Hyundai to launch more CNG-fitted cars based on the response to the new Santro [Video]

Puneet Anand, Sr General Manager (Marketing), Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has said that like the new Santro, other models in the company's lineup could receive an optional factory-fitted CNG kit in the future.

The 2018 Santro has become the first Hyundai model to offer an optional factory-fitted CNG kit to private car buyers. On being asked if this option will make it to other offerings, Mr Anand said:

We are very much in line with the Indian government's policy of environment-friendly India. We are the first company to announce that we will be launching a complete SUV-based electric car in the year 2019 (Kona EV). Keeping with this trend, we are happy to announce that we have launched the new Santro in the CNG version also. Although, if you see the Grand i10 Prime and the Xcent Prime are already available with CNG (option), but this is the first time we are giving this option to private customers. We are sure once the customers love the all-new Santro with the CNG version, we should be strapping this CNG (kit) to other cars also.

The CNG variant of the 2018 Hyundai Santro is available in Magna and Sportz trims. They have been priced at INR 5,23,900 and INR 5,64,900, respectively.

Powering the CNG variant of the new Hyundai Santro is a 1.1-litre four-cylinder motor that outputs a maximum power of 59 PS at 5,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 8.6 kgm at 4,500 rpm. While the petrol version is available with two transmission choices - 5-speed manual and 5-speed SmartAUTO AMT - CNG is available only with the manual unit. It comes with an 8 kg fuel tank and benefits from a Dual ECU setup along with Matrix Injection and Filler Valve with Micro Switch.

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While Mr Anand has refrained from naming the models that could receive a CNG variant, we believe that the next generation Grand i10 and the next generation Xcent would become the second and third recipients of the optional factory-fitted CNG kit.