24Jun
Some of these CNG cars cost less than ₦4 million brand-new
You may have read about one or more organizations and watchdogs calling the Nigerian government’s attention to the risks of the hasty migration from petrol to compressed natural gas (CNG) as more and more people consider making the switch due to the prohibitively high petrol pump prices after subsidy removal. The government itself recommended the non-liquified fuel, while fuel marketers in the country (as of the time of writing this) say they’re at 90 percent capacity to begin dispensing the cheaper fuel.
So, it makes sense that many Nigerians are seriously considering switching to CNG for everything they usually powered with petrol, from home and office generators to automobiles. Are there risks associated with the use of CNG or the conversion from petrol to CNG? The answer is that compressed natural gas is no more riskier than petrol.
As long as you know what you are doing and take the appropriate steps in the use of CNG-powered cars or the conversion from petrol- to gas-powered motoring, you should have absolutely nothing to worry about. Click this green line to read our comprehensive step-by-step guide to converting a petrol car to run on compressed natural gas. In the meantime, below are 15 CNG cars on the market right now, so you don’t have to bother with converting your petrol model to a CNG car.
Related: The Danfo Bus Is All Grown Up: Here’s How Much The Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB Will Cost
1. 2023 Maruti Suzuki Brezza S-CNG – ₦9.2 Million
The Suzuki Brezza S-CNG is a new variant of the popular Brezza SUV that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). In other words, the SUV comes factory-equipped to run on both petrol and compressed natural gas.
Its motivation comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 86 horsepower and 89.6 lb-ft of torque in CNG mode. The Brezza delivers slightly higher performance in petrol mode.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission (which is the only available gearbox), the CNG variant delivers a claimed range of 25.51 km per kg, making it an ideal option for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicle.
Suzuki equipped the Brezza S-CNG with several safety and convenience features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, an electrically-operated sunroof, and a 7.0-inch Smartplay Pro touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The SUV got launched in India in early 2023 with a starting price of the equivalent of ₦9.2 million.
2. 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (Hybrid and CNG Models) – ₦11.4 Million
Like the Brezza above, the Ertiga is a new variant of the popular Ertiga MPV that runs on compressed natural gas. The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga got powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 92 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque.
The CNG variant comes equipped with a 60-liter tank that provides a range of up to 26.2 km/kg, making it an ideal option for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly MPV.
The Ertiga is reportedly comfortable and offers a spacious cabin with ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for all passengers.
It comes equipped with several safety and convenience features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Ertiga CNG’s performance is reportedly smooth and responsive, with good acceleration and braking capabilities. The fuel efficiency of the CNG variant is also praised, with critics noting that it provides significant cost savings over traditional petrol or diesel engines.
Overall, the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG has received generally positive reviews, highlighting that its key features, performance, and fuel efficiency make it a strong contender in its segment and a popular choice among drivers looking for a reliable and eco-friendly MPV.
The VXi trim is the top model of the Ertiga, with pricing starting at the equivalent of ₦11.4 million for the VXi CNG manual transmission model.
3. 2022 Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG – ₦8.6 Million
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG is also a new variant of the popular Swift hatchback that runs on compressed natural gas.
Its power comes from a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out up to 82 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. The CNG variant comes equipped with a 60-liter tank that provides a range of up to 23.2 km/kg, making it an ideal option for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly hatchback.
The Swift’s many fans in India, Japan, and other Asian countries will testify to the model’s comfortable and stylish cabin, with decent space for all passengers.
It comes equipped with several safety and convenience features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Suzuki Swift enjoys a loyal following mostly due to its smooth and responsive performance, with good acceleration and braking capabilities.
The CNG variant’s fuel efficiency also gets praised, with many reviewers reporting significant cost savings over traditional petrol or diesel engines.
4. 2023 Tata Altroz iCNG – ₦7.6 Million
Similarly, the 2023 Tata Altroz iCNG is a new variant of the popular Altroz premium hatchback that runs on a combination of petrol and compressed natural gas.
It’s reportedly the first in India to deploy a double-cylinder technology, with a combined capacity of 60 liters to deliver over 137 miles of range on CNG only.
With the CNG cylinders neatly tucked on the 345-liter-trunk floor, you still have up to 210 liters of usable trunk volume.
