With CNG car sales soaring in 2024, automakers have expanded their offerings beyond basic taxi-spec models, providing buyers with a variety of options across different price points. Among these, the newly launched fourth-generation Maruti Swift CNG (priced between ₹8.20 lakh and ₹9.20 lakh) takes on the Tata Altroz iCNG (₹7.60 lakh to ₹11.00 lakh). Given their competitive pricing and features, let’s analyze which of these two hatchbacks makes for a better buy.
Design & Exterior
The Tata Altroz has the advantage in terms of sheer size and road presence. It is larger in every dimension compared to the Swift and boasts a longer wheelbase, giving it a more premium stance. The sharp creases, sculpted body lines, and sporty 16-inch alloy wheels enhance its bold design. However, it lacks LED headlamps, even in its top variant.
The Maruti Swift, on the other hand, retains its signature compact silhouette but adopts a curvier, youthful design. While not as striking as the Altroz, its sculpted bodywork, prominent grille, and LED headlamps give it a fresh appeal, particularly among younger buyers.
Interior & Comfort
The Altroz’s cabin exudes a premium feel with a layered dashboard, textured plastics, and a floating infotainment screen. The dual-tone scheme adds sophistication, and the wider cabin makes it easier to seat three adults comfortably. It also offers firmer seat cushioning and a central armrest for added comfort.
In contrast, the Swift’s interior feels more functional than premium. The all-black theme and basic plastics don’t create the same upmarket experience as the Altroz. While its seats are supportive, they lack the spaciousness and comfort of the Altroz, especially for rear passengers.
CNG Kit & Boot Space
A major advantage of the Altroz iCNG is its twin-cylinder CNG tank setup, neatly placed beneath the boot floor. This allows for a usable 210-litre boot space, which is a rarity in CNG cars. Additionally, it retains a spare wheel, a crucial factor for long-distance drives.
The Swift S-CNG, in contrast, houses a single large CNG tank in the boot, leaving minimal space for luggage. The lack of cladding around the exposed tank further impacts the visual appeal.
Performance & Driving Experience
Both hatchbacks feature 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines paired with 5-speed manual transmissions. The Altroz delivers 74hp and 103Nm, while the Swift produces 70hp and 102Nm in CNG mode.
- Maruti Swift CNG: The engine is noticeably smoother, quieter, and more refined. Its light clutch and precise gearbox make city driving effortless. Additionally, it offers better drivability at lower revs, meaning fewer gear shifts in traffic.
- Tata Altroz iCNG: While it delivers slightly more power, the engine feels gruff and gets louder at higher revs. The gearbox is less smooth, and the long-travel clutch pedal takes time to get used to. That said, it feels more planted on highways, offering a balanced ride and handling experience.
Mileage & Efficiency
Efficiency is a key concern for CNG buyers, and Maruti’s Swift S-CNG takes the lead here:
| Condition | Swift S-CNG (km/kg) | Altroz iCNG (km/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| City | 24.35 | 20.56 |
| Highway | 31.38 | 29.65 |
| Average | 27.87 | 25.10 |
While Tata claims a 27.8 km/kg efficiency, real-world tests show that the Swift offers better fuel economy in both city and highway conditions. However, the Altroz compensates with a larger 60-litre CNG tank (compared to Swift’s 55-litre), allowing for a longer driving range.
Pricing & Features
For a fair comparison, let’s pit the top-end Swift ZXI S-CNG (₹9.20 lakh) against the mid-spec Altroz XZ iCNG (₹9.70 lakh).
| Feature | Swift ZXI S-CNG | Altroz XZ iCNG |
| Auto Projector Headlamps | Yes (LED) | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | 15-inch | 16-inch |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch | 7-inch |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Wireless | Wired |
| Wireless Charger | Yes | No |
| Armrest | No | Front + Rear |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Camera | No | Yes |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | No | Yes |
| ESP | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 |
The Swift stands out with LED headlamps, six airbags, a wireless charger, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Meanwhile, the Altroz justifies its ₹50,000 premium with larger alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster, rear camera, front and rear armrests, and rain-sensing wipers.
Final Verdict: Which One to Buy?
Both the Swift S-CNG and Altroz iCNG score 8/10, but they cater to different needs:
- Choose the Maruti Swift CNG if you prioritize refinement, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother driving experience. It’s ideal for city commutes but lacks boot space and a spare wheel, making long trips less convenient.
- Opt for the Tata Altroz iCNG if you want a more premium, spacious car with better practicality. It offers superior ride quality, a bigger boot, and more features for the price, though its engine isn’t as refined as the Swift’s.
If your priority is fuel efficiency and driving pleasure, the Swift wins. But if you seek a well-rounded package with more space and features, the Altroz is the better bet. Ultimately, the Tata Altroz iCNG edges out as the more versatile choice in this comparison.
Read More: