Maruti Suzuki India Limited today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. With Independence Day around the corner, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sure has taken a giant leap to spread the message of 'Go Green' in the country. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests. The models include the Maruti Suzuki SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat.
Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, 'We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly.'
Having launched the Alto K10, there was a brief moment when everybody thought if the production of the old version of the Alto would be stopped, but with this cracker of an idea, we come to know how strong a grip on the nerve of the Indian car market.
The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology ensures more power through retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offer a peppier ride experience similar to that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles passed through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.
The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage.
Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, 'The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India.'
Maruti has literally attacked the cars in all the segments, right from the 7-seater to the small cars to its much loved sedan. With the CNG versions out, Maruti Suzuki India have taken a step closer not only to save the environment but also has made things tougher for the rest of the manufacturers in India.
The cost of the models are as follows:
| Name | Petrol (Rs Lakh) | CNG (Rs Lakh) |
| Alto Lxi | 2.78 | 3.23 |
| Estilo Lxi | 3.55 | 4.05 |
| WagonR Lxi | 3.61 | 4.11 |
| Eeco (AC + 5 seater) | 3.09 | 3.64 |
| SX4 Vxi | 6.92 | 7.47 |