The Altroz’s power comes from a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine tied to a 5-speed manual transmission. It runs on both petrol and CNG. The CNG variant should deliver a range of over 310 miles, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for Nigerian drivers.
While the petrol model delivers slightly higher output, the Altroz iCNG makes 74 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 76 lb-ft of torque at 3,300 rpm.
The hatchback offers many basic convenience and safety features, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The CNG Altroz has six variants to choose from and a starting price of around ₦7.6 million.
5. 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno S-CNG – ₦8.4 Million
Don’t get surprised by the many Suzuki models on this list. The brand has a strong presence in India, and India is one of the countries with the widest adoption of CNG, alongside Iran, Pakistan, Brazil, Argentina, and China.
Interestingly, nearly nine percent of passenger cars sold in India in the Q1 of 2023 are CNG-powered, amounting to a 40 percent growth in the number of CNG vehicles on the road in the country.
In any case, Suzuki launched the Baleno in the Indian market in 2022 at the attractive price of the Indian equivalent of ₦6.4 million, while the CNG variant, which is part of the company’s NEXA range, totes an ₦8.5 million price tag.
Maruti/Suzuki refers to the NEXA range as the “New Age” Baleno, with modern features such as a 9.0-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, Arkamys-tuned sound system, and head-up display.
The automaker says the Baleno CNG “comes with factory fitted S- CNG technology which has been integrated from the ground up and rigorously tested for safety and durability.”
The car gets its urging from a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, with the CNG powertrain producing up to 78 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 84 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Its 55-liter CNG tanks provide an efficiency that translates to 30.6 km/kg, which is a class-leading efficiency in the eco-friendly hatchback segment.
6. 2023 Tata Tigor CNG – ₦7.7 Million
The Tigor CNG is a 5-seater Sedan variant of the petrol Tigor, offering a mileage of 26.4 Km/kg.
The three main Tigor CNG models include the XZ, XZ Plus, and XZ Plus Dual Tone (in reference to the dual-tone color), all of which come equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.2-liter bi-fuel engine and a 60-liters fuel tank capacity.
By bi-fuel engine, we mean that the same engine is ready to run on both petrol and natural gas, so you can easily sneak back to using petrol when the mad dash for CNG raises the pump price to astronomical levels as well. Hopefully, that won’t happen.
Actually, Tigor isn’t the only model on this list with bi-fuel engines. Though the same engine processes both natural gas and petrol, it uses separate fuel tanks, fuel lines, and fuel injection systems.
The engine makes 72 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 71 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm on CNG. Pricing for the CNG model range from ₦7.630 million to roughly ₦8.935 million, making it an attractive option for shoppers searching high and low for a comely sedan with an affordable upfront price and running cost.
The Tigor CNG has various safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, a 7-inch infotainment display, and a high-speed alert system.
The car's sleek exterior is marked by projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and alloy wheels. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with adjustable front and rear headrests, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a rear armrest with cup holders.
Overall, the Tigor CNG is a practical and affordable option for those looking for a fuel-efficient car with low emissions.
7. 2022 Hyundai Santro Sportz CNG– ₦7 Million
Hyundai discontinued production of the Santro hatchback in May 2022, shocking the Indian market where the entry-level hatchback gave the Korean carmaker a strong audience.
The Santro once accounted for over 75 percent of the company's total sales. Unfortunately, shifting roughly 2,000 units a month was unsustainable, so Hyundai had to pull the plug on Santro.
Introduced in 1998, this wouldn’t be the first time Hyundai withdrew the Santro from production. In fact, the current Santro returned to the market as recently as 2018.
The reason for discontinuing the Santro is reportedly due to low demand for the car, as customers are increasingly opting for SUVs and crossovers. Hyundai's decision to focus on producing SUVs and crossover models is in line with the current global market trend.
The Santro was popular in India and renowned for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It was also well-regarded for its relatively spacious interior and comfortable ride.
The automaker equipped the car with a 1.1-liter petrol engine that produced 68 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque and was available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
The good news is that despite Santro’s discontinuation, the FWD CNG model remains on sale. Besides, you can still get your hands on leftover stock of the petrol models, that is, if you haven’t suffered enough with the ₦550 pump price.
