Maruti Suzuki India, India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has launched its Auto Green Mission with the introduction of automatic S-CNG variants of the Swift, Dzire and Baleno.
The new range combines the convenience of automatic driving with the fuel efficiency of S-CNG technology. Maruti Suzuki said the Dzire automatic S-CNG delivers a fuel efficiency of 36.47 km/kg, making it India’s most fuel-efficient sedan#.
Automatic convenience with S-CNG efficiency
The new Swift, Dzire and Baleno S-CNG models are powered by the Advanced Z12E 1.2-litre engine, featuring Dual Variable Valve Timing (Dual VVT) and Idle Start Stop (ISS) technology.
The engine is paired with Maruti Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission, also known as Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The five-speed transmission provides automatic gear shifts without requiring manual clutch operation, making it suited to stop-and-go traffic and city driving.
Drivers can also manually shift gears when required, without using a clutch pedal.
Maruti Suzuki India, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee, said, “We at Maruti Suzuki are always listening to our customers. With modern Indian cities experiencing rapid growth, new-age customers are looking for the convenience of an automatic car without compromising on fuel-efficiency and performance in traffic conditions.”
He said the automatic S-CNG range under the Auto Green Mission was designed for customers seeking automatic driving convenience along with fuel efficiency.
“Under the Auto Green Mission, our new range of automatic S-CNG models are perfectly suited for today’s aspirational customers who seek the best of both worlds,” Banerjee added.
S-CNG demand rises
Maruti Suzuki said demand for its S-CNG vehicles has been increasing as customers increasingly consider cleaner mobility options.
Maruti Suzuki India, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee, said the company recorded a 58% increase in S-CNG vehicle sales in the first quarter of this year compared with the same quarter last year.
The company also recorded its highest-ever monthly S-CNG sales of 83,000 units in July, he said.
“The introduction of the new automatic S-CNG range of cars is sure to contribute to the growing share of clean and green cars in India,” Banerjee added.
S-CNG technology focuses on safety and efficiency
Maruti Suzuki said its S-CNG vehicles are tested at its research and development facility for safety, performance, durability and fuel efficiency.
The S-CNG system uses an Intelligent Injection System designed to maintain an appropriate air-fuel ratio for performance and efficiency. The system also uses stainless steel pipes and joints to reduce the risk of corrosion and leakage across the CNG structure.
Integrated wire harnesses are used to minimise the possibility of short-circuiting, while a microswitch prevents the vehicle from starting during CNG refuelling.
The S-CNG system also incorporates Idle Start Stop technology, which is designed to save fuel in heavy traffic by stopping the engine when appropriate and enabling a quick and silent restart.
AGS designed for city driving
Maruti Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift technology uses an intelligent actuating unit and a clutch-less, two-pedal setup.
The technology is designed to reduce the effort involved in frequent gear changes in congested traffic while retaining the fuel-efficiency advantages associated with the automated manual transmission.
Prices of automatic S-CNG models
The Maruti Suzuki Swift automatic S-CNG has an ex-showroom starting price of ₹7,92,400.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire automatic S-CNG has an ex-showroom starting price of ₹8,53,100.
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno automatic S-CNG has an ex-showroom starting price of ₹8,32,400