Maruti WagonR CNG purchase: Factory-fitted vs After-market

We expect the WagonR 1.2L with the aftermarket CNG fitment will be a better option than the factory-fitted 1.0L CNG option.

BHPian jigar1791@gmail recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A very peculiar problem that I came across over the weekend while discussing a new car purchase option with a friend (disclaimer - the guy is too much of a fanatic when it comes to vehicle specs and output figures, yet we’re childhood buddies)

His requirements:

1. Should be a hatchback. To be used as a beater car, with Ertiga Petrol as a primary options.
2. Monthly running will be around 500 km - mostly within Mumbai
3. Has to be a Maruti.

The obvious choice: WagonR 1.0 CNG is the default choice, but CNG performance is not something the guy wishes to live with. Having test-driven the car plus on-paper specs puts him off, hence the confusion. Next up was Xcent CNG, but again - compromise on manoeuvrability and budget issues + Hyundai, putting it out of question.

Wild card entry: WagonR 1.2

The difference in power output from WagonR 1.0 and 1.2 petrol engines is sufficient enough for him to consider the latter. WagonR 1.2 Petrol is noticeably better - very refined, enough power available to navigate within Mumbai traffic at low speeds, reducing the need for frequent downshifts from 3-2-1 and ride quality is a bit better than the 1.0.

Dilemma:

Is it fine to go ahead with WagonR 1.2 and get an external CNG kit fitted in the car? There will be a difference in power between CNG and Petrol, yet, we’re hopeful that the 1.2 CNG option will be better, refined and more fun to own and to live with than the factory fitted 1.0. CNG.

I feel it is too much of a gamble to:

• Get the aftermarket CNG fitment done, especially when you have the OEM option available
• The premium 1.2 commands over 1.0 doesn’t interest me to go for all the hassles and hazards involved with market purchased CNG kits
• And the presumable difference in power that he may get from the 1.2 CNG is also not proven anywhere.

Your thoughts?

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

He doesn't need a CNG kit for such low running. Tell him to get the WagonR 1.2L; that engine has made this practical breadbox car into something fun! I used it around Bombay for a weekend and loved its performance + practicality.

If CNG is absolutely imperative though (say, anticipated higher running in the future), then I would go for a factory fit. Safety, reliability, warranty, lesser long-term issues. Would never trust my family's safety with an after-market CNG / LPG install. Ever.

Here's what BHPian Durango Dude had to say on the matter:

Whether factory fitted or not CNG tank will eat up the boot space completely. That said with even pedal to metal he should be prepared to be overtaken by a moped. Frankly, I don't see the point of using CNG in private cars especially running just 500 km a month. If you're using the vehicle for commercial purposes I can understand. CNG for low running = penny wise pound foolish. Is your friend a travelling salesman?

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

BHpian Durango Dude, this is a huge misconception. With a properly installed sequential kit, there is a negligible drop in performance. Certainly, in regular city driving, it is actually hard to discern. Even for running as low as 500km a month, you are looking at a petrol cost of 3-4-5K a month depending on car and mileage, while gas will cost about 1000bucks. You’ll recover the initial cost in a year. CNG makes perfect sense for urban usage, and wherever boot space is only occasionally needed.

And in a box-shaped car like WagonR, you retain space to keep at least 2 cabin-sized bags in the boot even after the CNG installation. There are lakhs of WagonRs and Altos and Celerios running successfully on the gas all across India.

Here's what BHPian VaibhavShatna95 had to say on the matter:

Aftermarket conversion is not an option with BS6 currently at least. The car will not pass pollution tests and hence CNG won't be endorsed on RC. This makes the decision easy really, get 1.0 CNG as it is the only viable option.

Might I suggest the Hyundai i10 Nios? It is a much better car and loaded to gills in the Sportz variant. I myself use it and it is very refined. One does not feel any ill effects of CNG at all besides the foregone boot space. The interior is also far ahead of anything MS has come up with.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.