Audi has updated the A3 Sportback g-tron for 2019,
adding a third CNG tank for a longer driving range in natural gas operation. The two existing CNG tanks made
out of CFRP are still mounted under the luggage compartment, but now 8.8lbs of compressed natural
gas. With a total of 18 kg of CNG, the 2019 A3 Sportback g-tron can
cover around 400 km running on natural gas.
The new A3 Sportback g-tron is powered by a
specially modified 1.5-liter TFSI engine that produces 129 hp. The
company’s engineers have modified the cylinder head, turbocharger, fuel
injection system and catalytic converter in order for the engine to safely run
on both petrol and CNG.
Compared to petrol, the use of natural gas emits 25
percent less CO2 emissions due to the lowest carbon content of all
hydrocarbons, while particulate emissions remain very low.
The petrol tank in the 2019 Audi A3 g-tron is
reduced in size in order to make room for the third CNG tank, and can hold 9
liters of gasoline (2.4 US gallons). Both filler necks for petrol and CNG are
located under the same flap, with the driver getting two separate indicators on
the fill levels of the tanks.
The new 2019 Audi A3 Sportback g-tron is available
to order now in Germany, with prices kicking off at 30,600 euros.
