Maruti Suzuki has expanded its CNG automatic range in India with the launch of the Dzire CNG AMT. Prices for the new model start at Rs. 8.53 lakh, and the car is available in VXi and ZXi variants.
The Dzire CNG AMT brings a five-speed automated manual transmission to the compact sedan’s CNG powertrain. With a claimed fuel efficiency of 36.47km/kg, it is aimed at buyers looking for the lower running costs of CNG along with the convenience of an automatic transmission.
The launch also expands Maruti Suzuki’s automatic S-CNG portfolio, following the Swift CNG AMT and Baleno CNG AMT.
Price
The Maruti Dzire CNG AMT starts at Rs. 8.53 lakh. The new automatic version is offered in two trims – VXi and ZXi.
Maruti Suzuki has retained the existing trim-based equipment strategy, so buyers get the features associated with the corresponding standard VXi and ZXi variants.
The Dzire therefore becomes another option for customers who want a CNG-powered sedan but prefer not to operate a conventional manual gearbox in daily traffic.
Engine
The Dzire CNG AMT uses Maruti Suzuki’s 1.2-litre Z-Series petrol engine. In CNG mode, the engine produces 68.7bhp and 101Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed AMT. A five-speed manual transmission continues to be available for buyers who prefer a conventional gearbox.
The AMT setup is designed to reduce the effort required in stop-and-go traffic while retaining the operating characteristics of an automated manual transmission.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is one of the key points of the new Dzire CNG AMT.
Maruti Suzuki claims a mileage of 36.47km/kg for the AMT version. The CNG manual variant has a claimed efficiency of 33.73km/kg.
| Variant | Transmission | Claimed mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Dzire CNG | 5-speed AMT | 36.47km/kg |
| Dzire CNG | 5-speed MT | 33.73km/kg |
The figures are claimed efficiency figures, so real-world fuel consumption can vary depending on traffic, driving style, road conditions, passenger load and other factors.
Capacity
The Dzire CNG AMT gets a 55-litre CNG tank positioned in the boot.
The standard Dzire offers 382 litres of boot space. CNG equipment typically affects available luggage space, making boot practicality an important consideration for buyers who regularly carry large amounts of luggage.
The sedan’s CNG setup is intended to provide a balance between fuel economy and everyday usability, particularly for customers who cover significant distances in urban environments.
Features
The equipment list for the CNG AMT follows the corresponding VXi and ZXi versions of the regular Dzire.
The ZXi trim gets several features, including 15-inch painted alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a multi-information display and a reverse camera.
It also features a tyre pressure monitoring system, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with wireless phone mirroring, a wireless charger and automatic climate control with rear vents.
Rear passengers also get USB-C fast charging.
This means the addition of the AMT does not involve a major change to the feature package associated with the higher trim.
Rivals
The Dzire CNG AMT enters a relatively small segment of cars combining CNG with an automatic transmission.
Its direct CNG AMT rival is the Tata Tigor CNG AMT. The Tigor competes in the same broad compact sedan category and also offers buyers the combination of a CNG powertrain and automated manual transmission.
The Tigor is also expected to receive an update, which could add further competition in this part of the market.
Maruti Suzuki’s decision to introduce CNG AMT versions across models such as the Swift, Dzire and Baleno gives buyers more choices within its own range.
Demand
Automatic transmissions have become increasingly common among Indian car buyers, particularly in cities where frequent traffic congestion can make manual driving more tiring.
At the same time, CNG remains relevant for buyers who place a strong emphasis on fuel costs and efficiency.
Combining the two technologies addresses both requirements in a single vehicle. The Dzire CNG AMT therefore offers an alternative to buyers who previously had to choose between the running-cost benefits of CNG and the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
The five-speed AMT is also different from a conventional torque-converter automatic or a dual-clutch transmission. Its operating characteristics can include noticeable gear changes, although the automated clutch removes the need for the driver to operate a clutch pedal manually.
Launch
Commenting on the launch, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said the company was responding to demand for automatic cars that maintain fuel efficiency.
He also linked the new models to Maruti Suzuki’s Auto Green Mission and said the Swift, Dzire and Baleno are among the company’s bestselling cars.
The Dzire CNG AMT consequently adds another powertrain combination to one of Maruti Suzuki’s established compact sedan offerings.
With a starting price of Rs. 8.53 lakh, a claimed 36.47km/kg CNG efficiency and a five-speed AMT, the new Dzire is positioned for buyers seeking automatic convenience without moving away from a CNG-powered vehicle. Its actual appeal will depend on factors such as real-world efficiency, city driving conditions, pricing across variants and the availability of CNG infrastructure.