The Santro Sportz CNG comes with a 1.1-liter bi-fuel four-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 60-liter fuel capacity, producing 60 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 63 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
8. 2015 Honda Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus CNG – ₦6.368 Million
In 2015, Honda added a CNG-ready version to the popular Honda Amaze sedan lineup originally released in 2013.
Honda equipped the CNG variant, which is a modified petrol-powered Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus, with a bi-fuel powerplant, allowing the car to run on both petrol and natural gas.
It was perfect for customers who needed an alternative fuel car capable of delivering decent performance. The automaker explained that it tuned the CNG-ready Amaze for compatibility by “optimizing the suspension, application of CNG specific engine components and specially prepared wiring harnesses to ensure a high level of quality.”
While the latest Amaze doesn’t have LPG or CNG versions, the first-generation 2015–2021 CNG-ready Honda Amaze is equipped with a 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine compatible with both gasoline and CNG fuels.
The engine produces a maximum of 90 horsepower and a peak torque of 81 lb-ft. The car features a factory-fitted CNG kit integrated with the fuel injection system, promoting smooth and efficient performance.
The CNG kit is certified by government-approved agencies and meets the safety standards set by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The car also comes with a two-year warranty for the CNG kit.
The Amaze CNG-ready version is available in two variants - S and SV - and comes with several features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, power windows, and a rearview camera.
Related: The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Is So Expensive Even Davido Can't Buy It (Everything You Need To Know)
9. 2023 Bajaj Qute – ₦3.4 Million
Bajaj Qute is a cute quadricycle manufactured by Bajaj Auto in India. Apparently, Bajaj has plenty more up its sleeves than the ubiquitous keke tricycles on Nigerian roads.
Qute is a four-wheeled vehicle smaller than a conventional car designed for intra-city transportation. It uses a 216cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a maximum of 13.5 horsepower and a peak torque of 14 lb-ft.
The output makes it clear that Qute is a tiny cute ride with just enough potency to get you around the city without being at the mercy of the weather. The thing even has four doors that open to a surprisingly accommodating interior.
The engine mates to a 5-speed manual transmission to deliver a humble top speed of 44 mph. The vehicle runs on petrol, CNG, and LPG fuels and has a fuel efficiency of around 35 km/l on petrol.
The Bajaj Qute has a compact and lightweight design, with a length of 2.75 meters and a weight of 452 kg. It can seat up to four passengers and has a small cargo space in the rear. Can you believe that?
On top of all that, the little Qute also boasts a low carbon footprint and emits less pollution compared to conventional cars. It is also more affordable than any new car we know, making it an attractive option for buyers on a budget.
We’re not saying you don’t know what a quadricycle is, but we just don't want you to imagine the Qute with a bicycle seat for the driver and handlebars with hand clutches.
Qute actually comes with a conventional steering wheel, a gear shifter, and throttle, brake, and clutch pedals on the floor, just like the powertrain of conventional cars.
However, there’s nothing remotely luxurious about the interior that rather makes the impression of a glorified keke napep.
The Indian government already approved Bajaj Qute as a quadricycle and used for commercial purposes such as taxi services, delivery vehicles, and rental cars. Little Qute has also found its way to several countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Peru.
Sadly, Qute has faced some controversy in India over safety concerns, and its use as a passenger vehicle is illegal in some states.
However, Bajaj Auto has maintained that Qute is safe and meets all the safety regulations set by the government.
The Bajaj Qute (RE60) can be yours with the equivalent of ₦3.4 million. Are you thinking what we’re thinking, considering the cost of a new keke tricycle in Nigeria right now?
10. 2023 IVM G20 Smart – (Sorry, we don’t know the price yet)
The G20 Smart is a mid-size multipurpose van (MPV). Even with its straightforward design, it still looks subtly stylish and modern.
The G20’s motivation comes from a 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces 139 horsepower and a peak torque of 134 lb-ft. The engine marries a 6-speed automatic transmission and has a fuel efficiency of around 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Unfortunately, we don’t have performance details of the CNG variant, but we have confirmation from an IVM spokesperson that the G20 Smart is CNG-ready.
One area that the G20 shines the most is its abundance of storage space, including multiple storage compartments where passengers can stash all kinds of stuff during short- or long-distance trips.
