Want diesel-like fuel economy in a Skoda but without the TDI badge on the engine cover? Czech out the Octavia G-TEC. Initially offered both as a liftback and wagon, the special version of the compact model running on compressed natural gas is getting a pretty important update this month and will be available from now on only in the more practical body style. Gone is the old 1.4 TSI as it has been removed to make room in the engine bay for the Volkswagen Group’s 1.5 TSI unit.
Update:
The engine transplant has benefits on the amount of power offered by the CNG-friendly Octavia as output has increased by 20 hp (15 kW) to 130 hp (96 kW). Not only that, but with the new-generation gasoline unit featuring variable intake valve timing and running on the Miller cycle, it’s also more efficient.
When the wagon is driven in CNG mode, CO2 emissions are reduced by approximately 25 percent compared to when the Octavia is feeding on gasoline. Skoda wishes to point out that CNG is cleaner and cheaper than regular gasoline or diesel and it’s just as easy and quick to refill. Speaking of which, the G-TEC version uses three CNG tanks with a combined capacity of 17.7 kilograms. One of them is made from steel and sits in front of the rear axle while the other two built by using a “new composite material” are located underneath the trunk.
With all three tanks full, the thrifty Octavia in CNG mode will cover about 480 kilometers (298 miles), which is about 70 km (43 miles) more than what the previous G-Tec model offered. Once you run out of CNG juice, the wagon will then automatically switch to gasoline mode and will feed on the 11.8-liter gasoline tank to extend the car’s range. Skoda doesn’t mention the combined range (CNG + gasoline), but even if it has a longer CNG range, it's not all good news as we need to keep in mind the volume of the gasoline tank has dropped dramatically from the pre-facelift model's 50-liter capacity to just 11.8 liters.
Skoda will offer the revised Octavia G-TEC exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and in the Active, Ambition, and Style trims.
Source: Skoda
ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE: ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC NOW WITH SIGNIFICANTLY MORE POWER AND INCREASED CNG RANGE
New 1.5 TSI engine now with even more advanced optimisation for running on eco friendly CNG (compressed natural gas)
› Considerably increased output of 96 kW (130 PS) with low NOx and CO2 emissions
› Three CNG tanks with greater capacity for a range of up to 480 kilometres in CNG mode
Mladá Boleslav, 21 September 2018 – ŠKODA is upgrading its range of eco-friendly CNG vehicles. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC now boasts a new, more powerful 1.5 TSI engine with an output of 96 kW (130 PS). Exclusively available with a COMBI body and the Active, Ambition or Style equipment lines, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC achieves a range of 480 kilometres in its more eco-friendly pure CNG mode. This is based on three tanks holding a total of 17.7 kilograms of CNG. An additional 11.8-litre petrol tank safeguards mobility in regions without CNG filling stations.
The new 1.5-litre engine in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC has an output of 96 kW (130 PS) – 15 kW (20 PS) more than its predecessor. Thanks to variable intake valve timing with Miller cycle operation, it is also very efficient. In CNG mode, CO2 emissions are reduced even further, by around 25 per cent compared to petrol, with considerably lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) output and no particulate emissions. As a result, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G TEC complies with EU6d-TEMP, the most stringent current emissions standard, making it an eco-friendly alternative to cars running on conventional fuels.
Natural gas as an eco-friendly bridging technology
Compressed natural gas (CNG) has a higher energy content than petrol or diesel. It is cheaper and burns more cleanly and silently. Using biogas from wastewater or agricultural production or synthetic gas instead of CNG achieves an even more favourable environmental footprint. Further improvements can be made when power from renewable sources is used in gas production. Natural gas thus acts as a bridge between fossil fuels and electric mobility. Moreover, a vehicle running on CNG is as quick and easy to refuel as a petrol or diesel model.
480-kilometre range in pure CNG mode
The three CNG tanks in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC have a total capacity of 17.7 kilograms. The tank positioned in front of the rear axle is made of steel. The other two tanks, situated under the luggage compartment, are fashioned from a new composite material that combines ultimate safety with low weight. When operated on CNG alone, the OCTAVIA G-TEC can cover a range of around 480 kilometres. Should the CNG supply run out, the car will automatically switch to petrol mode, using 11.8 litres of petrol carried in an additional tank.
The ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC 1.5 TSI is available with the Active, Ambition and Style equipment lines, in COMBI format only, and comes with a seven-speed DSG transmission. The ŠKODA Connect online services for the G-TEC also include the Emergency Call and Care Connect. The ŠKODA Connect app, for example, shows the driver the remaining CNG, petrol and overall range.
