Spec comparison: Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG

Tata launched the Altroz CNG in India on Monday, 22 May, with prices starting at Rs 7.55 lakh (ex-showroom). The key highlight of the Altroz CNG is its twin-cylinder CNG tank that sits below the boot floor. This setup has created more space for luggage than the large single conventional CNG tank. Since the Altroz CNG has arrived, it has run in direct competition with the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG. Here we compare both CNG-powered hatchbacks in terms of dimensions, features, features, specifications, and more importantly prices.

Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Dimensions

Both the CNG models are identical in terms of length. The Altroz CNG is wider by 10mm and is taller by 23mm compared to the Baleno CNG. However, the Baleno CNG has an addition wheelbase of 19mm at 2,520mm as against the 2,501mm of the Altroz CNG.

The most significant difference between the two CNG hatchbacks is the boot space. Thanks to Tata's twin-cylinder CNG tank setup, the Altroz CNG features a staggering boot space of 210 litres. In comparison, the petrol and diesel versions of the Altroz offer a boot space of 345 litres. The Baleno CNG, on the other hand, gets a conventional CNG tank, which takes up too much room. While Maruti Suzuki has not disclosed the boot space of its CNG-powered hatchback, the standard petrol Baleno offers a boot space of 318 litres.

Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Variants

The new Altroz CNG is available in six variants: XE, XM+, XM+ (S), XZ, XZ+ (S) and XZ+ O (S), while the Baleno CNG comes in two variants, namely Delta and Zeta.

Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Powertrain

The Altroz CNG comes powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol unit, while the Baleno CNG gets a 1.2-litre, inline four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. Both are available a five-speed manual gearbox. The former produces 73.5PS and 103Nm of torque, whereas the latter makes 77.5PS and 98.5Nm of torque. Although Tata's hatchback delivers 4PS lesser than the Baleno, it makes up for that with an additional 5Nm of torque.

Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Features

The top-spec Baleno CNG comes with a range of features, such as LED headlights, auto headlamps with follow me, Suzuki Connect, USB Type-A and Type-C fast charging ports, engine start/stop switch, a seven-inch SmarPlay Pro touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA updates, six speakers, ESP, hill hold control, six airbags, a rearview camera with parking sensors, smartwatch connectivity, and more.

Tata has equipped the Altroz CNG with a bunch of features. However, a couple of notable features include a direct start in CNG mode, a single ECU, and a micro switch. The CNG-powered hatchback also offers an air purifier, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment by Harman, an electric and voice assisted sunroof, leatherette upholstery, a wireless charging pad, auto dual projector headlamps, iRA connected car features, cooled glove box, ABS with EBD, cornering stability control, rearview camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, fog lamps with cornering function, eight speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, what3words navigation, TPMS, and an engine start/stop switch.

The Altroz CNG is outfitted with a few extra features compared to the Baleno CNG. To be specific, it gets a sunroof, wireless phone charger, and so on. Maruti could have offered more features, such as a 360deg camera and a bigger nine-inch touchscreen infotainment.

Tata Altroz CNG vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG: Prices

Tata offers the Altroz CNG in a wide range of variants. Hence its prices start from Rs 7.55 lakh and go up to Rs 10.50 lakh (both ex-showroom). The Baleno CNG, on the other hand, comes with only two variants, especially with significantly higher starting price of Rs 8.35 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also read:

Maruti Jimny to be introduced in India on 7 June