The Maruti Suzuki Brezza, one of India’s best-selling compact SUVs, has been sighted testing with an underbody CNG tank, fuelling strong expectations that a factory-fit CNG version could arrive in the Indian market soon. The development is significant as Maruti continues to expand its portfolio of factory-integrated CNG vehicles, catering to buyers seeking lower running costs without compromising SUV practicality.
What the Spy Shots Reveal
Automotive enthusiasts and spy photographers have captured the Brezza prototype undergoing road testing with a visible underbody CNG tank neatly mounted beneath the chassis. Unlike traditional retrofit conversions, this setup suggests Maruti Suzuki may introduce a manufacturer-approved CNG Brezza, where the tank placement is engineered as part of the vehicle’s design rather than an add-on.
Underbody CNG tanks are becoming more common in factory-fitted CNG cars in India because they help retain boot space and maintain the SUV’s practicality — a key consideration for buyers of this segment.
Why a CNG Brezza Matters
Maruti Suzuki has been aggressively expanding its CNG lineup in India, with factory-fit CNG models like the Swift, WagonR, Dzire, Baleno and Ertiga already offering fuel cost savings and lower emissions. Adding a CNG option to the Brezza range — a model known for its strong sales and broad appeal — could further accelerate adoption of alternative fuel variants in the SUV segment.
Key reasons this variant could be significant include:
- Lower running costs: CNG offers a notably lower per-km fuel cost compared with petrol, especially for high-mileage users.
- Environmental benefit: CNG engines typically emit fewer pollutants, aligning with growing consumer demand for cleaner alternatives.
- Fleet appeal: CNG SUVs are attractive to cab aggregators and commercial operators prioritising cost efficiency.
Expected Launch Timeline
While Maruti Suzuki has not officially confirmed details, automotive experts believe a formal announcement about the Brezza CNG variant could come within the first half of 2026. The company may reveal specifications, fuel economy figures, and pricing around that time.
What to Expect Under the Hood
The CNG Brezza is likely to be powered by the same 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine used in other CNG-equipped Maruti models, tuned to optimise performance and efficiency with gaseous fuel. Previous Maruti CNG derivatives have delivered impressive real-world fuel economy, and the Brezza’s SUV dynamics could make it one of the most competitive CNG crossovers in its class.
Market Impact
If Maruti Suzuki prices the CNG Brezza competitively, it could compel rivals to accelerate their own alternative-fuel strategies. With rising fuel costs and increasing environmental consciousness among buyers, factory-fit CNG options in popular models are increasingly seen as value-focused and future-aligned choices for many Indian consumers.
Overall, the sighting of the Brezza with an underbody CNG tank strongly signals that a CNG Brezza is on the horizon, blending SUV versatility with cost-effective motoring.
