Which is the best drive? CNG or LPG

Should you get yourself a CNG or an LPG car? Here's the answer.
        In 1999, Fiat India had brought down two radically different machines to India for the Auto Expo, and both were breathtaking... in their own way. One was the downright gorgeous Alfa Romeo Spider (in red, that too), and the other was the downright outrageous Fiat Multipla (painted in a description-defying bluish-greenish combo).
         Given a choice, most people would grab the Alfa's keys, but to me, not even Pininfarina's iconic styling could tempt me away from the incredibly bizarre Fiat MPV. I loved it just the way it was. The Multipla was an amazingly friendly vehicle, and Fiat had put in a great deal of thinking in its development. It was as wide as an elephant, but moved with the grace of a gazelle. It was quick, extremely responsive and fun to drive.
        And what's more, it was powered by CNG. No petrol switchover. Yes, 100 per cent CNG. I never thought alternate-fuel vehicles could be this exciting to drive - the 95 bhp 1600cc 'blupower' engine of the Multipla changed my perceptions completely.  The biggest consumers for CNG are traditionally commercial vehicles, taxis and autorickshaws -- which will be the case for a long time to come. But with a choice in cars that run on CNG/LPG, we might be seeing a slight degree of change.
        So if you want to buy a CNG or an LPG car, what choice do you have? In CNG, you have the Chevrolet Optra, the Mitsubishi Lancer and recently, the Tata Indica and Indigo Marina. Ford India too will get onto the bandwagon, with a CNG Ikon scheduled to be introduced in the northern and western parts of the country - where the CNG distribution infrastructure is established - next month.
        And in LPG, you have the Suzuki Wagon R Duo and Omni, while the Tata hatchback and estate will also be available with LPG options. You can now convert any petrol vehicle to CNG or LPG. But the difference now is that manufacturers themselves are offering these as options. Earlier, you had to go to an authorised kit installer to convert your car (and cross your fingers hoping it would be safe), but now, you can opt for it at the dealership level itself. No, it still does not mean factory-fitted, it is an aftermarket fitment.  Read more at this post

Tags: CNG, LPG, Fiat India, fuel vehicles, taxis, LPG car, suzuki, Tata, dealership, market, stocks