The Maruti Suzuki Alto which was updated 2 months back to meet the new crash test and safety regulations has been launched with CNG variants for the mid-spec LXi and LXi(O) models. Maruti will price the CNG variants at Rs 4,20,570 (ex-showroom, Pune) for the LXi variant and Rs 4,24,190 (ex-showroom, Pune) for the LXI (O). This means there is a price hike of Rs 60,195 and Rs 59,529 on the LXi and the LXi(O) respectively for the CNG models over the petrol equivalent.
It is yet to be seen if there is any difference in the power and torque figures and what the new mileage/efficiency figures will be. The current-gen petrol Alto uses a three-cylinder engine which produces 47.3bhp of power at 6000rpm and 69Nm of torque at 3500rpm.
No differences in equipment have been mentioned for the CNG model. Maruti Suzuki will give the new Alto driver side airbags (LXi(O) gets an extra airbag), ABS, driver and pillion seat-belt warning, front power windows and a rear child lock.
Words by Karan Ramgopal