It also doesn't lack modern amenities and safety features, as exemplified by its 6.5-inch HD LED infotainment touchscreen, a 6-channel theater system, a USB port, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and airbags for the driver and passengers. Not bad at all.
IVM has stated that the G20 is part of its commitment to producing high-quality and affordable vehicles for the Nigerian market and beyond.
The company has often emphasized its commitment to using locally-sourced materials and parts in its vehicles, supporting Nigerian businesses, and creating jobs in the country.
11. 2015 Fiat Ducato Natural Power – Around ₦6 Million
The Fiat Ducato Natural Power is a commercial van running on compressed natural gas. The automaker developed the Natural Power variant on the standard Fiat Ducato van, modifying it to accommodate the CNG fuel system.
The Natural Power model is available in a range of sizes and configurations, making it suitable for a variety of commercial applications.
One of the main benefits of the Fiat Ducato Natural Power is its lower emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered vans. CNG produces fewer emissions than diesel, which can help our country's pollution levels and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, the lower cost of CNG compared to diesel should result in improved fuel cost saving over time.
The Natural Power model retains many features of the standard Ducato, including a spacious and versatile cargo area, a comfortable cabin, and a range of safety and convenience features.
Ducato is reputedly easy and efficient to drive, with good handling and maneuverability. Overall, the Fiat Ducato Natural Power is a versatile and efficient commercial van that offers the benefits of CNG fuel.
It is a good choice for businesses and commercial drivers looking to escape the crushing weight of high petrol pump prices while making Greta Thunberg happy.
Although the van costs the equivalent of over ₦26 million new, you can get a 2012–2015 model for around ₦6 million.
12. 2019 IVECO Stralis NP 460 – Average of ₦42 Million
The “NP” in its name denotes that the Iveco Stralis NP is a heavy-duty truck that runs on Natural Power – compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The Stralis is for long-haul transport and is available in a range of configurations, including tractor units and rigid trucks. Similar to the Ducato NP discussed above, the Stralis NP brings the added benefit of lower emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered semi-trucks.
It won the 2019 Sustainable Truck of the Year award in the Tractor Category sponsored by Vado e Torno magazine in collaboration with Lifegate in Italy. This award came barely a year after the Stralis NP won the Low Carbon Truck of the Year award in Britain.
The Stralis NP fields a range of advanced technologies, including an efficient engine, aerodynamic design, and a range of safety and comfort features.
IVECO boasted that Stralis NP was “the only full offer of natural gas heavy trucks specifically designed to cover a full range of missions, from regional to international haulage, from volume transportation to swap applications, all the way to ADR and construction logistics.”
The Stralis' robust modular capabilities come from a new IVECO Cursor 13 NP single-fuel engine mated to an equally-new 12-speed Hi-Tronic automatic gearbox. It also featured new vehicular technologies like GPS-based HI-CRUISE predictive driving.
The engine can process pure CNG, LNG, or a combination of CNG and LNG. The Stralis’ purpose-designed Hi-Way interior optimizes passenger comfort through the truck’s record range of up to 995 miles.
As the Stralis NP is also compatible with biomethane, which is a renewable form of natural gas produced from organic waste, it can further reduce its environmental impact and support sustainability initiatives.
This semi is a picture of reliability and efficiency with a promise of long service life and low maintenance requirements.
13. 2020 Skoda Kamiq G-Tech – Average of ₦12.5 Million
The Skoda Kamiq G-Tech is a compact SUV propelled by a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine producing 90 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Neatly tucked away inside the Kamiq are three CNG tanks with a capacity of 13.8 Kilograms, allowing the SUV to travel some 255 miles on purely CNG. This performance mirrors that of the CNG-powered Skoda Scala of the same year.
Kamiq CNG G-Tech is based on the standard Skoda Kamiq but modified to accommodate the compressed natural gas propulsion system.
The G-Tech model is available with a range of engines and trim levels, making it suitable for a variety of driving needs.
The Kamiq G-Tech retains many features of the standard Kamiq, including a spacious and comfortable cabin, a range of safety and convenience features, and a good driving experience. It offers a reportedly easy and efficient driving experience, with good handling and maneuverability.
Overall, the Skoda Kamiq G-Tech is a reputably versatile and efficient compact SUV that offers the benefits of CNG fuel, making it an excellent choice for drivers in Nigeria and elsewhere who are tired of paying a literal premium at the gas station.
