Honda Activa 7G CNG vs Petrol Activa: Pickup, Storage & On-Road Price in India

The Honda Activa has been the default scooter choice for Indian families for over two decades. Now, with rising fuel costs and environmental focus, Honda’s upcoming Activa 7G CNG could mark a new era in affordable green commuting.

But how does it really compare against the tried-and-tested Petrol Activa in performance, practicality, and pricing? Here’s a detailed comparison designed for Indian buyers considering their next scooter upgrade in November 2025.

Engine and Performance Comparison

At the heart of the comparison lies the question of power vs efficiency. Both versions use the same 109.51cc engine, but the fuel systems differ — one runs purely on petrol, while the other is dual-fuel (CNG + petrol).

Verdict:
The CNG version feels slightly slower in acceleration, but its smooth and quieter delivery makes it ideal for daily urban rides. Petrol still leads marginally in pickup, especially when overtaking or riding double.

Pickup and Real-World Ride

Honda’s petrol Activa has long been known for its refined low-speed pickup — perfect for stop-go Indian traffic. The CNG Activa, on the other hand, prioritises mileage and smoothness over outright power.

Ride feel comparison:

• Petrol: Quicker throttle response, better for inclines.

• CNG: Gradual power build-up, smoother gear-less operation, quieter sound profile.

In daily city use, the difference is noticeable but not bothersome — the Activa 7G CNG handles well even with a pillion, though it takes a second longer to reach top speeds.

Verdict: Petrol wins in outright acceleration, but CNG feels calmer and more composed for economical riders.

Mileage and Running Cost

Here’s where the CNG Activa takes the crown. Fuel savings are substantial and evident even in short daily commutes.

Daily Usage Example:
If you travel 30 km daily:

• Petrol: ~₹60 per day

• CNG: ~₹32 per day

That’s a monthly saving of around ₹850–₹1,000, adding up to over ₹10,000 per year.

Verdict: CNG wins hands down in mileage and affordability — nearly 50% cheaper to run.

Practicality and Storage

One concern among buyers is whether the CNG system affects storage space. The cylinder placement is under the seat, but Honda’s design team has made efforts to retain most of the boot.

The CNG tank (around 1.5–2.0 kg capacity) takes part of the boot space but leaves enough room for a helmet or small bag.

Verdict: Petrol version offers better boot space, but CNG version balances practicality well for commuters.

Comfort and Suspension

Both scooters share the same frame and suspension setup — telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable rear shocks. The ride quality remains identical.

Ride experience:

• Comfortable for city roads and mild bumps

• Neutral handling with predictable braking feel

• Stable even with a pillion at 60–70 km/h speeds

Verdict: Ride comfort remains unchanged between the two.

Maintenance and Reliability

Honda’s petrol scooters are famously low-maintenance, and the CNG version continues that trend.

Maintenance interval:

• Oil change every 4,000–5,000 km (both variants)

• Air filter service at 6,000 km

• CNG-specific leak check every 10,000 km

Verdict: Minimal difference in upkeep cost; both are equally dependable for long-term ownership.

Refuelling and Convenience

Refuelling the Activa 7G CNG will take place at standard CNG stations, with a small side-mounted nozzle point. While convenient in metro cities, CNG access in smaller towns remains limited.

Verdict: Petrol still wins on convenience, though growing CNG infrastructure makes the gap smaller.

On-Road Price Comparison (India, November 2025)

EMI Estimate (3-Year Plan):

• Petrol Activa: ₹2,800/month

• CNG Activa: ₹3,000/month

Verdict: The CNG version costs around ₹7,000 more upfront but recovers that difference in fuel savings within six months.

Environmental and Daily-Use Benefits

The biggest win for the CNG version is its lower emissions and eco-friendliness.

Verdict: The Activa 7G CNG offers the same ease of riding with a smaller carbon footprint — a strong advantage for environmentally conscious buyers.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Activa 7G CNG if you:

• Commute daily in a metro city with CNG availability.

• Want lower running and fuel costs.

• Are okay with slightly reduced boot space.

Choose Activa Petrol if you:

• Travel across highways or towns with no CNG access.

• Prefer quicker throttle response and higher boot capacity.

• Want instant refuelling convenience anywhere.

Verdict: The CNG version is ideal for urban India, while petrol remains the universal choice for all regions.

Final Verdict

The Honda Activa 7G CNG presents a clever upgrade that balances cost, comfort, and eco-efficiency. While it slightly compromises boot space and acceleration, it dramatically cuts down running costs — a key factor for Indian riders.

If Honda manages to launch it around ₹90,000 with wide CNG network support, it could become a mass-market disruptor and the most affordable green scooter in India.

Verdict Summary:

• Mileage advantage: +25 km per fuel unit

• Cost savings: ~₹10,000/year

• Ideal for: Daily riders in metro cities

• Launch expectation: Early 2026

FAQs

Which scooter has better pickup?

The petrol Activa offers better initial pickup, but the CNG version is smoother and quieter.

How much storage space does the CNG Activa have?

Slightly reduced, around 8–10 litres, due to the CNG cylinder under the seat.

What’s the cost difference between petrol and CNG Activa?

The CNG version is roughly ₹7,000 more expensive but recovers that through fuel savings in a few months.

How safe is the CNG version?

It includes leak detection sensors and reinforced cylinder frames for safety.

Who should buy the CNG Activa?

Ideal for urban commuters and delivery riders looking for lower fuel bills and cleaner mobility.