Hello friends! Are you planning a family road trip but getting a mini heart attack every time you look at petrol prices? Or maybe your big family’s daily commute is eating up your monthly budget? You’re definitely not alone.
This is exactly why the Maruti Ertiga CNG has become a superstar for smart Indian families. It’s a 7-seater that runs on affordable CNG! But how much money can it actually save you? Is it powerful enough for a full family on the highway? Let’s do the real math and find out if this is the perfect car for you.
The Ertiga CNG: The Big Deal Explained
The magic of the Ertiga CNG is its factory-fitted S-CNG technology. It’s safe, reliable, and incredibly efficient. Let’s look at the numbers that really matter to your wallet.
| Feature | What it Means for You |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol Engine with Factory-Fitted CNG Kit |
| Claimed Mileage | An amazing 26.11 km/kg on CNG! (Petrol is 20.51 kmpl) |
| Running Cost | Just around ₹3.2 per kilometer on CNG! (Petrol is ~₹5.5/km) |
| Seating Capacity | Comfortable space for 7 people. |
| Safety | Now comes with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Hold Assist for better safety. |
The Real Savings: Ertiga CNG vs Petrol
This is the most important part! Let’s say your family drives about 1,500 kilometers in a month. Here’s a simple calculation of your monthly fuel bill.
| Fuel Type | Mileage | Fuel Price (Approx.) | Monthly Fuel Cost |
| Petrol | ~18 kmpl | ₹105 / Litre | ~₹8,750 |
| CNG | ~22 km/kg | ₹85 / kg | ~₹5,800 |
| Your Monthly Savings on CNG: | ~₹2,950 | ||
| Your Yearly Savings on CNG: | A whopping ₹35,400! |
(Note: These are real-world estimates. Your actual savings might be even higher depending on your driving!)
How it Stacks Up: Ertiga CNG vs. Rumion CNG vs. Kia Carens
The Ertiga CNG’s biggest rival is its own twin, the Toyota Rumion CNG. But many families also consider the more premium Kia Carens. Let’s see how they compare.
| Feature | Maruti Ertiga CNG | Toyota Rumion CNG | Kia Carens (Petrol) |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | From ₹10.78 Lakh | From ₹11.39 Lakh | From ₹10.52 Lakh |
| Running Cost | Lowest | Lowest | Highest |
| Service Network | Largest in India | Excellent, but smaller | Good, but still growing |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Best value for money. Weakness: Looks very common. | Feature: Better warranty & service experience. Weakness: Costs more for the same car. | Feature: More premium & spacious cabin. Weakness: Much lower mileage. |
Our Verdict: Is the Ertiga CNG a ‘Buy’ or a ‘Pass’?
So, is the Ertiga CNG the right car for your family? Here’s our simple, direct advice.
- For the “Ultimate Saver” Family: The Maruti Ertiga CNG is a definite ‘BUY’ If your number one goal is to have the lowest possible running cost for a 7-seater family car, then stop looking and just buy the Ertiga CNG. It is the undisputed champion of savings. We’ve seen families save thousands of rupees every single month. It’s reliable, the service is available everywhere, and it’s a true ‘paisa vasool’ king that will serve your family for years.
- For the “Peace of Mind” Seeker: The Toyota Rumion CNG is also a ‘BUY’ It’s the exact same car as the Ertiga, but you get Toyota’s legendary hassle-free service experience and a better standard warranty. If you’re willing to pay a small premium (around ₹60,000) for that extra peace of mind, the Rumion CNG is a very smart choice.
- For the “Premium Features” Family: It’s a ‘PASS’ If you have a bigger budget and want more space (especially in the last row), more features, and a more luxurious feeling inside the cabin, then you should consider the Kia Carens. You will have to live with much higher petrol costs, but it does feel like a more premium and comfortable car for long family journeys.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
Is the Ertiga CNG powerful enough for highways with 7 people on board?
When running on CNG, the power drops a little bit. In the city, you won’t notice it. On the highway, you will have to plan your overtaking maneuvers, especially on hilly roads. But for cruising at a steady 80-90 km/h, it’s perfectly comfortable.
What is the boot space in the Ertiga CNG with the tank?
With all three rows up, the boot space is 209 litres. The CNG tank is neatly placed and doesn’t take up too much extra space, leaving enough room for a couple of small bags.
Is a factory-fitted CNG kit from Maruti better than getting one from outside?
Yes, absolutely! A factory-fitted kit is much safer, properly tuned for the engine, and comes with a full company warranty. We always recommend choosing a factory-fitted CNG car.
Maruti Ertiga CNG vs Toyota Rumion CNG: which one should I finally buy?
They are the same car. The only difference is the badge, the front grille, and the warranty. Test drive both, check the offers at your local dealerships, and see which brand gives you a better deal and service experience in your city. You can’t go wrong with either!
