Maruti Suzuki has just launched the Baleno S-CNG AMT. This is the first time that MAruti has introduced an AMT with a CNG option. This combination has been a long standing demand from the CNG buyers, but only Tata has catered to these buyers with the Altrox iCNG AMT. But, with the new launch Maruti has also joined the race. This option has given the customers an option to choose both saving and ease of driving in traffic.
Price and Variants
Model | Variant Range | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
Maruti Suzuki Baleno S-CNG AMT | Delta, Zeta | Rs 8.32 lakh onwards |
Tata Altroz iCNG AMT | Pure, Pure S, Creative, Creative S, Accomplished S | Rs 8.70 lakh onwards |
The 2026 Maruti Baleno is Rs 38,000 cheaper compared to Tata Altroz iCNG AMT. Maruti has 2 trims available for this combo whereas, Tata has spread its AMT-CNG option across five trims. SO there is more choice further up the range, going almost all the way to the Accomplished S. Both companies still keep their top trims (Baleno Alpha, Altroz Accomplished Plus S) petrol only.
Engine and Performance
Spec | Baleno S-CNG AMT | Altroz iCNG AMT |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 1.2-litre, 3-cyl Z-Series petrol | 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol |
Power (CNG mode) | 69.75 PS | 73.5 PS |
Torque (CNG mode) | 102 Nm | 103 Nm |
Transmission | AMT | AMT |
CNG cylinder setup | Single cylinder | Twin cylinder, under boot floor |
Claimed efficiency (AMT) | 24.77 km/kg | Not officially confirmed yet |
Both the cars are standing very close to each other in terms of numbers. However, the Altroz has a slight edge in power and torque. Both the cars also have less power compared to their respective petrol versions, which is normal for this kind of setup.
Boot Space
This is the field that Tata has conquered the best. Tata has taken a different approach by using a twin-cylinder layout neatly tucked under the boot floor. This twin-cylinder tech has provided a usable 210 litres of boot space, enough for a couple of soft bags. However, the Baleno sticks with a single cylinder mounted inside the boot, which cuts into cargo space a lot more than the regular petrol version does.
Features
The Baleno, offered here on the Delta and Zeta trims, comes with a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and 6 airbags across the range.
The Altroz, particularly in its Creative S and Accomplished S CNG-AMT trims, goes a step further with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and matching digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, dual 65W Type-C ports, and a voice-controlled sunroof. It's a richer feature list overall, though you have to pay more to get it.
End Note
Somebody who is looking for a CNG-AMT combo and wants to keep the costs of the vehicle low, then the Baleno S-CNG AMT should be your pick with a more efficient way into a CNG automatic hatchback. If somebody is looking for a car with real boot space and a CNG-AMT combo then don't hesitate to increase your budget with approximately Rs. 40,000 to get the best fit for you. The Altroz iCNG AMT solves the usual CNG problem while also giving you more variants to pick from and a stronger feature list at the top. Both are solid options, it really comes down to whether boot space or price matters more to you.
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