I’ve always believed that CNG cars were sensible, efficient, and cheap to run, but never something you’d actually want to drive. So when I picked up the Tata Altroz CNG for a week, I fully expected a predictable, slightly underpowered, mileage-first experience that would get the job done and nothing more. And then, I drove it.
No, the Altroz CNG doesn’t suddenly transform into a hot hatch. But what surprised me was just how normal it felt. Tata has somehow taken one of the most utility-focused fuel types and packaged it into a car that looks good, drives decently, and doesn’t scream compromise every time you tap the throttle. This is probably the first time I’ve driven a CNG car and not immediately started adjusting my expectations downward.
Actually Feels Like a Car
Let’s start with the driving dynamics because that’s where most CNG cars instantly give away their cost-cutting roots. The Altroz CNG handles well. In fact, better than most hatchbacks in the segment. There’s a reassuring weight to the steering, the chassis feels planted, and you can push it through corners without the usual CNG-car anxiety that the rear might feel unsettled. Tata’s ALFA platform has always delivered a solid foundation, and even in CNG form, it doesn’t disappoint. Through city traffic, tight U-turns, and flyover curves, the Altroz remained confident and composed. But it’s not perfect.
Go over a speed breaker or a rough patch and you’ll hear a faint thud from the rear. It’s the unmistakable sound of the CNG assembly doing a little jig. It’s not alarming, just mildly annoying. Despite Tata’s clever packaging, physics still exists, and when there’s hardware sitting where a spare wheel normally would be, you’ll hear it once in a while.
The Part I Struggled With
Here’s where the Altroz CNG reminds you that efficiency comes at the cost of grunt. The car uses Tata’s 1.2-litre Revotron engine, which in CNG mode produces around 72.49 bhp and 103 Nm of torque. Those numbers look small on paper, and they feel small on the road. In city traffic, the car moves adequately in lower gears, but the moment you want a burst of acceleration, reality settles in.
There were multiple times when I floored the accelerator, fully committed, no half measures, and the car responded like it was politely considering my request. There’s a noticeable delay before it gathers speed, and even then, the progress is gentle at best. Overtakes require planning, and you quickly learn to work the manual gearbox a lot more than usual.
The manual transmission itself is quite good, though. Gear shifts are smooth, and the clutch is light enough for daily commuting. But the engine simply doesn’t have the bottom-end punch to make spirited driving possible. If you treat it like a calm, predictable city commuter, you’ll be happy. If you expect even mild excitement, you’ll be disappointed.
The Upside
All that slowness is redeemed the moment you look at your running cost. In CNG mode, the Altroz consistently delivers 27 to 30 km/kg in real-world city driving, and on relaxed highway runs, you can even see 32+ km/kg. With CNG priced around ₹75 to ₹80 per kg (city dependent), you’re effectively spending ₹2.5 to ₹3 per km, which is less than half of what a petrol Altroz would cost and significantly cheaper than most commuter bikes per kilometre.
The Boot Space Glory
One of the best decisions Tata made was the twin-cylinder under-floor layout. It hides the CNG cylinders neatly below the boot floor, freeing up space that would otherwise be wiped out completely. That said, is the boot large? No. Is it useful? Pretty much yes. You can actually carry weekend luggage, camera gear, or a couple of duffel bags without playing Tetris. Considering most CNG cars give you an apologetic storage cavity, the Altroz CNG’s boot feels… respectable. You don’t buy a CNG car expecting cavernous practicality, and this setup feels like the best possible middle ground.
A Pleasant Surprise
Tata has also ensured that the tech experience doesn’t feel like a budget decision. You get a clean touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a decent digital instrument cluster, and all the basic creature comforts you’d expect from a modern hatchback. The UI is straightforward, the connectivity is reliable, and the system never lagged or randomly rebooted during my week with it, which is more than I can say for some more expensive cars. The cabin itself feels solidly built, and Tata’s signature sense of safety and sturdiness comes through clearly. For a CNG variant, it doesn’t feel stripped down or compromised on the inside.
Is CNG Still Boring?
Honestly? Not anymore. The Tata Altroz CNG took a fuel type known for being slow, utilitarian, and joyless, and wrapped it in a car that you don’t have to make excuses for. Yes, the performance is weak. Yes, the rear assembly makes noise on bumps. Yes, the boot space is limited. But the car looks good, drives well enough, feels premium inside, and saves you an incredible amount of money. If you want fun, buy a turbo-petrol. If you want practicality, buy a CNG. But if you want practicality without feeling punished, the Altroz CNG is easily one of the best answers in India right now.