Maruti Suzuki has expanded its factory-fitted CNG lineup with automatic transmission options for the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. The three models now combine the company’s S-CNG powertrain with a five-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), giving buyers an alternative to the traditional manual gearbox.
Prices for the new CNG AMT range start at Rs 7.92 lakh, ex-showroom. Among the three, the Dzire stands out for its claimed fuel efficiency of 36.47km/kg, while the Swift and Baleno return claimed figures of 35.34km/kg and 34.47km/kg, respectively.
The new variants are aimed at buyers who want the running-cost advantages of CNG without giving up the convenience of an automatic-style transmission.
Prices
The Swift, Baleno and Dzire CNG AMT are positioned at different price points within Maruti Suzuki’s lineup.
| Model | CNG AMT starting price | Claimed efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Swift S-CNG AMT | Rs 7.92 lakh | 35.34km/kg |
| Baleno S-CNG AMT | Rs 8.32 lakh | 34.47km/kg |
| Dzire S-CNG AMT | Rs 8.53 lakh | 36.47km/kg |
All prices are ex-showroom and represent the starting prices cited for the respective CNG AMT variants.
The Dzire carries the highest starting price of the three, but it also has the highest claimed fuel-efficiency figure.
Engine
All three cars use Maruti Suzuki’s Z12E 1.2-litre petrol engine.
The three-cylinder engine comes with dual variable valve timing and idle start-stop technology. These features are designed to help the engine balance performance and fuel consumption under different driving conditions.
In petrol mode, the engine produces 82bhp and 112Nm of torque. When operating on CNG, output falls to 69bhp and 102Nm.
That difference is typical of a bi-fuel setup, with the engine producing different power and torque figures depending on the fuel being used.
Transmission
The major change is the availability of the five-speed AGS transmission with the CNG powertrain.
Maruti Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift, or AGS, is an automated manual transmission. It uses an automated clutch and gear-selection mechanism, allowing the driver to operate the car without a conventional clutch pedal.
In practical terms, the system combines the basic mechanical layout of a manual gearbox with automated clutch and gear changes.
For CNG buyers, this provides another choice between conventional manual driving and an automatic-style setup. CNG vehicles have traditionally been more heavily concentrated in the manual-transmission segment, making the combination notable in the mainstream market.
Mileage
Fuel efficiency is one of the key selling points of the new variants.
The Dzire S-CNG AMT has a claimed efficiency of 36.47km/kg. Maruti Suzuki describes this as the highest claimed efficiency for a sedan in India.
The Swift S-CNG AMT has a claimed figure of 35.34km/kg, while the Baleno S-CNG AMT is rated at 34.47km/kg.
These are manufacturer-claimed figures. Real-world efficiency can vary depending on traffic, driving style, road conditions, vehicle load, tyre pressure and other factors.
Fuel
The three models use a dual-fuel setup, allowing them to operate on petrol or CNG.
Each car gets a 37-litre petrol tank along with a CNG cylinder with a 55-litre water-filling capacity.
The ability to use petrol alongside CNG provides an additional fuel option when CNG is unavailable. For buyers who regularly drive in areas with accessible CNG infrastructure, the setup can potentially reduce reliance on petrol.
The actual running-cost advantage will depend on local CNG and petrol prices as well as the vehicle’s real-world fuel efficiency.
Competition
The arrival of CNG AMT versions also reflects a broader expansion of automatic options in the CNG passenger-car market.
Tata Motors, for example, has already offered automatic CNG vehicles, giving buyers an alternative in this segment.
Maruti Suzuki’s addition of the Swift, Dzire and Baleno to the CNG AMT category gives consumers more choices across hatchback and sedan body styles.
For buyers, the key question is no longer simply whether to choose petrol or CNG. Transmission preference, expected annual mileage, local fuel availability and the purchase-price difference can all influence which version makes sense.
Verdict
The new Swift, Dzire and Baleno S-CNG AMT variants combine Maruti Suzuki’s factory-fitted CNG system with a five-speed automated manual transmission. The Swift starts at Rs 7.92 lakh, followed by the Baleno at Rs 8.32 lakh and the Dzire at Rs 8.53 lakh, all ex-showroom.
The Dzire records the highest claimed efficiency of the three at 36.47km/kg, while the Swift and Baleno claim 35.34km/kg and 34.47km/kg respectively. With the same Z12E 1.2-litre engine family and AGS transmission, the main differences come from the body style, pricing and individual model positioning.
