Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG – What To Buy?

CNG has emerged as a popular choice among car buyers who look for low running and ownership costs

In this post, we are comparing the Maruti Swift CNG and Tata Altroz CNG on the basis of specs, prices, features, design and more. CNG-powered cars have been increasing in popularity in India for a while now. The fuel prices have been high for a long time and the EVs are just too expensive at the moment. Therefore, CNG emerges as the ideal solution for all those who are looking for alternative fuel-powered cars. In most major cities, the infrastructure around CNG is well-developed. Also, the ability to switch between CNG and petrol ensures peace of mind. For now, let us compare these two compelling propositions.

Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG – Prices

The new Maruti Swift CNG ranges from Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 9.20 lakh, ex-showroom. Buyers get to choose between three trims – VXi, VXi (O) and ZXi. This is enough to take care of the needs of most customers. On the other hand, the Tata Altroz CNG retails between Rs 7.60 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh, ex-showroom. Unlike Maruti, Tata Motors offers the CNG version of the Altroz even on the highest variant. It ensures that all sorts of buyers can opt for their desired version. Also, the Altroz is a premium hatchback which is why it is more expensive than the Swift.

Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG – Specs

The Maruti Swift CNG comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated bi-fuel mill which generates a decent 69.75 PS and 101.8 Nm of peak power and torque. There is a sole 5-speed manual transmission with this engine. Note that CNG powertrains are extensions of the regular petrol mill. However, the mileage is much higher and people save money because of the low running costs associated with CNG. The official mileage figure for the Swift CNG is a whopping 32.85 km/kg. That makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars even among CNG vehicles in the country.

On the other hand, the Tata Altroz CNG draws power from a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with bi-fuel configuration which generates a healthy 73.5 PS and 103 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a sole 5-speed manual gearbox. Interestingly, the Indian auto giant claims a mileage of a cool 26.2 km/kg. Hence, the Swift has the edge in terms of the mileage but the Altroz makes slightly higher power and torque. That is necessary since the latter is larger than the Swift.

Apart from that, we must also talk about the dual-cylinder technology from Tata Motors. The biggest issue with CNG cars is the fact that the CNG tank in the boot eats up all the space. As a result, there is not enough room to fit luggage. That was the trade-off people had to make. But Tata Motors came up with a clever solution to address this problem. CNG cars from Tata get this dual-cylinder technology where instead of one, there are two CNG cylinders with smaller sizes. As a result, they are easily accommodated underneath the boot floor and there is a decent useable luggage compartment.

Maruti Swift CNG vs Tata Altroz CNG – Features

This is where things get interesting. We know that modern-age customers love to have the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety features in their cars. Hence, it becomes critical to equip vehicles with the latest amenities. Since Swift is the newer car of the two, let us concentrate on its top features first:

• 7-inch Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• Over-the-Air (OTA) System Upgrades Using Smartphones
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Auto AC
• Rear AC Vents
• Wireless Charger
• 60:40 Split Rear Seat
• Rear USB Ports
• Rear Wiper & Washer
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• 6-Speaker Audio System
• Luggage Room Lamp
• Electrically Foldable and Adjustable ORVMs
• Engine Push Start/Stop Button w/ Smart Key
• Alexa Skill Connectivity
• Smartwatch Connectivity
• Rear USB Ports
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control

Similarly, since the Tata Altroz is a premium hatchback and is available even in the top trim, it also offers loads of modern amenities including:

• 7-inch TFT Digital Instrument Cluster
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Gear Knob
• Mood Lighting
• Premium Leatherette Seats
• Voice Alerts in Hindi, English and Hinglish
• 7-inch Floating Dashtop Harman Infotainment Display
• 8-speaker Audio System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• What3Words Navigation
• Ok Google and Siri Connectivity
• iRA Connected Car Tech
• Voice-Assisted Electric Sunroof
• Multiple Drive Modes
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Rear AC Vents
• Air Purifier
• Fully Automatic Climate Control with Xpress Cool Function
• Wireless Charger
• Location-Based Services
• Antiglare IRVM

Safety

We know that safety is an important part of the car purchasing process in today’s day and age. This time around, the Maruti Swift comes with many standard safety features to improve the overall appeal. The main attractions are:

• Electronic Stability Control
• 6 Airbags
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

On the other hand, the Tata Altroz is a 5-star-rated premium hatchback. Therefore, even it has a myriad of effective safety functionalities including:

• Dual Front Airbags
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Reverse Parking Camera
• Height Adjustable Front Seatbelts

Design and Dimensions

The new Maruti Swift comes with slight changes to its aesthetics in comparison to the outgoing model. This includes a revised front end with a sleek LED headlamp cluster with integrated LED DRLs and a large front grille. The bumper is sporty and the bonnet line slopes down quite neatly. On the sides, the alloy wheels look stylish and the black side pillars and ORVMs lend it a smart stance. At the rear, there are LED taillamps with a sporty bumper. All in all, the Swift maintains its sporty stance like we have seen in the years.

On the other hand, the Tata Altroz CNG also has a particularly distinct appearance. Firstly, it is much larger than the Swift. At the front, it gets a sleek LED headlamp cluster with a chrome belt running the width of the grille. The fog lamps are positioned just underneath the main headlamp cluster. Down below, the bumper section is quite rugged with horizontal elements. On the sides, the 16-inch alloy wheels elevate the side profile along with black B-pillars and ORVMs. The rear door handle is mounted on the C-pillars. Finally, the tail section contains a shark fin antenna, a blacked-out portion of the boot lid, prominent LED taillamps and a sporty bumper. All in all, both cars look attractive from the outside.

Our View

I believe it is impossible to go wrong with either of these compelling products. At the end of the day, it is a matter of preference. If you are looking for a larger and more practical CNG option and are flexible on your budget, going for the Tata Altroz CNG makes a lot of sense. It is a 5-star-rated vehicle and has an impressive road presence. On the other hand, if you are slightly low on budget and want to get the benefits of owning a Maruti Suzuki car with a higher mileage, the new Maruti Swift CNG should be on your radar. You can visit your nearest dealerships to experience both these cars in the flesh to make up your mind.

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