Best CNG Cars Under 7 Lakhs in India (2026)

7 min read

Last updated: Tue Jan 20 2026 05:30:00 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Why CNG makes sense under 7 lakhs

If you drive 1,000 km a month in a petrol car doing 15 km/l, you spend roughly ₹6,500 on fuel (at ₹100/litre). Switch to a CNG car doing 30 km/kg, and the same 1,000 km costs ₹1,850 (at ₹55/kg). That is ₹4,650 saved every single month.

The factory CNG cars under 7 lakhs cost ₹60,000-90,000 more than their petrol equivalents. At ₹4,650 saved per month, the premium pays for itself in 13-16 months. After that, you are just pocketing the savings.

The 5 best CNG cars under 7 lakhs

1. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG — ₹5.89 to ₹6.42 lakhs

The Wagon R has been India's favourite tall-boy hatchback for two decades. The CNG version adds practicality with genuine space for four adults and a boot that is still usable even with the CNG tank.

Real-world mileage: 32-34 km/kg in city driving
CNG tank location: Under the boot floor (reduces boot space slightly but does not eliminate it)
Pros: Spacious cabin, tall seating position, excellent service network
Cons: Feels dated compared to newer hatchbacks

Who should buy this: Families who need space and want proven reliability. The Wagon R's after-sales support is unmatched.

2. Maruti Suzuki Celerio CNG — ₹5.98 to ₹6.94 lakhs

The Celerio CNG delivers the highest ARAI-certified mileage of any CNG car in India — 35.6 km/kg. Real-world figures are closer to 30-32 km/kg, but that is still exceptional.

Real-world mileage: 30-32 km/kg
CNG tank location: Under the boot floor
Pros: Best-in-class mileage, AMT option available, light and nimble
Cons: Feels underpowered on highways, basic interiors

Who should buy this: Solo commuters or couples who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else. If you clock 1,500+ km per month in the city, this is your car.

3. Tata Tiago iCNG — ₹5.49 to ₹6.22 lakhs

The Tiago iCNG is the only CNG hatchback under 7 lakhs with a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating. Tata's iCNG tech also includes a feature where the car automatically switches to petrol if CNG runs out while driving — no manual intervention needed.

Real-world mileage: 26-28 km/kg
CNG tank location: Under the boot floor
Pros: 4-star safety rating, good build quality, modern design
Cons: Slightly lower mileage than Maruti equivalents, smaller service network

Who should buy this: Safety-conscious buyers who want a CNG car but refuse to compromise on crash protection.

4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG — ₹6.45 to ₹6.95 lakhs

The Grand i10 Nios is the most premium-feeling hatchback in this list. The interiors are a step above Maruti or Tata, and the ride quality is more refined. But you pay for it — this is the most expensive CNG hatchback under 7 lakhs.

Real-world mileage: 27-29 km/kg
CNG tank location: Under the boot floor
Pros: Premium interiors, smooth engine, comfortable ride
Cons: Expensive, mileage lags behind Maruti

Who should buy this: Buyers stepping up from a petrol car who want CNG savings without feeling like they downgraded on comfort.

5. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG — ₹5.12 to ₹5.52 lakhs

The S-Presso is styled like a mini SUV but is really a tall hatchback. It is the cheapest factory CNG car you can buy in India. The higher seating position gives good visibility, and the 1.0L engine is adequate for city use.

Real-world mileage: 30-32 km/kg
CNG tank location: Under the boot floor
Pros: Cheapest CNG car, high seating position, easy to park
Cons: Feels plasticky, cramped rear seat

Who should buy this: First-time CNG buyers on the tightest budget. Also good as a second car for city errands.

What to check before buying

1. CNG station availability

CNG savings only work if you can fill up easily. Check CNG station density in your area using the MGL, IGL, or Adani Gas apps depending on your city. If the nearest station is 10+ km away, factor in the time and petrol cost of getting there.

2. Boot space

All these cars have the CNG tank under the boot floor. This reduces boot height by 100-150 mm. If you regularly carry luggage, suitcases, or large grocery runs, sit in the car and check if the remaining boot space works for you.

3. Power loss on CNG mode

CNG cars lose 10-15% power compared to running on petrol. This is most noticeable during highway overtakes or climbing steep gradients. Test drive on CNG mode specifically — do not just rely on the petrol mode demo.

4. Warranty coverage

Confirm the CNG system is covered under warranty. Factory-fitted systems are typically covered for 2 years or 40,000 km. Some brands offer extended warranties — ask explicitly.

The verdict

Best for space Best for mileage Best for safety Best for budget
Car Wagon R CNG Celerio CNG Tiago iCNG S-Presso CNG
Price ₹5.89L+ ₹5.98L+ ₹5.49L+ ₹5.12L+
Mileage 32 km/kg 32 km/kg 27 km/kg 31 km/kg

If you need space and proven reliability, get the Wagon R CNG. If maximum mileage is the priority, the Celerio CNG edges ahead. If safety matters most, the Tiago iCNG is the only 4-star option. And if budget is tight, the S-Presso CNG gets you into CNG ownership for the least money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best CNG car under 7 lakhs?

The Maruti Wagon R CNG offers the best balance of space, mileage (32+ km/kg), and reliability. For a slightly more premium feel, the Tata Tiago iCNG is excellent with better safety ratings.

Are factory CNG cars better than aftermarket kits?

Yes. Factory CNG cars come with warranty coverage, properly tuned engines, and crash-tested tank placement. Aftermarket kits void your warranty and have inconsistent quality.

What is the real mileage of CNG cars?

Most CNG cars deliver 28-35 km/kg in real-world mixed driving. The Maruti Celerio and Wagon R consistently hit 30+ km/kg. Claimed figures are usually 10-15% optimistic.