We seldom generalise CNG cars as cheap and very frugal cars - mostly for taxi use and affordable commuting. That trend of India may take a new route as Skoda has unveiled the Octavia G-TEC globally and it can be the answer to the ever-increasing fuel prices. Skoda will launch the next generation of the Octavia next year in India and we can also expect the G-TEC trim as well.
The newly unveiled Octavia G-TEC is dearer to the environment and also very frugal too. The G-TEC looks like the regular Octavia with similar looks and proportions, it is only the rear which gets the G-TEC badging. Talking about the powertrain the G-TEC Octavia gets a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine which produces 130 PS.
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Talking about the range, Skoda claims a CNG range of 500km thanks to the 27.77 km/kg economy figure. The CNG is stored in 3 CNG tanks which combined contains 17.33 kg of CNG. If you run out of CNG, the G-TEC Octavia also comes with a 9-litre petrol fuel tank. It can do 190 km with petrol tank only. Combined, it can do over 700 km and the transition from CNG to petrol and petrol to CNG is non-intrusive.
The G-TEC Octavia also doesn't come with a manual selection of petrol and CNG. The on-board system chooses fuel according to various parameters and gives an effortless experience. The system opts for the petrol supply in certain conditions like - when the outside temperature is below -10 degree or the gas tank pressure drops below 11 bar.
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Unlike other CNG kits which eats up the whole boot space, Skoda has come up with a different fitment. The G-TEC Octavia offers a boot space of 455 litres. Although it is lesser than the conventional Octavia by around 135 litres, it is quite respectable when compared to other CNG cars.
Skoda will launch the Octavia G-TEC this autumn in Europe. In India, Skoda has opted for the no diesel policy which arguably will affect sales of Skoda India. The Octavia G-TEC can be a good business case in India as it offers comfort with a very frugal powertrain too. Skoda must give the G-TEC Octavia a chance in the Indian market.
