Honda To Launch CNG Powered City In Oct

Updated: Monday, October 8, 2012, 12:56 [IST]

Honda, the Japanese carmaker which is currently struggling with not having diesel variants in its line-up is taking up the route of launching CNG powered cars to attract buyers. It is reportedly planning to launch a CNG powered variant of its best selling sedan City before the end of October.

This CNG powered City is expected to be priced about Rs.50,000 more than a similar petrol variant. CNG is a fuel that is cheaper than petrol and it also offers better fuel economy. This has resulted in several new car buyers opting for CNG powered cars in places where this fuel is available. Honda so far has petrol powered cars only and this has had a severe impact on its sales following the steep increase in petrol prices.

Honda needs to make some changes to the City to accommodate the CNG option. The engine needs to be modified and tuned to deliver optimum power and performance while running on CNG. Further, Honda also needs to modify the sedan's suspension to handle the additional weight of the CNG fuel tank.

It is not only new buyers of the Honda City who can get a CNG powered car. Honda is reportedly planning to sell CNG kits at its dealers too so that existing owners of the City can switch to CNG. This method has already been followed by Hyundai Motors which is selling CNG kits of its Santro, i10 and Accent.

Honda is expected to launch new diesel cars later next year starting with the Brio diesel. Honda will also launch the automatic variant of the Brio on October 18th. The Brio has been a good product from Honda and a CNG powered City will definitely provide the Japanese carmaker a boost during this festive season.

Article Published On: Monday, October 8, 2012, 12:55 [IST]

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