The Maruti Suzuki Swift has long been a favourite among Indian hatchback buyers, and the introduction of a CNG variant only adds more value for those who prioritise running costs. We recently got behind the wheel of the latest Swift CNG to test how it performs in the real world, especially in terms of fuel efficiency. Spoiler alert: the results are impressive, particularly on the highway.
Engine
The Swift CNG is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. On petrol, it churns out 80bhp and 112Nm. However, in CNG mode, the output drops to 69bhp and 102Nm. While the power figures are modest, they’re more than enough for city use and light highway cruising.
Maruti offers the Swift CNG only with a five-speed manual gearbox, keeping things simple and focused on efficiency. The company claims a mileage of 32.85km/kg of CNG, which is one of the highest in its class.
City Mileage
We took the Swift CNG through typical urban driving conditions — traffic signals, slow-moving stretches, and short bursts of acceleration. Over a distance of 79.8km in the city, the hatchback consumed 3.75kg of CNG.
- City mileage: 21.28km/kg
- CNG consumed: 3.75kg
- Distance covered: 79.8km
This real-world figure may seem a bit lower than the official claim, but it’s quite realistic for Indian cities where start-stop traffic and idling can significantly impact efficiency.
Highway Mileage
The Swift CNG really shows its strength on open roads. We took it for a longer highway run, covering 119.4km, during which it used just 3.41kg of CNG.
- Highway mileage: 35.01km/kg
- CNG consumed: 3.41kg
- Distance covered: 119.4km
This figure is actually better than Maruti’s official claim, thanks to steady cruising and minimal gear shifts. It proves that if your commute involves more highway kilometres, the Swift CNG can be extremely cost-effective.
Comparison with Petrol Variants
Just to put things into perspective, here’s how the Swift CNG compares to its petrol siblings:
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | Claimed Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Petrol MT | Petrol | Manual | 24.80kmpl |
| Swift Petrol AMT | Petrol | Automatic | 25.75kmpl |
| Swift CNG | CNG | Manual | 32.85km/kg (claimed) |
| Swift CNG (City) | CNG | Manual | 21.28km/kg (tested) |
| Swift CNG (Highway) | CNG | Manual | 35.01km/kg (tested) |
So yes, the petrol variants may feel peppier, especially in terms of outright performance. But if your priority is fuel savings and you’re okay with the slight power compromise, the Swift CNG makes a strong case for itself.
At 980kg kerb weight for the ZXi variant we tested, the Swift CNG doesn’t feel sluggish, especially in everyday driving. Add to that its frugal nature and Maruti’s wide service network, and you’ve got a practical and reliable hatchback that’s easy on the wallet — especially in today’s high fuel price environment.
If your daily running is high and you’re considering a fuel-efficient alternative to petrol, the Swift CNG is worth a serious look.
FAQs
What is the claimed mileage of Swift CNG?
It is officially rated at 32.85km/kg of CNG.
What mileage did it deliver in city?
It gave 21.28km/kg during our city test.
What was the highway mileage?
It delivered 35.01km/kg on the highway.
Is Swift CNG available in automatic?
No, it’s only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
How much power does it make in CNG mode?
It makes 69bhp and 102Nm in CNG mode.
