With the introduction of the BS6 emission norms in India last year, almost all the diesel cars from the mass segment were wiped out. Manufacturers like Tata now offers diesel engine with the more expensive models like the Harrier and Altroz but entry-level models like the Tiago and Tigor do not get the oil burner. Currently, the Tiago and the Tigor remain best-sellers from the brand in the market. While only a petrol engine is available with these two vehicles, Tata will soon launch the CNG version of the Tiago.

The Tiago sells in a decent number in India. However, with only a single engine option, Tata could only target a limited number of customers. Tata is now testing the CNG version of the Tiago and an undisguised version was caught by The Fat Biker. The vehicle looks exactly the same as the standard petrol-powered Tiago. There are no changes to it. However, a sticker on the windshield reveals that it gets a CNG-powered engine underneath.

The vehicle caught on test is based on the XZ trim. While there are no visual changes to the vehicle, the 1.2-litre engine will be carried forward too. We are not sure if there will be any changes done to the engine output of the Tiago. Mostly, there is a slight drop in the power for the CNG-tuned engines. It will continue to produce about 86 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 113 Nm. We are not sure if Tata will launch the AMT variant of the CNG model too.

Just like any other CNG-powered vehicle, the tank will be placed in the boot. The Tiago offers a boot space of 242 litres, which is quite decent. Even with the CNG tank, there will be some space for the luggage in the boot.

To take on WagonR

Maruti Suzuki has made a wide range of CNG cars in India. The S-CNG line-up is one of the best-selling line-ups in India with Wagon-R being the top-seller. Maruti Suzuki revealed that it has sold more than 3 lakh units of the WagonR S-CNG last year in the Indian market.

Tata currently does not offer any of its models powered by the CNG. However, after Tiago’s launch, we can expect Tata to offer the Tigor with the CNG option too. Other cars like Altroz and upcoming HBX may also get CNG in the future. Tata is currently leading the EV market with the Nexon EV. With the CNG line-up coming up, the sales are likely to increase in the future.

Tata Motors launched the new Altroz iTurbo and the Safari earlier this year. The manufacturer plans to launch the production version of the HBX concept later this year. The HBX will take on the likes S-Presso in the market. Tata will also launch the electric version of the Altroz later this year.