Until now, Indian buyers have been presented with an either/or scenario when it comes to cost-effective personal mobility.

You could get a CNG vehicle to save on fuel costs, or an automatic to make commuting in traffic easier, but not both. Maruti’s latest Auto Green Mission has a trio of petrol automatics with factory-fitted S-CNG systems to change the situation. The Swift, Baleno and Dzire AMT variants have joined the CNG stable as a compelling alternative for high-mileage buyers who are looking to balance low running costs with the convenience of a petrol automatic.

Prices & Variants

All three cars are available in select mid and top-spec variants, with start prices at:

Swift S-CNG AMT: Rs 7.92 lakh (VXi, VXi (O), ZXi)

Baleno S-CNG AMT: Rs 8.32 lakh (Delta, Zeta)

Dzire S-CNG AMT: Rs 8.53 lakh (VXi, ZXi)

While the automatic variants will cost you about Rs 35,000-45,000 more over their CNG-manual counterparts, the money saved on fuel costs is apparently worth it for buyers clocking more than 1000 km every month.

Engines, Gearbox and Efficiency

The 1.2-litre Z12E3 three-cylinder petrol engine with Dual VVT and Idle Start-Stop is the familiar powerplant across all three cars, calibrated to run on CNG:

Power (CNG): 69 BHP

Torque (CNG): 102 Nm

Gearbox: 5-speed AMT with P-R-N-D-S and creep function

CNG tank: 55 litres (water capacity), mounted at the rear

The claimed mileage figures are the real reason to buy these cars:

Dzire CNG AMT: 36.47 km/kg – India’s most fuel-efficient sedan

Swift CNG AMT: 35.34 km/kg

Baleno CNG AMT: 34.47 km/kg

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Features

Inside, the feature on/off list is largely similar to their CNG-manual counterparts, with the obvious addition of the AMT gearbox.

The Swift S-CNG AMT (VXi/ZXi) offers a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto AC, steering mounted controls, keyless entry with push start, 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist and a rear parking camera as standard. The ZXi also gets 15-inch alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a wireless phone charging pad.

The Baleno S-CNG AMT (Delta/Zeta) is slightly better kitted out with ambient lighting on the Zeta variants, and the connected-car infotainment system on the top-spec, while the 2026 model year updates also bring in the ADAS suite and more safety kit.

The Dzire S-CNG AMT (VXi/ZXi) offers more legroom and boot space (with the exception of the CNG cylinder) over the Swift, with similar infotainment and safety features as standard.

Each of these cars get a dedicated CNG/petrol selector on the dashboard, with CNG-specific instruments, and the extensive Maruti service network for the factory-fitted S-CNG system.

Which One Should You Buy?

Each of these cars are aimed at a different buyer even though they share the same powertrain.

Swift S-CNG AMT: The value-for-money hatch

The Swift is a logical choice for buyers in the entry-level segment, or those buying their first car. It’s a nimble little hatch with minimal weight and a good bite of power from the engine, making it highly rewarding to drive. The AMT gearbox is also perfect for first-time automatic drivers who are used to not having to modulate the clutch. So, if you are on a tight budget and looking for an easy-to-drive city car, the Swift’s value proposition is hard to beat.

Baleno S-CNG AMT – The premium hatch

The Baleno is the most feature-laden and premium of Maruti’s hatchbacks, and its S-CNG AMT variant seems to be aimed at similar buyers as the petrol manual. It offers more space inside, with a roomier cabin and a more planted feel on the road, making it perfect for buyers looking to upgrade to a bigger car. It is also the most competitive against other CNG-auto cars from Tata and Nissan in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment, as it offers the best combination of features, space and safety at a reasonable price. So, if you want a petrol automatic, but cannot find a CNG refuelling station near home or work, the Baleno CNG AMT is the most competent option.

Dzire S-CNG AMT – The fuel-sipping sedan

The Dzire is a family sedan with the fuel efficiency to justify its place on this list. With the best claimed mileage of the three variants at 36.47 km/kg, it is perfect for buyers who put a premium on value for money. It offers a choice between more legroom and boot space (minus the CNG cylinder), making it ideal for families or as a taxi. Most importantly, the engine and AMT gearbox is tuned to offer a more comfortable, less edgy ride that prioritises fuel savings. So, if you need a reliable and affordable family sedan with a proper boot, the Dzire CNG AMT is the most practical choice in its segment.

The Practicality Of A CNG-Auto

The compromises with the CNG-auto variants are easy to overlook until you start shopping for a holiday destination. All these cars use a 55-litre water capacity CNG cylinder mounted at the rear to free up boot space, although a small number of buyers may be put-off by the lack of a spare wheel or the loss of volume. They also lose some power and torque when compared to their petrol counterparts, which means you cannot carry more people or luggage without sacrificing performance, especially when running the AC. The 5-speed AMT also means driving in higher gears at high speeds, which is fine on highways but can become a problem when attempting to overtake on twisty roads. Finally, the economics of a CNG-auto only make sense if you have easy access to a refuelling station at home, work, or along your regular commute.

Why This Trio Matters

Prior to the launch of Maruti’s CNG-auto variants, buyers only had a handful of options at the entry-level segment. Tata and Nissan offered a few CNG autos in the same segment, but the petrol versions of Maruti’s cars were clearly superior in terms of refinement, features and comfort. With the launch of the Swift, Baleno and Dzire CNG-auto variants, Maruti has entered the fray and given buyers a real choice to balance low running costs with the convenience of a petrol automatic.

As a competitor, you will need to match the fuel efficiency figures or offer a lower price to beat Maruti’s value proposition. As a buyer, you now have a compelling alternative to a petrol auto or CNG-manual car. These cars may not be perfect, but they do offer a realistic alternative to buyers who are looking to make the switch to a CNG-powered automatic gearbox.

The Verdict

All three cars offer a realistic alternative to a petrol auto or CNG-manual car.

If you are looking for an affordable and easy-to-drive city car, the Swift’s value proposition is difficult to match. If you want more space and features in a premium hatchback, the Baleno is the obvious choice. And if you are looking for a family sedan that prioritises fuel economy, the Dzire CNG-auto is the most practical option in its segment.

In a market flooded with SUVs and electric cars, Maruti’s CNG-auto variants are a reminder that for most Indian buyers, the best car is the one that costs less to buy and run without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

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