In a country where fuel prices are constantly fluctuating and environmental awareness is growing, the demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective mobility solutions is rising rapidly. Recognizing this shift, Nissan India has expanded its CNG retrofitment program for the Magnite compact SUV to six more states, bringing relief and options to budget-conscious and environmentally aware car buyers.
With this strategic move, Nissan aims to make the CNG-powered Magnite more accessible across India, strengthening its position in the competitive entry-level SUV segment.
📍 Which New States Are Included?
Nissan has officially announced that the CNG retrofitment program is now available in the following six new states:
- Rajasthan
- Punjab
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
These are in addition to the initial rollout in Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra, where the response to the retrofitment option was positive.
🔧 What Is the CNG Retrofitment Program?
The CNG retrofitment program is a factory-authorized installation of a CNG kit on existing petrol variants of the Nissan Magnite. This is not an aftermarket solution—it is backed by Nissan’s warranty and service support, ensuring safety, performance, and reliability.
Key Features:
- Approved by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India)
- Conducted at authorized service centers only
- Doesn’t void the vehicle’s warranty
- Designed to integrate with the car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD)
This initiative allows customers to enjoy the affordability of CNG fuel without the quality or warranty risks of unauthorized retrofitting.
💡 Why CNG Matters in Today’s Market
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is gaining popularity due to multiple reasons:
- Cheaper than petrol and diesel
- Lower carbon emissions, making it environmentally friendly
- Widely available across urban and semi-urban India
- Ideal for daily commuters and city driving
- Reduced maintenance compared to diesel engines
By offering CNG options in the Magnite, Nissan is opening its doors to a larger segment of Indian buyers who value fuel efficiency and sustainability.
⚙️ Performance & Mileage of the CNG-Powered Magnite
The CNG version of the Magnite retains its 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers around 70–72 bhp when running on CNG (slightly lower than petrol mode). It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for optimal economy.
Mileage & Efficiency:
- ARAI-certified mileage: ~25–27 km/kg (CNG)
- CNG tank capacity: ~12 kg
- Range: Over 300 km on a full tank (CNG)
While the power output drops slightly in CNG mode, the trade-off is acceptable for most city users who prioritize economy and low running cost.
💰 Cost of CNG Retrofitment
Nissan has priced the factory-authorized CNG kit installation at around ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the location and variant. This includes:
- CNG kit with high-quality components
- Tank and wiring harness
- Software tuning for dual-fuel compatibility
- Installation labor and certification
Though it is a one-time upfront investment, users generally recover the cost in fuel savings within 18–24 months, especially if their daily commute is high.
🛡️ Warranty & Safety
One of the biggest advantages of Nissan’s program is that the CNG kit does not void the standard warranty of the vehicle. Plus, being a company-authorized fitment, it comes with:
- One-year warranty on the CNG system
- Integration with vehicle’s safety systems like fire suppression and ECU alerts
- High-grade components approved by ARAI
This eliminates concerns over reliability and safety, which are often associated with third-party kits.
🛣️ Ideal for Urban & Fleet Users
The CNG retrofitment is especially attractive for:
- Daily city commuters
- Ride-hailing service drivers (Ola, Uber)
- Small businesses and delivery services
- Budget-focused families
The combination of low running costs, compact size, and SUV design makes the Magnite CNG a practical and profitable choice in urban environments.
🆚 How It Stands Against Competitors
Several automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai already offer factory-fitted CNG options. With this retrofitment, Nissan offers an alternative route, allowing owners to convert their existing petrol Magnite into a CNG-powered one without needing to buy a separate CNG variant.
Competitors in the CNG space:
- Maruti Brezza CNG
- Hyundai Exter CNG
- Tata Punch CNG
While Magnite does not yet offer a factory-fitted CNG variant, the flexibility of retrofitment gives it a unique advantage in pricing and customer outreach.
🔮 Nissan’s Strategy for the Future
Nissan’s decision to expand its retrofitment offering reflects a customer-first strategy, tapping into the increasing shift toward affordable green mobility. While electric vehicles are gaining traction, CNG remains a practical middle path for Indian customers due to:
- Limited EV charging infrastructure
- Higher upfront EV cost
- Instant savings from lower CNG fuel prices
In the near future, Nissan may also consider launching factory-fitted CNG variants, depending on the response and demand from retrofitment models.
📣 Customer Testimonials (Sample)
“I drive nearly 60 km daily in Lucknow. After converting my Magnite to CNG, I’m saving almost ₹4,000 a month. And it still drives great!”
– Ajay Verma, IT Professional
“I was hesitant about third-party kits. But when Nissan offered a warranty-backed CNG solution, I went for it without worries.”
– Poonam Sharma, School Teacher, Indore
✅ Conclusion: A Smart, Eco-Friendly Step Forward
With the expansion of the CNG retrofitment program to six more states, Nissan has made it clear that it is listening to Indian consumers. The Magnite, already known for its affordability, styling, and spaciousness, now becomes even more attractive with lower running costs and eco-friendly appeal.
For those who want a compact SUV that doesn’t burn a hole in their pocket every time they refuel, the Nissan Magnite with CNG is a strong and reliable choice.
