Maruti Suzuki has launched the Alto K10 CNG at a starting price of ₹5.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it the 13th CNG model in its line-up. Available only in the VXi variant, the CNG variant costs ₹95,000 more than the petrol-powered Alto K10.
Maruti Suzuki claims that it has sold over 1 million CNG vehicles till date, which has helped save over 1 million tonnes of CO2. 2 emissions.
Like the recently launched S Presso and Celerio CNG, the Alto K10 CNG is also powered by the 1.0-litre K10C engine which is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In petrol-only mode, the new engine produces 65hp and 89Nm of torque, however, in CNG mode, it produces 57hp and 82Nm.
Maruti claims that the new Alto K10 CNG can deliver a fuel economy of 33.85km/kg, which is 1.12km/kg more than the S Presso CNG, but 1.75km/kg less than the Celerio CNG – currently the most fuel efficient Efficient CNG model. The brand says that it has re-calibrated the suspension set-up of the Alto K10 CNG to enhance its ride quality, comfort and safety.
The Alto K10 CNG retains the same exterior design as its petrol counterpart apart from the S-CNG badge at the rear. The brand has placed a 55-litre CNG tank in the boot of the hatchback, thereby reducing the storage space.
The interiors of the Alto K10 CNG have also remained unchanged and get the same features as the VXi trim of the petrol variant. These include a 2-Din SmartPlay audio system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB ports, speed-sensing auto door lock, impact-sensing door unlock and gear shift indicator. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and seat belt reminder.
The only direct rival to the new Alto K10 CNG in this budget end of the market is the Renault Kwid (₹4.64 lakh-6 lakh), which doesn’t get a CNG option. However, the CNG version of the budget hatchback also competes with other Maruti models such as the Alto 800 CNG (₹5.03 lakh) and the S Presso CNG (₹5.90 lakh-6.10 lakh).