Related: The 10 Most Reliable And Capable Used Cars For Nigerian Roads
14. 2020 Volkswagen Gol Sedan CNG – Around ₦15.8 Million
Similar to the Kamiq G-Tech discussed above, the standard Volkswagen Gol Sedan has a variant modified to accommodate and run on a 101-horsepower CNG fuel system, with a tank capable of holding up to 12.7 cubic meters of natural gas.
The Gol sedan trim levels bring additional advantage of choice and options to meet the various motoring needs of diverse customers.
We realize some of our readers will probably think we misspelled the car’s name, meaning you’re likely annoyed at this point after watching us make the same ‘typo’ two more times.
On the contrary, the Golf and Gol are two different VW models and should not be confused with each other.
Gol is a subcompact built in Brazil since the 1980s, although South American countries like Argentina would recognize it as the Gacel, Mexico as the Pointer, and North America as the VW Fox.
Volkswagen sold it as a hatchback, coupe utility, wagon, and sedan, but our narrowed focus today is on the sedan CNG variant.
This is probably a good time to buy a Gol because Volkswagen pulled it from the production line as the sun set in 2022, following it up with an upgraded “Goodbye” model released in Brazil for the 2023 model year.
Volkswagen is making just a thousand units of this Last Edition Gol before replacing it with the trimmed-down Mk6 VW Polo released in November last year as the VW Polo Track.
As for the 2020 Gol sedan, it’s mostly good news. Though modified to process CNG, the modification maintained the gas-propulsion technology but prioritized the CNG system.
As a result, the CNG-powered Gol experienced zero power reduction or a noticeably slower speed, whether in CNG or petrol mode. If anything, the Gol got better in 2020 due to the updated interior mirroring that of the Golf.
You can think of Gol as a capable help that can play multiple roles satisfactorily – and at a decent starting price too. Sadly, this car has the markings of a rarity all over it, explaining why we found some for sale on ReezoCar for around ₦15.8 million.
15. 2023 Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – ₦7.530 Million
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a compact hatchback that offers a range of features and technologies designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The car features a dynamic design, marked by a sporty front grille, bold headlights, and a sleek body shape. It is available in a range of colors to suit individual tastes.
Inside, the Grand i10 Nios offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with a range of convenience features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, and automatic climate control.
The car also features a range of safety features, including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.
Under the hood, the Grand i10 Nios is available with a range of engines, including a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a 1.2-liter diesel engine.
The petrol engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT, while the diesel engine is available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Notably, the i10 Nios is also available with a bi-fuel CNG option with an MSRP of the equivalent of ₦7.5 million.
Overall, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a versatile and practical hatchback that offers a range of features and technologies designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
It is a good choice for drivers looking for a compact car that is efficient, reliable, and affordable.
16. 2022 Tata Tiago iCNG – ₦5.850 Million
The 2022 Tata Tiago iCNG is a new variant of the popular Tiago hatchback that runs on compressed natural gas.
The car gets power from a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission to deliver a respectable level of driving experience you’d normally expect in a hatchback.
Note that the petrol model gets an automatic transmission as the standard gearbox. The Tiago makes 85 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque when running on petrol, and 70 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque when running on CNG.
The Tiago iCNG comes with a 60-liter CNG tank, which the automaker claims provides a range of around 156 to 187 miles on a full tank (or 26.49 km/kg), making it less competitive among similarly classed models for fuel efficiency.
However, the 60-liter CNG tank is in addition to the 35-liter petrol tank that keeps the car going for around 311 miles. That's verifiably more power than many similar CNG hatchbacks.
Furthermore, Tata offers the Tiago CNG with several trims to choose from, including XE, XM, and XT, all with similar mileage and a manual transmission.
Tata also notes that the Tiago CNG offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with good handling and braking performance.
Overall, reviews suggest that the Tiago CNG is a practical and cost-effective option for those looking for a fuel-efficient car.
Pricing for the Tiago CNG ranges from around the equivalent of ₦5.6 million for the base XE version and up to ₦7.3 million for the XZ+ DT version. The car competes directly with the Maruti (Suzuki) Celerio and Swift CNG models, as well as with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG.
Comments