CARVERSAL

Maruti Baleno Petrol vs CNG- Variants Explained 2025

August 1st, 2025

If you’re an Indian car enthusiast, you must be aware of Maruti’s exceptionally economical model, the Baleno. Ever since its launch, it’s been one of India’s most loved premium hatchbacks. It’s known for its spacious cabin, reliable performance, and stylish design. Indian buyers consider the Baleno model to be both economical and high-performance.

With rising fuel prices and the growing demand for cost-effective options, Maruti Baleno’s petrol and CNG variants steal the limelight. The petrol version promises smooth performance and driving comfort. On the other hand, the CNG version attracts attention with its impressive mileage and lower running costs. 

However, with different features, prices, and performance levels, many buyers may come up with the question that which Baleno variant they should choose— Petrol or CNG? To make things easier for an informed decision, let’s take a look at the detailed breakdown and comparison between the Maruti Baleno petrol and CNG variants. 

Maruti Baleno: A Trustworthy Model 

Maruti Baleno

Before we have a sneak peek into the Maruti Baleno variants, it’s better to get a quick overview of the model itself. Well, it’s a sporty hatchback suitable for buyers who crave premium features, comfort, style, and fuel efficiency in one sleek package. This hatchback is quite cosy and has a fashionable exterior, making it ideal for city drives and weekend trips. In 2025, the Baleno comes in six different variants, including four petrol and two CNG options. 

Maruti Baleno Petrol Variants 

Foremost, we’ll talk about the petrol variants. Mainly, there are four trims to choose from. While the base Baleno Sigma variant comes only with a manual transmission, the other three are available in both manual and automatic transmission modes. The list of petrol variants includes:

  • Sigma

  • Delta

  • Zeta

  • Alpha

Maruti Baleno CNG Variants

Maruti offers two CNG variants for buyers seeking better mileage and lower running costs. Both of the following options are available only with a manual transmission. Apart from that, these versions also balance safety and comfort quite well, making the CNG version a worthwhile choice. The CNG variants are termed:

  • Delta 

  • Zeta

Quick Price Comparison: Petrol Vs. CNG Variants 

Maruti Baleno Rear View

If you’re wondering how much you’ll pay for petrol and CNG variants, let’s be clear: there’s no big difference. Still, we’ve given the ex-showroom and on-road price of all the Maruti Baleno variants:

Variant Name 

Fuel Type 

Ex-showroom Price

On-road Price

Baleno Sigma (Manual)

Petrol

₹6.70 Lakh 

₹7.54 Lakh

Baleno Delta (Manual)

Petrol

₹7.54 Lakh 

₹8.47 Lakh

Baleno Delta (AMT)

Petrol

₹8.04 Lakh

₹9.02 Lakh

Baleno Zeta (Manual)

Petrol

₹8.47 Lakh

₹9.50 Lakh

Baleno Zeta (AMT)

Petrol

₹8.97 Lakh

₹10.05 Lakh

Baleno Alpha (Manual)

Petrol

₹9.42 Lakh

₹10.97 Lakh

Baleno Alpha (AMT)

Petrol

₹9.92 Lakh

₹11.10 Lakh

Delta (Manual)

CNG

₹8.44 Lakh

₹9.54 Lakh

Zeta (Manual)

CNG

₹9.37 Lakh

₹10.58 Lakh

Performance and Driving Experience Compared

A vehicle’s performance is another important aspect when considering purchasing one. To help you understand things better, we’ve stated how the petrol and CNG Baleno variants differ in power, comfort, and mileage. 

Feature 

Petrol Variants 

CNG Variants 

Engine Power

~90 PS @ 6000 rpm

~77.5 PS @ 6000 rpm

Acceleration

Quicker pickup, better highway overtakes

Slightly slower, best for city drives

Torque

113 Nm @ 4400 rpm

98.5 Nm @ 4300 rpm

Transmission

Manual and AMT options

Only Manual Option

Driving Feel

Smooth, responsive, versatile for all roads

Balanced but less punchy than petrol

Mileage (ARAI)

~22–23 km/l

~30.6 km/kg

Boot Space

Full 318 litres available

Reduced due to the CNG cylinder

Refueling

Easily available, quick

Limited pumps, and take a slightly longer time

Highway Performance

Strong cruising ability, stable at high speed

Adequate, but lacks petrol’s punch

Safety Features Explained: Which Variant Is Better?

Maruti Baleno Interior View

Well, apart from performance and price, safety also remains a top concern for car buyers. Let’s see which Baleno variant offers the best protection and the essential safety features:

Safety Aspect

Petrol Variants (All Trims)

CNG Variants 

Airbags

Dual front airbags standard

6 airbags in Zeta and Alpha

Dual front airbags only


ABS with EBD

Standard across all petrol variants

Standard


ESP and Hill Hold

Available in AMT variants

Not available (only manual transmission)

ISOFIX Child Seat

Standard on all variants 

Standard 

Rearview Camera

Available from Zeta onwards

Available in Zeta CNG

Rear Parking Sensors

Standard 

Standard 

360-Degree Camera

Exclusive to Alpha Petrol 

Not Available 

Crash Test Rating

Baleno scored 3-star Global NCAP (2022)

Same as the petrol variants

Buil Quality 

Same across all variants 

Same as petrol but with less boot space due to the CNG kit 

Which Variant Should You Buy?

Well, that’s the most important question! Here we come with a slight diplomatic but practical answer. While choosing between petrol and CNG variants completely depends on your driving habits, preferences, and budgets, you can take help from the following factors. These might help you with an informed decision:

  • For Daily City Commuting: The Delta CNG should be your choice as it offers excellent mileage while keeping its fuel expenses relatively low. 

  • For Balanced Features and Performance: Zeta Petrol (manual or AMT) offers a good blend of comfort, modern features, and decent mileage. 

  • For Maximum Safety and Premium Feel: The Alpha Petrol would just be the right pick as it has 6 airbags, a 360° camera, and many other advanced features. 

  • If You Prefer Automatic Driving: Pick Zeta Petrol AMT or Alpha Petrol AMT, as you don’t have the option to choose a CNG variant. 

READ ALSO: Is Maruti Suzuki Baleno Worth the Splurge? Top 3 Cheaper and Better Cars to Consider!

FAQs

Ques 1. Are the Maruti Suzuki Baleno CNG variants less powerful?

Ans. Yes, they offer lower power when compared to the petrol variants.

Ques 2. Is there the option of an automatic transmission in the CNG variants?

Ans. No, CNG variants are available only with the manual transmission option. 

Ques 3. What mileage difference will I get in the CNG variant over the petrol variant?

Ans. Fuel economy in petrol variants goes around 22 km/l, whereas it becomes 30 km/kg in the CNG versions. 

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