no longer be offered, CNG will replace the diesel trim

Sharing about the launch of the CNG models, Puneet Gupta, associate director of Automotive Forecasting at IHS Markit, said:

“CNG vehicles will be beneficial in the short term and Maruti being the largest manufacturer with products in the portfolio will create an ecosystem with the help of other stakeholders. Since the vision of the government is also to build a huge network of CNG pumps across the country, Maruti’s plans seem to be in sync with the government."

The CNG Swift and Dzire are expected to kick off around the same time of Ertiga’s CNG version by April this year.

The discontinuation of the diesel engine is unavoidable. If the car manufacturer insists on keeping the diesel trims and rework the current powertrain to get in line with the upcoming BSVI, it will significantly drive up the cost, and therefore make the whole package less appealing, especially in the segment of sub-4 meter vehicles. It has pushed India’s biggest auto company toward introducing the CNG-powered vehicle.

Beside the attempt to launch the CNG option on Dzire and Swift, Maruti also tried to extend the engine range and shift focus to developing the hybrid system. It will team up with Toyota to build hybrid models. However, the hybrid technology is more likely to be offered on the vehicles on higher range, not on the small sub-4-meter segment.

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