The CNG SUV segment is intensifying with the entry of Tata Motors’ Nexon CNG. This vehicle was previously displayed at Bharat Mobility. The CNG market has witnessed an extraordinary surge, with demand skyrocketing by 46 per cent from the start of this calendar year until August 2024. We compare the highly anticipated and feature-rich Nexon CNG with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Fronx CNG: Price and Variants
Tata Nexon iCNG is available in eight variants starting from Rs 8.99 lakh to Rs 14.59 lakh, ex-showroom. The entry-level Smart comes in three trims — Smart, Smart + and Smart +S- and costs Rs 8.99 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The midrange gets four variants starting from Pure, Pure +, Creative and Creative + and is priced from Rs 10.69 lakh to Rs 12.19 lakh, ex-showroom. The top-of-the-line, Fearless, is available for Rs 14.59 lakh, ex-showroom.
The Fronx, on the other hand, only comes in two variants, the Sigma CNG and Delta CNG. The Sigma is priced at Rs 8.47 lakh and the Delta at Rs 9.33 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Tata Nexon iCNG | Prices, Ex-showroom | Maruti Fronx | Prices, Ex-showroom |
| Smart | Rs 8.99 lakh | Sigma | Rs 8.47 lakh |
| Smart + | Rs 9.69 lakh | Delta | Rs 9.33 lakh |
| Smart +S | Rs 9.99 lakh | ||
| Pure | Rs 10.69 lakh | ||
| Pure + | Rs 10.99 lakh | ||
| Creative | Rs 11.69 lakh | ||
| Creative + | Rs 12.19 lakh | ||
| Fearless + | Rs 14.59 lakh |
Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Fronx CNG: Powertrain Specs
The Nexon is the first CNG vehicle equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine. It features a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 99 bhp at 5500 rpm and 170 Nm of torque between 2000 – 3000 rpm. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, and there may be an AMT option in the future. Tata Motors claims that the Nexon CNG can achieve a fuel efficiency of 24 km/kg.
The Fronx gets the 1.2 -litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an output of 76.4 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 98.5 Nm at 4,300 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and has a mileage of 28.51 km/kg.
| Vehicles | Tata Nexon iCNG | Maruti Suzuki Fronx |
| Engine | 1199 cc | 1197 cc |
| Power | 99 bhp | 76.4 bhp |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 98.5 Nm |
| Fuel Efficiency | 24 kmkg | 28.51 km/kg |
| Tank | 60 litres | 55 litres |
Tata Nexon iCNG vs Maruti Fronx CNG: Features
The Nexon CNG is equipped with all the features available in its internal combustion engine counterpart. This CNG-powered SUV includes a panoramic sunroof, twin 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, a twin-cylinder tank, and a luggage capacity of 321 liters. For safety, it comes standard with six airbags, an Electronic Stability Program, hill hold control, a tire pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable seat belts for the front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, a blind view monitor, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming IRVM.
The Fronx CNG comes exclusively in entry-level and mid-level trims, which means it has a limited range of equipment. It features a 7-inch touchscreen display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, four speakers, dual airbags, hill hold assist, electrically foldable and adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs), keyless entry, and automatic climate control.