Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Brezza CNG – Who Should Buy What?

CNG cars are gaining prominence lately as people look for low running cost alternatives

In this post, I shall compare the Tata Nexon iCNG and the Maruti Brezza CNG on the basis of prices, specs, features, design and dimensions. In recent times, we have witnessed the incredible popularity of CNG cars. As a matter of fact, that is the reason why carmakers have introduced so many new models to expand their portfolios. Also, this gives the potential buyers loads of options to choose from. The Tata Nexon iCNG aims to leverage the popularity of the ICE version. Nexon remains one of the highest-selling compact SUVs in the country. Similarly, the Maruti Brezza CNG is a volume-churner and a worthy rival to the Nexon in this space. Let us compare the two on multiple parameters.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Brezza CNG – Price

The most crucial factor while buying any car is its price. The Tata Nexon iCNG retails between Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 14.59 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, potential car buyers get loads of variants to choose from as per their needs. On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza CNG has a price tag between Rs 9.29 lakh and Rs 12.26 lakh, ex-showroom. In the lower trims, the Nexon has the edge while it is the opposite towards the higher versions.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Brezza CNG – Specs and Mileage

This is where we compare the performance of the two compact SUVs. The Tata Nexon iCNG draws power from the 1.2-litre turbocharged (first in India) bi-fuel engine which produces a decent 100 PS and 170 Nm of peak power and torque. It pairs with a 6-speed manual transmission. Now, this is only marginally lower than the petrol trim which is quite impressive and rare to see. Due to Tata’s twin-cylinder technology, the Nexon iCNG offers a luggage capacity of 323 litres. This is due to the fact that by using two cylinders, they fit underneath the boot floor. If you use a single cylinder, it eats into the boot space significantly. The mileage is a decent 24 km/kg.

On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza CNG comes with a 1.5-litre K15C bi-fuel mill with Dual Inter-dependent Electronic Control Units (ECU) and an Intelligent Injection system which churns out a decent 87.8 PS and 121.5 Nm of peak power and torque. With this engine, buyers only get the option of a 5-speed manual transmission. It has a CNG capacity of 55 litres (water equivalent). Interestingly, the compact SUV has a mileage of 25.51 km/kg.

Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Brezza CNG – Features

We know that modern car buyers are extremely particular about the functionalities of their cars. New-age cars have anyway become, sort of, gadgets on wheels. People love to stay connected to their phones all the time. Even the carmakers have recognized that which is why we keep getting these amenities in our cars. To begin with, the Tata Nexon iCNG offers

• 10.25-inch Infotainment System by Harman
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Leatherette Ventilated Seats
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Air Purifier
• Wireless Phone Charging
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• 8-Speaker Audio System
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• iRA Connected Car Tech
• Cooled Glovebox
• 360-degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Blind View Monitor
• Front Parking Sensors
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Automatic Climate Control
• Voice Commands
• Steering Mounted Controls
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs

On the other hand, even the Maruti Brezza offers myriads of new-age features to pamper the customers. The top highlights include:

• 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Studio
• USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control with Tilt Adjustment
• MID with TFT Colour Display
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Engine Start/Stop Push Button with Smart Key
• Tilt and Telescopic Adjustment for Steering Wheel
• OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates
• Co-driver Side Vanity Lamp
• Luggage Lamp
• Front Footwell Illumination
• Rear Parcel Tray
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Automatic Climate Control
• Keyless Entry
• Rear AC Vents
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 2 Airbags
• Rear Defogger

Design and Dimensions

Both these compact SUVs are easily distinguishable from their exterior styling. Firstly, the Tata Nexon iCNG bears the latest design language from the Indian auto giant. Therefore, we get a sleek bar running across the width of the fascia which connects to the LED DRLs on either side. Apart from that, the entire front section is dominated by a colossal bumper area with black materials and a silver skid plate underneath which lends it an imposing road presence. The main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bumper. On the sides, it gets stylish and modern alloy wheels with prominent wheel arches. The black side pillars lend it an attractive appearance. At the rear, you would find the LED taillamps connected via the LED strip which runs the width of the boot lid. Finally, the roof-mounted spoiler and rugged bumper complete the sporty stance.

On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza also wears the latest design philosophy from the largest carmaker in the country. At the front, it has a thick grille section finished in a combination of black material and chrome. The sleek LED headlamps are nestled neatly into the corner. I particularly like the chunky bumper area with rugged black cladding and a silver skid plate. It accentuates the rugged nature of the SUV. There are also tiny fog lamps on the bumper. Moving down the sides reveals prominent wheel arches with black cladding and black side pillars. In fact, even the rear section looks quite stunning with the shark fin antenna, roof-mounted spoiler, split-LED taillamps, and an adventurous bumper with a silver plate. All in all, both SUVs have a flare which many people will take a liking to.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling SUVs can be quite tricky. The fact that their prices overlap, the specifications are almost similar and both of them are feature-laden ensures that the customers remain confused. However, there are distinct values in the brand image of both these companies. We know that Tata Motors focuses on safety a lot. In fact, its Nexon is a 5-star NCAP safety-rated product. It certainly offers tons of variants to choose from and has a striking appearance. The cabin also feels more plush in comparison to the Brezza. However, it is the costlier of the two in the higher trims.

On the other hand, if you want to stick to the largest carmaker in the country, then opting for the Brezza also makes a lot of sense. It will certainly have a better resale value and even the initial price is much lower. The SUV has a higher mileage which is crucial for most people. All in all, I would like to encourage our readers to visit their nearest showroom and experience both these compact SUVs in the flesh. That will help you make up your mind. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Punch CNG – Which One To Buy?