It was in November last year when Maruti Suzuki launched the all-new Celerio. The only void in its portfolio was the CNG option, which has now been filled. Yes, the Celerio CNG has arrived. And for the time being, the dual-fuel setup is available in just one variant – VXi. Maruti Suzuki has slapped an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 6.58 lakh. Compared to the petrol-only VXi MT variant, the CNG one demands an extra Rs 95,000. The price difference between the new derivative with the VXi AMT one is Rs 45,000, with the former costing more.

Like the rest of the range, the new variant also boasts a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine that produces 66bhp/89Nm when fed with petrol. However, those output numbers drop when CNG is chosen for propulsion. 56bhp/82.1Nm, to be precise. The only transmission option available here is the 5-speed manual. As far as the claimed mileage is concerned, it is 35.6km/kg. That is considerably better than its predecessor’s.

Coming to the list of features, it is identical to the standard VXi MT variant. That ropes in stuff like central locking, day/night IRVM, 60:40 split rear seat, all four power windows, electrically-adjustable ORVMs and a rear parcel shelf. On the safety front, the Celerio CNG comes with dual airbags, speed-sensing auto door locks, ABS, rear parking sensors, headlight levelling and a speed alert system, among other features.

Maruti Suzuki has timed this launch rather well. Why? That’s because later in the week, Tata Motors will introduce CNG versions of the Tigor and Tiago. But, we’ll have to wait and watch how many variants the homegrown automaker devises. The only other CNG option in the same space is the Hyundai Santro. Those Maruti Suzuki loyalists can also consider CNG derivatives of the S-Presso and the WagonR. Out of the lot, which one would you buy?