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Top 5 LPG Cars in India

Depletion of crude oil has arise the need to search for alternative fuels to run vehicles. The scarcity of fossil fuels around the globe has resulted in fuel prices hike which has further compelled car manufacturers to come up with cars that run on energy other than conventional fuels.

In addition, the growing environmental awareness and the proactive measures taken by the Government to promote fuel-efficient and environment friendly cars have also fuelled to increase the demand of cars that runs on alternative fuel.

Recently, the fast growing car industry has witnessed many advanced and innovative technologies that support the use of energy other than conventional fuels. The world of automobile now has alternatives like LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (compressed natural gas), hybrid cars, electric cars, bio-fuel (ethanol, bio-diesel), hydrogen-and air-powered cars.

LPG cars have gained significance in India among other alternative fuels as it gives low running cost. Moreover, any petrol car can be transform into LPG by fitting a LPG kit. LPG is a clean-burning (emits less air pollutants) fossil fuel that is a by-product of petroleum refining. It is mainly composed of propane and butane and can be effectively used to power internal combustion engine. LPG comes in the form of factory produced kits that are positioned in high-pressure fuel tanks.

Today, many LPG-fitted cars are available around the world. However, in India, the trend of using LPG in cars is gradually taking pace with CNG.

Here is a list of some of the most popular LPG cars in India:

Maruti Suzuki Omni Cargo

Maruti Suzuki introduced a new Omni fitted with LPG kit in the year 2004. Christened as Omni Cargo, this LPG car is India's first clean fuel vehicle set out on Indian roads for transportation.

Though LPG is one of the cheapest fuels available in India, no car manufacturer introduced LPG across their respective car models. Maruti Suzuki was the first to introduce this economical fuel in its leading MUV, Omni. Even the Government encouraged the use of LPG by offering excise rebate on LPG-run vehicles.

The Omni Cargo comes with an authorized LPG kit that is certified for quality and safety. This is further associated with a superior suspension that improves steering control and road stability.

Today, the LPG-fitted Maruti Suzuki Omni has become one of the most demanding cars for diverse range of businesses including courier, logistics, electronics, garments and textiles, and beverage businesses.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR Duo

Two years after the launch of Omni Cargo, Maruti Suzuki once again introduced LPG in one of its leading hatchbacks in India, Maruti Suzuki WagonR. At a time when Maruti Suzuki Swift was overpowering all small cars in the country, the company launched two re-designed versions of the WagonR in 2006. One among these was a re-designed Wagon-R with a factory-fitted LPG kit.

The LPG-fitted WagonR, known as WagonR Duo, has become one of the most popular LPG cars in India. Although, this brilliant dual fuel car is priced about Rs 20,000 extra, it worth the price as the overall running cost of the car is tremendously reduced. WagonR Duo has successfully made its position in the small car segment due the fluctuating fuel prices and increasing demand of economical cars.

The LPG kits fitted in the Duo are certified by the department of explosives as well as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and imported from USA and Poland. The LPG cylinder has a toroidal design to optimize the luggage space in the car. It can easily switch between petrol and LPG and once completely topped up, the Duo can easily travel about 800 kilometres.

Maruti Suzuki 800 Duo

Maruti Suzuki 800 Duo was introduced on the occasion of World’s Environment Day in 2008. It works on Gas Mixer System completely based on Integrated Gas Technology and is the third generation of 800.

The LPG variant of the 800 delivers a power of 35 bhp and emits 10% lower carbon dioxide than the petrol variant. It was designed in-house by 24 skilled engineers to deliver optimum performance equivalent to injection systems. It can easily be switched over between petrol and LPG mode.

The LPG kit in the 800 Duo is approved by Department of Explosives, tested and certified by ARAI, India's premier automobile testing and certifying authority. All the components have undergone stringent checks to ensure quality and reliability.

Indica V2 Xeta

After witnessing the success of LPG cars introduced by Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors also unveiled the eco friendly variant of its highly successful car, Indica.

The eco-friendly variant is known as Indica V2 Xeta LPG and comes with dual fuel engine. It can run both on petrol as well as LPG and expels about 10% lower carbon dioxide than the petrol and diesel variant. It is also certified by BS III and can easily be upgraded to meet the most stringent Euro-IV emission norms.

The Xeta LPG is powered by a 1.2-litre MPFI engine with two electronic control units and generates a generous power output of 64 bhp.

Hyundai Santro Eco

Hyundai Santro Eco was introduced in 2008 with a factory-fitted LPG kit. The car boasts of excellent features that meet global standards of performance and safety.

The LPG-fitted Santro is powered by 1.1- litre, eRLX engine that offers a perfect combination of outstanding performance and unmatched fuel efficiency. The LPG tank in the Santro Eco has a special toroidal design that leaves extra space in the boot for larger storage. The impact-resistant LPG kit is approved by the Department of Explosives and certified and tested by ARAI. It also releases lower carbon dioxide as compared to its other fuel counterparts.

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