Tata Motors has already filed a patent for this unique CNG set-up.
Tata Motors recently launched the Altroz iCNG, with prices ranging from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom). Along with the fact that it’s offered in multiple trim levels, including a top-spec one with a sunroof, another big selling point is the packaging of the CNG tanks under the boot floor. This unique CNG set-up will soon find its way to other Tata models, namely the Tiago and Tigor.
- Twin CNG tanks placed under the boot floor, frees up boot space
- The unique set-up will also feature in upcoming Punch iCNG
Tata Tiago, Tigor to get twin-cylinder CNG tanks
Instead of the usual single, large cylinder in the boot, which renders the space useless, Tata has split the CNG tank in the Altroz iCNG into two and packaged it under the boot floor, which liberates a considerable 210 litres of boot space. The company says the ALFA platform that the Altroz is based on was always designed with this set-up in mind.
We have now learnt that Tata Motors has filed a patent for this unique twin-cylinder CNG set-up. It’s already known that this will feature in the upcoming Punch iCNG, which is also underpinned by the ALFA platform and was showcased at Auto Expo 2023. But Tata Motors has confirmed that the Tiago hatchback and the Tigor compact sedan will also gain this set-up and move away from the single tank design they currently employ.
However, these models are based on the older X0 platform, so it’ll be interesting to see how Tata engineers this set-up in these models and whether it’ll be able to retain the underbody-mounted spare wheel as well, like on the Altroz iCNG.
Will the Nexon get it too?
Down the line, another candidate could be the Nexon compact SUV. We already know that Tata is looking to introduce CNG in segments where diesel is exiting and considering that Tata’s 1.5 diesel engine will not be around for more than a couple of years, the Nexon could likely be the next in line to get the iCNG treatment. As buyers will look for a more frugal alternative to the Nexon’s diesel engine in the future when it’s discontinued, the iCNG version may just be it, and the upcoming facelift would be a good time to introduce it.
However, much like the Tiago and Tigor, the Nexon is not based on the ALFA platform, so we’ll have to wait and see how Tata packages this set-up, if and when the Nexon iCNG sees the light of day.
Also see:
Tata Altroz CNG review: Best of both worlds?