The skyrocketing cost of petrol has pushed Indian car buyers towards more economical alternatives, and factory-fitted CNG cars have emerged as the champions of low running costs. In the competitive hatchback segment, two names dominate the conversation: the ever-practical Maruti Suzuki WagonR S-CNG and the safe and feature-rich Tata Tiago iCNG.

While both promise significant savings, the ultimate question for any city dweller is: which one gives better mileage in the real world of bumper-to-bumper traffic, constant stop-starts, and air conditioning?

Let's break it down.

The Main Event: Real-World City Mileage

Before we dive into real-world figures, let's look at the official numbers. The ARAI-certified mileage figures set the baseline:

• Maruti WagonR CNG: 34.05 km/kg
• Tata Tiago iCNG: 26.49 km/kg

On paper, the WagonR is the undisputed champion, and by a massive margin. But does this huge gap translate to real-world city driving?

Yes, it does.

Maruti WagonR S-CNG: The Mileage King

The Maruti WagonR's K-Series engine is renowned for its frugal nature. Combined with the car's lightweight "Tall Boy" design, it is exceptionally efficient.

In typical Indian city conditions, with moderate to heavy traffic and the AC running about 50% of the time, WagonR CNG owners consistently report mileage figures in the range of 23-27 km/kg. On a good day with lighter traffic, it's not uncommon to see this figure touch 28 km/kg. This is, without a doubt, the benchmark for fuel efficiency in its class.

Tata Tiago iCNG: The Balanced Performer

The Tata Tiago is a heavier, more robustly built car. Its 3-cylinder Revotron engine is tuned for a balance of power and efficiency, but its primary focus is on delivering a stable and secure drive. This added weight and focus on safety naturally result in lower fuel efficiency compared to the feather-light WagonR.

In identical city driving conditions, Tiago iCNG users typically report real-world mileage figures between 19-23 km/kg. While this is a respectable number and will still save you a fortune compared to petrol, it is noticeably lower than what the WagonR achieves.

Mileage Verdict: If your single, non-negotiable priority is getting the maximum kilometres out of every kilogram of CNG, the Maruti WagonR S-CNG is the clear and undeniable winner.

But is Mileage the Only Thing That Matters?

A car is more than just its mileage. For a city user, factors like practicality, safety, and features are equally important. This is where the competition gets interesting.

1. Practicality & Boot Space: The Tiago's Masterstroke

• WagonR CNG: Suffers from the traditional CNG problem. A single, large 60-litre (water equivalent) cylinder is placed in the boot, leaving you with virtually no luggage space. It's a significant compromise for families or anyone who needs to carry more than a couple of small bags.
• Tiago iCNG: This is Tata's trump card. It features an innovative twin-cylinder technology, where two smaller 30-litre cylinders are placed under the boot floor. This liberates a usable 205 litres of boot space, making the Tiago iCNG infinitely more practical for weekly grocery runs, luggage, or airport trips.

2. Safety: No Contest

• WagonR CNG: The latest generation WagonR scored a 2-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests.
• Tiago iCNG: The petrol Tiago boasts a solid 4-star Global NCAP safety rating. As the CNG version is built on the same strong platform, it offers far superior structural integrity and safety for its occupants. This is a massive advantage for the Tiago.

3. Features and Cabin Feel

• WagonR CNG: The cabin is functional, airy, and practical. Ingress and egress are a breeze thanks to the tall stance. However, the features list is basic, and the cabin feels built to a cost.
• Tiago iCNG: The Tiago feels like a car from a segment above. It offers a more premium cabin, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and projector headlamps in higher variants. It also comes with the unique ability to start directly in CNG mode, a feature missing in the WagonR.

4. Driving Dynamics

• WagonR CNG: Feels peppy and light, making it very easy to manoeuvre in tight city traffic. The ride can feel a bit bumpy on bad roads due to its tall and light build.
• Tiago iCNG: Feels more planted, solid, and stable, especially at higher speeds. The suspension is better tuned to absorb bumps, offering a more comfortable ride quality.

Final Verdict: Which CNG Car Should You Buy?

Your choice depends entirely on your priorities.

Choose the Maruti WagonR S-CNG if:

• Your absolute top priority is the lowest possible running cost and the best-in-class mileage.
• You value Maruti's vast service network and proven reliability.
• You rarely need to use your boot space.
• Easy city manoeuvrability is key for you.

Choose the Tata Tiago iCNG if:

• You want a more balanced package and are willing to trade a few km/kg of mileage for it.
• Safety is a top priority for you and your family.
• You need a usable boot for luggage and shopping.
• You desire modern features, better ride comfort, and a more premium in-cabin experience.

While the WagonR wins the mileage race hands down, the Tata Tiago iCNG presents a far more modern, safe, and complete package for the urban buyer who wants more than just a mileage machine.