The wait is finally over! Tata Motors has launched the much-anticipated Tata Nexon CNG, making it India’s first turbocharged CNG SUV. With petrol prices soaring and EVs still maturing, CNG has emerged as a smart, fuel-efficient alternative and Tata is seizing the moment by offering its most popular compact SUV in a CNG avatar.
The Nexon CNG, introduced under Tata’s Twin Cylinder CNG tech, aims to bring eco-friendly fuel efficiency without compromising performance, space, or safety a promise most CNG cars in the market fail to keep. But how does it actually compare to its petrol sibling and rivals? What are the variant-wise prices? And does it still feel like a proper Nexon.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the new Tata Nexon Smart CNG, including price, engine, features, mileage, and its place in India’s booming SUV market.
A New Milestone: First Turbo Petrol CNG SUV in India
What sets the Tata Nexon CNG apart is that it retains the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine, unlike rivals which typically detune performance in their CNG variants.
Engine Specs:
- Engine: 1.2L Revotron Turbo Petrol + CNG
- Max Power (Petrol): 120 PS
- Max Power (CNG): 100 PS (expected)
- Torque (Petrol): 170 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual transmission
This makes the Nexon India’s first SUV to offer a turbocharged engine in CNG mode, ensuring that performance doesn’t drop dramatically, unlike most CNG hatchbacks and sedans.
Twin-Cylinder Tech: More Boot Space, No Compromise
Tata’s Twin Cylinder CNG layout, first seen on the Tiago and Tigor, has now been implemented on the Nexon. This innovative design places two smaller CNG cylinders under the boot floor, allowing for usable luggage space even with a CNG kit.
Benefits of Twin Cylinder Setup:
- More boot space compared to traditional single-cylinder CNG
- Balanced weight distribution for better handling
- Improved safety and packaging
This makes the Nexon CNG a perfect family SUV, offering practicality for weekend getaways while still keeping running costs low.
Tata Nexon CNG Price Variant Wise Breakdown
Tata is launching the CNG version of Nexon in select Smart trims to keep pricing competitive and appeal to budget-focused buyers who want SUV stance and fuel economy in one package.
Expected Price Range (Ex-Showroom):
- Nexon Smart CNG: ₹9.25 lakh
- Nexon Smart+ CNG: ₹9.75 lakh
- Nexon Smart+ (S) CNG: ₹10.25 lakh (with sunroof)
These prices make the Nexon CNG approximately ₹95,000–₹1.05 lakh more expensive than petrol-only variants, which is justified by the savings in running cost over time.
Mileage & Running Cost – Why CNG Makes Sense
Mileage is the biggest USP of a CNG-powered car, and the Nexon CNG delivers on that front without compromise.
Claimed Mileage:
- Approx. 25–26 km/kg (real-world)
- CNG tank capacity: 60 litres water equivalent (30+30 litres)
- Running cost: ₹2.5–₹3/km (vs ₹6–₹7/km for petrol)
Considering India’s fuel price trends, this could mean yearly savings of ₹40,000–₹60,000 for an average urban user. Within 2–3 years, the price premium is fully recovered.
Features on Offer – Safety and Convenience Intact
The Nexon CNG is offered in entry and mid-level variants but still gets a solid feature set, especially in the Smart+ and Smart+(S) trims.
Key Features Include:
- 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto
- Voice commands and steering-mounted controls
- Dual airbags and ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Reverse parking sensors
- LED DRLs, projector headlamps
- Sunroof in Smart+(S) variant
- All power windows, central locking
This makes the Nexon CNG the most feature-rich CNG SUV in its class, offering more than what rivals like the Hyundai Exter or Maruti Brezza CNG provide.
Exterior and Interior Styling – Same Nexon DNA
Tata hasn’t made any major visual changes to the Nexon CNG compared to its petrol counterparts. The CNG versions retain the bold front fascia, Y-shaped LED tail lamps, and overall muscular design.
Interior styling also remains the same with:
- Premium dual-tone dashboard
- Flat-bottom steering wheel with Nexon badging
- Soft-touch panels and fabric seat upholstery
- Minimal gear shift changes to accommodate CNG switching
There will be subtle CNG badging to indicate fuel type, but overall, the CNG Nexon still looks every bit like the Nexon you know and love.
Rivals and Segment Positioning
The Tata Nexon CNG is currently the only turbocharged SUV in the CNG space, giving it a clear edge. However, it will compete with:
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG – 1.5L engine, lower power, fewer features
- Hyundai Exter CNG – Cheaper but much smaller
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor CNG – Just launched, but lacks Nexon’s safety and road presence
In terms of pricing and engine performance, Nexon CNG holds a unique position ideal for buyers who want an SUV feel with the economy of a small car.
Who Should Buy the Tata Nexon CNG
The Nexon CNG is the perfect option for:
- City commuters looking to lower fuel expenses
- Families needing a spacious and safe CNG SUV
- Fleet owners who want strong resale and brand value
- Buyers who want SUV looks, turbo performance, and mileage in one package
It offers the ideal blend of affordability, power, and practicality, especially for urban and semi-urban users.
Final Verdict
With the launch of the Tata Nexon CNG, Tata Motors has once again proven why it leads in offering real-world innovation. It’s the first time a turbo-petrol engine has been offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit in an SUV body, and it redefines what buyers can expect from a CNG car.
For those seeking maximum fuel efficiency, SUV comfort, and zero compromise on safety, the Nexon CNG is not just smart it’s the smartest decision you can make in 2025.
