All-New Tata Altroz iCNG: Full Features & Tech Explained

Tata Motors has introduced the all-new Altroz iCNG, and it is much more than a conventional CNG hatchback with a factory-fitted gas kit. Tata calls it “Intelligent CNG”, combining a single advanced ECU, direct CNG start, automatic leak detection, thermal incident protection and, for the first time on the Altroz iCNG, a 5-speed AMT transmission.

Here is a complete breakdown of the engine, the tech, the practical trade-offs, and everything else you need to know before choosing the Altroz iCNG.

Quick Answer

The Tata Altroz iCNG uses a 1.2L Revotron-based engine that makes 73.5 PS and 103 Nm in CNG mode. It is offered with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, has an ARAI-certified mileage of 27.8 km/kg for both the manual and AMT variants, and gets safety features like 6 airbags, automatic leak detection, and thermal incident protection as standard.

Engine and Performance Specs

The Altroz iCNG shares its base with the 1.2L Revotron petrol engine but is tuned differently for CNG operation.

One of the biggest highlights is the gearbox lineup. Along with the usual 5-speed manual, Tata also offers a 5-speed AMT on the iCNG. Most CNG hatchbacks in India are still manual-only, so if you want an automatic and want to save on fuel, the Altroz iCNG is one of the few options that lets you have both.

How Tata Intelligent CNG Works 

This is where the Altroz iCNG stands out. Tata has built in four features that address the usual complaints people have with CNG cars.

Single Advanced ECU

Instead of running two separate control units for petrol and CNG, the Altroz iCNG uses one ECU to manage both. This allows seamless switching between fuel modes and keeps the air-fuel ratio optimised at all times, helping the engine deliver performance that feels closer to the petrol version than many conventional CNG hatchbacks.

Direct Start in CNG Mode

Most CNG cars, even today, need to be started on petrol first and switched to CNG once the engine warms up. The Altroz iCNG can be started directly in CNG mode, so you do not need to think about switching fuel modes every time you start the car.

Thermal Incident Protection

In case of a thermal event, the system immediately cuts off CNG supply to the engine and safely vents the gas away through a dedicated nozzle, rather than letting it build up.

Leak Detection Feature

If the system detects a CNG leak, it automatically switches the car to petrol mode to protect the occupants, without requiring any driver intervention.

AMT in CNG

The Altroz iCNG AMT is one of the few factory-fitted CNG hatchbacks in India to offer an automatic transmission. The Maruti Baleno CNG, Toyota Glanza CNG and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG remain manual-only.

Boot Space: The Real Trade-Off

CNG cylinders usually eat into boot space, and it is important to be upfront about this. The Altroz iCNG uses twin CNG cylinders with a combined 60-litre capacity, placed under the boot floor.

• Altroz petrol/diesel boot space: 345 litres
• Altroz iCNG boot space: 210 litres

What Makes the Twin-Cylinder Design Different? 

Unlike conventional CNG hatchbacks that use a single large cylinder, the Altroz iCNG uses two smaller cylinders with a combined 60-litre water capacity mounted beneath the boot floor. This creates a flatter and more usable luggage area than traditional CNG installations, although overall boot space still reduces to 210 litres. The layout also keeps the spare wheel accessible while preserving dedicated luggage space. 

Safety Features

The Altroz iCNG does not compromise on safety compared to the petrol and diesel variants. It gets:

• 6 airbags as standard
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• ALFA architecture with Ultra High Strength Steel body
• Automatic leak detection and thermal incident protection 

These additional safety measures are intended to address concerns that some buyers still have about factory-fitted CNG vehicles.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The Altroz iCNG carries a 37-litre petrol tank alongside the 60-litre (water capacity) CNG cylinders, so you can continue driving on petrol if you run out of CNG mid-drive. This dual-fuel setup also means longer overall range compared to a petrol-only car of the same size.

Which Variants Get the iCNG Option

Based on the official variant and drivetrain lineup, the iCNG engine is available across nearly the entire Altroz range:

Only the top-spec Accomplished+S variant misses out on the iCNG option, which means most buyers looking for a well-equipped CNG hatchback will find a suitable trim.

Warranty

Tata is backing the Altroz range, including the iCNG, with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

FAQs

Does the Tata Altroz iCNG have an automatic transmission?

 Yes. The Altroz iCNG is available with a 5-speed AMT in addition to the 5-speed manual, which is uncommon for CNG cars in this segment.

What is the mileage of the Tata Altroz iCNG? 

Tata claims an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 27.8 km/kg for both the 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT variants.

Is the Tata Altroz iCNG safe? 

Yes. Along with 6 airbags and ESP as standard, it has dedicated CNG safety features including automatic leak detection and thermal incident protection that cuts CNG supply and vents gas safely if needed.

How much boot space does the Tata Altroz iCNG have?

 The iCNG variant has 210 litres of boot space, compared to 345 litres on the petrol and diesel versions, due to the twin CNG cylinders placed under the boot floor.

What is the power output of the Tata Altroz iCNG? 

It makes 73.5 PS and 103 Nm of torque in CNG mode, and 88 PS and 115 Nm in petrol mode.