If rumors are to be believed, after launching petrol powered Stingray, the country's largest passenger car maker is all set to introduce its CNG variant in the Indian market. Industry experts are of a view that this move is supposed to be a big boost for the car maker in urban areas. Interestingly, the petrol variant is expected to receive a good response pan-India and analysts suggest that adding a CNG kit to the same engine will further boost the sales of the car. Reason for this anticipated boost is the reduced running cost of the car, owing to its CNG kit. Now, Maruti Suzuki would be looking ahead to cash on those customers who were not buying the WagonR because of its high running cost due to a petrol run engine.
Maruti Suzuki in India enjoys the position of top passenger car maker, and it is further to be noted that WagonR still remains firm at its position of being counted among the top three selling cars in India. The average sale of the car is approximately 13000 per month. Sources have confirmed that the company is expecting to increase this number by adding CNG kit to the existing car. Experts believe that the new WagonR with CNG kit will bring a new wave in the compact car segment of the Indian auto space.
Available in three versions Lxi, Vxi and Vxi Optional Pack, the newly launched Maruti Suzuki WagonR Stingray has already started making inroads in the Indian auto sector. The mood is quite upbeat at the Maruti Suzuki with the developments regarding CNG fit versions. The Stingray has the same engine, which has been packed within the current generation WagonR. Bharat Stage IV emission norms compliant all-aluminum light weight K-10 engine with 4-valve 3-cylinder has a displacement of 998 cc. The car with CNG kit will have the same five-speed manual transmission as its basic versions.
Featuring a sportier as well as sleeker design, enhanced interiors and now the CNG kit; the price sensitive Indian buyers can not look for more in an economical car. Maruti Suzuki Stingray has a refreshed look owing to black upholstery and blue trim accents. An advanced USB compatible music system, AUX-in and Bluetooth support are other highlights that will attract the masses. The car maker has also provided ample passenger room and more boot space in its newly launched model.
The car was initially launched in Japanese market and received a good responses there. Interestingly, it is expected to replicate the same story in the Indian market as well. Now, with the buzz of CNG model, industry experts are more delighted and excited for further updates. Auto analysts are of a view that the new CNG models are expected to enjoy more success than its predecessors. Reports also suggest that the CNG models will make for the non-availability of Stingray in diesel engine option. It is widely speculated that after the successful launch of Stingray, the firm is hoping to cash in on the introduction of CNG kit versions. The car is expected to have a dual advantage of improved cosmetics than earlier version of WagonR and low running cost, which will attract young people into buying the vehicle.
As per industry experts, the expected launch of Stingray CNG model, Maruti Suzuki will further widen its competition with Hyundai Motors. In the past few months, Hyundai Motors has adopted an aggressive strategy as it aims to become the largest passenger car maker of India. This step from Maruti Suzuki will surely create some interesting market scenarios with both the automobile giants competing for the same group of buyers.
