VW has updated the
compressed natural gas-powered TGI versions of the Polo and Golf with a third
natural gas tank for a longer driving range in pure CNG mode. The new Golf TGI
now comes with a total tank volume of 115 liters, which makes it
capable of driving up to 422 km on CNG according to the latest WLTP
standards.
As for the Polo
TGI, which is powered by a three-cylinder 90PS 1.0-liter unit, the additional
tank extends the volume by 16.5 liters for a total of 91.5 liter,
meaning that CNG-only range is now up to 368 km.
The VW Golf TGI is
powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that runs on the Miller cycle
and has a compression ration of 12.5:1. The turbocharger features variable
turbine geometry for more power in the lower rev range. It produces 128 hp and 200 Nm of torque and is paired to a dual-clutch
transmission, while CO2 emissions are 98-95g/km.
Both TGI models
come with a backup petrol tank with a smaller volume. One of the key benefits
of having a car that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) is the lower fuel
prices: in Germany the cost saving compared to diesel is 20 percent, or 40
percent if compared to petrol. In addition, driving on CNG produces around 25
percent less CO2 emissions than petrol and its exhaust gases contain
significantly lower levels of carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide (NOx).
