Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments. As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.
The price of the CNG cars are as follows : –
| Name | Petrol (Rs Lakh) | CNG (Rs Lakh) |
| Alto Lxi | 2.78 | 3.23 |
| Estilo Lxi | 3.55 | 4.05 |
| WagonR Lxi | 3.61 | 4.11 |
| Eeco (AC + 5 seater) | 3.09 | 3.64 |
| SX4 Vxi | 6.92 | 7.47 |
The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.
The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company’s range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers. In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.
Advantage To The Customer : –
• Contemporary i-GPI technology
• Performance and Driveability at par with gasoline powered engine
• High fuel efficiency
• Lower running costs by 60 percent
• Peace of Mind: Full warranty coverage, Service support across the country
• Vehicle body design for CNG system
• Safety reinforced: High Quality Components, Integrated wiring harness, CNG system leak-proofing, toughened suspension
• Dual ECU system for enhanced performance
• Extensive performance testing
• No compromise on engine life
Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government’s aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki’s launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.