Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched its Auto Green Mission with the introduction of automatic S-CNG variants of the Swift, Dzire and Baleno. The new models combine the convenience of an automatic transmission with the fuel efficiency of S-CNG technology.
The company said the new range has been developed for customers seeking easier driving in city traffic while retaining the fuel economy associated with its S-CNG vehicles. The automatic S-CNG Dzire delivers a fuel efficiency of 36.47 km/kg and is positioned as India’s most fuel-efficient sedan in its category.
Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, 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. 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.”
He added that demand for S-CNG vehicles has increased as customers look for more fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious mobility options. During the first quarter of the year, Maruti Suzuki recorded a 58% increase in S-CNG sales compared with the same quarter last year. In July, the company recorded its highest-ever monthly S-CNG sales of 83,000 units.
The Swift, Dzire and Baleno automatic S-CNG models are powered by Maruti Suzuki’s Advanced Z12E 1.2-litre engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing (Dual VVT) and Idle Start Stop (ISS) technology. The engine is paired with the company’s five-speed Auto Gear Shift transmission, also known as Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
The two-pedal transmission automatically changes gears and is designed to make driving easier in heavy traffic and city conditions. Drivers can also manually select gears when required without using a clutch pedal. 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 to maintain the required air-fuel ratio.
The system also incorporates stainless steel pipes and joints to reduce the risk of corrosion and leakage. Integrated wire harnesses are used to prevent short-circuiting, while a microswitch prevents the vehicle from starting while CNG is being refuelled. The addition of Idle Start Stop technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption during traffic stops and enable quick and quiet engine restarts. The launch expands Maruti Suzuki’s S-CNG portfolio and adds automatic transmission technology to three of its established passenger car models.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited is India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer and a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan. The company manufactures a wide range of passenger vehicles across hatchback, sedan, SUV, MPV and commercial segments, with products sold through its extensive sales and service network across India. Maruti Suzuki operates manufacturing facilities in Haryana and Gujarat and has continued to expand its production capacity to meet growing demand. The company is also increasing its focus on SUVs, CNG vehicles, hybrid technologies and electric mobility as part of its broader product and technology strategy.
