Seat is adding the new Ibiza TGI, a new eco-friendly version that burns CNG and claims to be more
economical than diesel, petrol and non plug-in hybrid cars. The Spanish
automaker claims that the compressed natural gas-burning version of the new
Ibiza emits on average 85 percent less nitrogen oxide and helps decrease CO2
emissions by 25 percent.
The powertrain of the new Seat Ibiza TGI is an
updated version of the 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder engine which gets specific
chrome-nickel covered pistons adapted to work with CNG, reinforced valve seats
for greater wear resistance, raised admission valves to improve the fuel’s
circulation and finally a lighter turbocharger.
There are two fuel tanks
onboard, one for 13 kg of CNG and the other with a 40lt capacity for petrol.
Unlike other CNG-fuelled models in the market, the petrol tank in the Ibiza TGI
has the same capacity with the rest of the petrol lineup, giving it an
impressive combined total driving range of up to 1194 km before
having to refuel.
The CNG tank is mounted underneath the boot floor
(reducing its capacity down to 262 liters), with its filler neck sitting next
to the petrol filler one under the classic flap, so the only way to spot the
Ibiza TGI from the outside is through its badging.
The 1.0-liter engine produces 88 hp and 160 Nm of peak torque. Paired to the standard five-speed manual
gearbox, the new Seat Ibiza TGI is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds and won’t stop until it hits 180 km/h.
More importantly the new Ibiza TGI scores an
official fuel economy of 56.6 mpg UK (5lt/100km) in petrol mode and 3.3kg/100km
in CNG mode. CO2 emissions are rated at 88g/km. Filling the CNG tank up will
only cost you 13 euros which is overall much cheaper than petrol in Europe. The
cost savings become even bigger if you take into consideration that the
compressed natural gas is more efficient compared to other fuels, requiring a
smaller amount to produce the same energy.
Seat will make the new Ibiza TGI available with
every trim level, including the sporty FR model. The Spanish automaker also
offers CNG versions of the Leon and Mii models, and by the end of 2018 we also
expect to see the Arona SUV joining the TGI lineup.
