VW Golf TGI Gets 130-HP Natural Gas Motor

This is the most economical new Golf European customer can buy.

The Volkswagen Group’s natural-gas model range already includes vehicles from Skoda and Audi. Volkswagen Group’s core brand is back in the CNG arena with the new Golf TGI. It shares its powertrain with the new Skoda Octavia G–Tec. This means that the 1.5-liter turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is under the hood. It produces 131 horsepower (96 megawatts) as well as 148 pound-feet (220 Newton-meters), of peak torque between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm. These numbers may sound familiar, as the same four-cylinder engine powers the newly unveiled Audi A3 G-Tron.

VW Golf TGI Gets 130-HP Natural Gas Motor

This is not a regular direct-injection engine, but a modified fuel delivery method. The Miller combustion process is used to make the mill more compatible with natural gas. The compression ratio of 12.5 to1 ensures that this process produces low carbon emissions while maintaining high efficiency. The Golf TGI is equipped with a 115-liter tank of natural gas (38.13 lbs/17.3 kgs), which can provide a range up to 249 miles (400 km) using compressed natural gas as measured by the WLTP cycle. A 9-liter tank is also available, which acts as a reserve tank for natural gas in the event that it runs out.

The fuel consumption figures will be of most interest to potential customers. Volkswagen claims that the Golf TGI uses between 4.1 to 4.3kg of natural gas for 62 miles (100 km) and CO2 emissions of only 112-111g/km. This means that 62 miles (100km) will cost you between EUR4.1 and EUR4.3, or $4.86 to $5.1. The new Golf TGI is available in Europe as a hatchback, with a wagon version due to be released later in the month.