Why Tata’s new Aeris could appeal to buyers who want CNG without a manual gearbox

• Aeris CNG models can be paired with a five-speed AMT.
• The CNG-AMT option reaches the top Accomplished trim.
• Prices start at about $5,520 for the petrol range.

For buyers who want the potentially lower running costs of CNG but do not want to use a manual gearbox, Tata Motors' new Aeris offers an unusual combination.

The compact sedan, launched in India at a starting price of ₹5.29 lakh, or around $5,520, is available with both a CNG engine and a five-speed automated manual transmission.

More importantly, Tata has made the CNG-AMT combination available even on the top Accomplished trim. Only the entry-level Smart version does not offer CNG.

The Aeris replaces the Tigor and takes on established compact sedans including the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Aura.

Its 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine produces 86hp and 113Nm, while the CNG version produces 76hp and 97Nm. Both versions can be specified with a five-speed manual or AMT.

Tata says the engines have been recalibrated for improved driveability and fuel efficiency. The petrol version is expected to return around 16kmpl in real-world use.

How Tata keeps the CNG boot practical

CNG cars often sacrifice boot space because of the additional tank required to store the fuel. Tata has tried to limit that compromise by using two smaller CNG cylinders instead of one large tank.

The arrangement is expected to give the Aeris around 227 litres of boot space, similar to the outgoing Tigor's CNG setup.

The petrol Aeris has a 419-litre boot, which is slightly larger than the Honda Amaze's 416 litres and ahead of the Hyundai Aura's 402 litres and Maruti Suzuki Dzire's 382 litres.

The sedan also gets a number of features that push it beyond a basic commuter car.

Depending on the trim, these include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, semi-digital driver's display, wireless charging, 65-watt USB-C ports, ventilated front seats and leatherette upholstery.

A DashCam Recorder uses the car's surround-view cameras to record footage, including through a sentry mode.

Six airbags are standard, along with electronic stability programme, hill-hold control, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child-seat anchors and a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring.

CNG versions also get a leak detection system.

The Aeris measures 3,995mm long, 1,684mm wide and 1,532mm high. It uses Tata's X-Alfa platform, which the company says brings upgrades to the car's electrical and electronic systems.

Orders are already open, with deliveries scheduled to begin on October 11.

For Tata, the Aeris is therefore an attempt to keep the compact sedan relevant by combining the familiar CNG proposition with a feature-rich cabin and an automatic option for buyers who want to avoid a manual gearbox.