Tata Motors has, for a long time, been mulling an entry into the CNG passenger vehicle segment, which has so far been dominated by just two players – Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. This could have happened sooner, if not for pandemic-related delays and the global semiconductor crisis. But, Tata Motors is finally gearing up to launch its first CNG-powered vehicles – the Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG – this month, with official bookings now open.
- Official bookings for Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG have commenced
- Both are expected to be powered Tata’s 1.2-litre NA petrol engine
- No changes expected in terms of styling or features
Tata Tiago CNG, Tigor CNG: official bookings open
Tata dealerships have opened official bookings for the Tiago and Tigor CNG, with the booking amount ranging between Rs 5,000-20,000, depending on the dealership. Price announcement for both models are expected later this month, although Tata is yet to officially confirm a date.
Tata Tiago CNG, Tigor CNG: what do we know so far?
Camouflaged test mules of the CNG-powered Tiago and Tigor have been spotted on our roads on numerous occasions before. The CNG-powered Tiago and Tigor are not likely to have any styling changes over the standard model, although it remains to be seen on which of their trims Tata introduces the CNG kit. While both models come pretty decently equipped in standard petrol guise, the equipment list on the CNG versions will depend on which trims they are offered on.
Currently, both the Tiago and Tigor are powered by a sole 86hp, 113Nm, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine. The CNG versions are expected to use the same engine, although power and torque figures could see a marginal drop. Tata offers both, manual and AMT gearbox options with the petrol-powered Tiago and Tigor, but the CNG versions will likely be manual-only. There could also be a couple of CNG badges on the exterior of both models to set them apart from the rest of the range.
It’s worth noting that the Tigor also has an electric sibling called the Tigor EV. With the launch of its CNG variant, the Tigor will be the only sedan in India that’s available in petrol, CNG and electric guise.
Tata Tiago CNG, Tigor CNG: rivals in India
As mentioned, the CNG space has so far been dominated by Maruti and Hyundai, with the former having the widest range of CNG vehicles starting with the Alto, and going all the way up to the Ertiga MPV. The Tata Tiago CNG will face competition from the likes of the Hyundai Santro CNG and Maruti Wagon R CNG. Meanwhile, the Tigor CNG will rival the Hyundai Aura CNG. Maruti Suzuki is also said to be working on new CNG variants of the Swift, Dzire and the new Celerio, all of which could add up to the competition against the CNG Tiago and Tigor.
Scope of CNG-powered vehicles in India
Maruti Suzuki was one of the first carmakers to realise the potential of CNG in our market, and it has paid off hugely for them. Following Maruti, Hyundai too joined the league, and now Tata is also looking for a share of the pie. Given the high petrol prices prevalent these days, many car buyers, particularly those living in cities where CNG is readily available, are looking to opt for factory-fitted CNG vehicles. The government too has been trying to push the use of CNG, as it's much cheaper to import and also helps offset the high crude import cost of the country.
According to a report by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the CNG network has expanded to about 3,500 filling stations in 293 cities at present, from 1,300 stations in 143 cities in 2019. This is poised to strengthen to 6,000 stations by 2025 and reach 10,000 stations by 2030.
It's worth noting that, with the introduction of its CNG line-up, Tata motors will be one of few carmakers operating on all fuel types available in the country – petrol, diesel, CNG and electric.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming CNG-powered Tata Tiago and Tigor? Let us know in the comments below.
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