Cleaner mobility is now mainstream, and many verified reports believe that by 2030, 50% of the vehicles will either be EVs, Hybrids, or CNG. Thankfully, the great part is that shifting to better fuel options is not difficult or extremely expensive, as there are plenty of options in the market. From compact hatchbacks to entry sedans and even SUVs, there’s an option for everyone, and when you look at second hand cars, the value gets even better.
A car can only be called environmentally and pocket-friendly when it does three things well:
- Keeps emissions low
- Delivers consistently high efficiency
- Has predictable running costs over time
Here are the models that really fit those criteria, not only on paper, but in real driving.
1. Maruti WagonR CNG (Factory CNG)
The WagonR has been one of the best-selling hatchbacks for over 2 decades, and the factory-fitted CNG version brings the best of better mobility. The factory-fitted CNG kit ensures stable and cleaner combustion over the car’s lifecycle, and the lightweight Heartect platform makes sure that less energy is consumed per kilometre.
Its simple mechanical design ensures that maintenance bills are kept low, making it one of the most feasible, affordable and environmentally friendly hatchbacks in India. The great part is that you can find pre-owned Wagon R CNG for far less than the original price and even stretch a bit to get the top trims with added comfort features.
Key highlights:
- 05 km/kg claimed mileage (ARAI)
- Cleaner emissions due to factory CNG tuning
- Very low running cost and minimal servicing requirements
2. Maruti Celerio CNG
Celerio CNG is also one of the most efficient factory-CNG hatchbacks in India. The CNG trim produces lower tailpipe emissions, and the lightweight body helps the car deliver great mileage in any setting.
If you are looking for cars under 5 lakhs, you can easily find multiple CNG Celerio options, making it a great choice for budget and environmentally conscious buyers.
Key highlights:
- 43 km/kg claimed mileage (ARAI)
- Low emissions from optimised fuel burn and lightweight construction
- Cheap to maintain and highly fuel-efficient
3. Tata Tiago CNG
The dual-cylinder design of the Tiago CNG makes it more practical without compromising efficiency. Tata’s BS6 CNG engine lowers emissions and leverages more efficient combustion. The rigid structure and 4-star safety rating, along with the CNG combo, make it an attractive deal for those who are after a safer, practical and environmentally better car.
Key highlights:
- 26 to 28 km/kg claimed (ARAI)
- BS6-compliant CNG tuning with lower emissions
- Strong build quality with predictable upkeep
4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
The 1.2L CNG engine of Hyundai is tuned for clean and controlled combustion, which ensures that CO2 and particulate emissions stay low. The BS6 hardware ensures lower NOx emissions, and Hyundai’s wide service network keeps upkeep easy. The Nios CNG is one of the best all-rounders in the segment for buyers who are after refinement and genuine eco-friendly performance.
Key highlights:
- 27 km/kg claimed mileage (ARAI)
- Cleaner BS6 CNG emission profile
- Low running costs with widely available parts
5. Tata Tigor EV
The Tigor EV is one of the most affordable ways to enter the electric mobility, particularly in the used market. It produces zero tailpipe emissions, has regenerative braking and a single-speed smooth drive, all of which are designed to shine in urban use. Its practical battery pack gives it a reliable urban range, and it is much cheaper on a per-kilometre basis than any petrol or CNG alternative.
Key highlights:
- MIDC claimed range of 315 km
- Zero tailpipe emissions with extremely low running costs
- Minimal part wear and fewer mechanical components
What Makes These Cars Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective?
Here’s the simple science behind why CNGs and EVs dominate this space:
1. Cleaner Combustion
- CNG produces up to 20–25% less CO₂
- EVs generate zero tailpipe emissions
2. Higher Energy Efficiency
- CNG returns much better mileage than a petrol car
- EVs typically convert 60–80% of battery energy into motion (petrol engines convert only up to about 35%)
3. Lower Per-Kilometre Running Cost
- CNG: Around ₹2.5–4 per km
- EV: Around ₹1–1.5 per km
- Petrol: Around ₹6–11 per km
Summary
In India, environmentally friendly cars are no longer limited to premium EVs. Clean-running CNG hatchbacks and entry-level EVs now offer a realistic way to lower emissions and genuinely low ownership prices. If you are considering second hand cars, models such as the WagonR CNG, Celerio CNG, Tiago CNG, Grand i10 Nios CNG and Tigor EV offer mileage, cleaner emissions and long-term savings without affecting usability.
For buyers searching for cars under 5 lakhs, the used car market opens choices and cars bought from trusted platforms also offer complete inspections and warranty for added peace of mind.