Maruti Suzuki to Launch i-GPI CNG Technology in Five Models

Indian car maker Maruti Suzuki is going to launch its new factory-fitted CNG technology on five car models very soon. This next generation CNG technology offers more safety and ensures better fuel efficiency than the retro-fitted CNG technology. The five models that are going to feature this new CNG technology are: Alto Lxi, Estilo Lxi, WagonR Lxi, Eeco and SX4 Vxi.

This new CNG technology, which is called ‘intelligent-gas port injection (i-GPI),’ has been tested thoroughly before being introduced. Reports claim that a 200,000 km test on various roads has been conducted on each of the five models that are coming into the market. Moreover, the whole technology has also gone through a bench test of 3,000 hours before its design and performance being finalized.

The i-GPI CNG technology features one injector for each cylinder. Here, ECU controls the amount of CNG needed for a specific driving condition, and only the required amount of CNG is injected to the engine. So, it is fuel efficient.

Shinzo Nakanishi, the managing director and chief executive of Maruti Suzuki India, said to the media, “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. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduces [the] country's dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki's big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.”

Maruti Suzuki also reveals that factory-fitted CNG technology is much safer that that of retro-fitted. The introduction of the new CNG technology is part of the car maker’s attempt of offering more environment friendly cars.