VW shrinks the gas tank of its natural gas cars and instead packs more alternative fuel on board.
VW increases the range of its TGI models with additional natural gas tanks. With the small car Polo, the gas volume that can be carried increases from 11 to 13,8 kilograms, which increases the maximum driving distance by 60 kilometers to 368 kilometers. The compact Golf model can now carry 17,3 instead of 15 kilograms of natural gas and can travel up to 422 kilometers - an increase of 80 kilometers. In addition, a 1,5-liter turbo petrol engine with 96 kW / 130 PS replaces the previous 1,4-liter turbo engine with 81 kW / 110 PS. The prices for the revised natural gas cars start at 19.800 euros (Polo) and 26.475 euros (Golf).
In order to make room for the additional natural gas tank, the previously installed full fuel tank was downsized. Instead of 40 liters, this now holds an emergency reserve of 9 liters. The overall range of the vehicles therefore drops. By shrinking the petrol tank, the TGI models will change from bivalent to quasi-monovalent natural gas cars from a legal and technical point of view. This distinction simplifies the type approval process for the manufacturer, but is currently of no further importance for customers.