Audi has added to its A3 family a CNG-powered model, the A3 Sportsback 30 g-tron, available to customers in Germany by fall 2020.
Dubbed as the 30 g-tron, Audi’s upcoming A3 operates on natural gas or biomethane gas, subsequently reducing the emissions produced.
The 2020 A3 builds on the 2014 model, which already featured a sophisticated technology concept. The car features a 1.5 TFSI engine, producing 96 kW (131 PS) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque, with revs ranging from 1,400 and 4,000 rpm.
A3 Sportback 30 g-tron also features the Miller combustion process, which provides impressive combustion advantages while driving. In addition to that, to operate at partial loads, the car also features an abbreviated compression and long expansion phase.
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) being knock-resistant fuel, the g-tron can achieve a higher compression ratio of 12.5:1. The turbocharger, cylinder head, injection system, and catalytic converter have also been modified, keeping in mind CNG usage.
Talking about performance, the g-tron can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62. 1 mph) in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 211 km/h (131.1 mph). In terms of fuel consumption, the four-cylinder engine burns around 3.6 kilograms of CNG per 100 kilometers (62.1 miles), resulting in a CO2 rating of about 96 – 99 grams per kilometer (154.5 g/mi – 159.3 g/mi).
With a full tank, it has an NEDC range of up to 495 kilometers (307.6 miles), while in a WLTP range, it’s more around 445 kilometers. If this seems a bit on the low-side for you, you’ll be pleased to learn that a reserve gasoline tank sitting in front of the rear axle will offer 9 liters in additional range.
The four cylinder-engine always starts with CNG as the primary fuel source, but it can switch to gasoline under certain conditions, such as if the gas tanks’ pressure falls beyond a certain threshold. So, even if you were unable to find an LPG refueling station, worry not, you can always fill up with regular gas.
Interestingly, the driver won’t even notice the switch.
Even better, Audi Sportback 30 g-tron owners are also eligible to receive a favorable tax rate in Germany. Nonetheless, even in other areas, running on LPG is usually much more economical than gas.
The new Audi A3 comes with standard LED headlights, a 10.1-inch touch display, a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and Audi’s assistance systems such as swerve assist and lane departure warning.
More options include matrix LED headlights with digital daytime running lights, sport seats with integrated head restraints, a head-up display, three-zone automatic air conditioning, panoramic glass sunroof, and adaptive cruise assist with longitudinal and lateral guidance.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer hasn’t mentioned anything about the North-American market yet.
