Maruti Suzuki has introduced factory fitted ‘next generation’ compressed natural gas (CNG) systems for five models across all segments in which it competes in India, claiming performance and driveability are “at par” with comparable petrol engines.
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The new, so called ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI models were unveiled by environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh at an event in Delhi. The models – SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto – are now being launched in the Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat regions. “With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments,” Maruti Suzuki said.
Maruti Suzuki India managing director & CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said: “The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted, technologically superior. CNG engines in India. Compressed natural gas is environment friendly and also reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki’s big ticket entry into the CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.”
Maruti claims i-GPI offers an “intelligent ride” . “Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time.”
The automaker claims its factory fitted CNG equipment scores “very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options” as the systems pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a petrol car manufactured at its plants.
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By GlobalDataThe CNG models are sold with the same warranty benefits, including extended warranty, as the petrol versions. After sales service is provided by a network of 2,700 outlets.
“The simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates the company’s intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers,” Maruti said.
The company added it had implemented “a host of environment friendly programmes ahead of government regulations and the industry”. This includes an end of life vehicle (ELV) programme under which harmful elements like lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury are no longer used when making vehicles.
Maruti also produced the first BS-IV and E-10 emission rules-compliant engines ahead of regulations coming into force in India.
“Developing a factory-fitted CNG engine is another effort by the company to contribute to a clean environment,” it said.
Technology up
The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company’s range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers.
In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions.
The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.
While working on the new CNG technology, Maruti Suzuki engineers focused on critical aspects of safety, reliability and performance.
CNG for the future
Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government’s aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki’s launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.
The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as under
Alto Lxi
Eeco 5-seater Ac
SX4 Vxi
WagonR Lxi
Estilo Lxi
3.23
3.64
7.47
4.11
4.05
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communications,
Maruti Suzuki India Limited,
1, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Ph: 91-11-46781000, 46781113-15
Website: www.marutisuzuki.com
