Skoda CNG Cars: Amid rising fuel prices and increasing daily expenses in the Indian car market, the demand for CNG cars remains consistently high. After Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Hyundai already offer strong options in this segment, Skoda now appears poised to join the race. The company is planning to introduce CNG cars to the Indian market, a move that could expand its customer base. CNG options are expected for models such as the Slavia, Kushaq, and Kylaq.

The company is considering launching CNG versions of its cars in India. This could be a significant move for Skoda, as it has traditionally attracted customers through petrol engines and premium features. Introducing popular Skoda models with CNG technology would provide consumers with a compelling new choice.

Which models might get the CNG option?

Skoda is currently working on integrating a CNG powertrain with its 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Since this engine is already used in the Kodiaq, Slavia, and Kushaq, CNG variants could be introduced for all three models. This would allow Skoda to directly challenge industry giants like Tata, Maruti, and Hyundai—companies that have long dominated the CNG segment.

Why has CNG become important?

It is not merely about adding a CNG engine; the real challenge lies in maintaining performance alongside fuel efficiency. The company acknowledges that while a performance drop of 10–15% is typically observed when switching from petrol to CNG, consumers often accept this trade-off because fuel savings take priority.

Skoda’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generates 115 hp of power and 178 Nm of torque, meaning the base package is already quite robust. Interestingly, the company is confident that not only budget-conscious customers but also premium buyers will opt for CNG variants to take advantage of the benefits.

Pricing

Currently, the Kushaq ranges from ₹7.59 lakh to ₹12.99 lakh, while the Slavia is priced between ₹10.99 lakh and ₹18.99 lakh. Prices for the Slavia facelift have not yet been revealed. It will be interesting to see how pricing changes once the CNG variants are introduced.

Additionally, Skoda is preparing to launch the ‘Peaq’—an electric car from its global portfolio—in India next year. According to the company, introducing EVs is essential not merely for regulatory compliance but also to remain competitive in this emerging market.