Motoring News: Dacia release their bi-fuel money saver

GROUPE Renault brand Dacia has added a new dual-fuel powertrain option to its UK line-up, making it the only mainstream manufacturer to officially offer vehicles that run on LPG (liquid petroleum gas) under the name ECO-G

The new bi-fuel petrol and LPG engine, TCe 100 ECO-G, was revealed at the Brussels Motor Show on the Duster model and will soon be available on the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Logan and Logan MCV. This engine improves performance while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

ECO-G is a proven solution, simple to use, affordable and economical to use, that meets the needs of Dacia brand customers.

The new three-cylinder turbocharged engine offers a higher level of performance with a maximum torque of 170 Nm from 2,000 rpm, enabling versatile use while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

An ECO-G engine emits around 10 per cent less CO2 than an equivalent petrol engine.

Dacia offers its LPG range at a very competitive price, without compromising on reliability. The price of LPG fuel is significantly more economical and is found to be up to more than half the price of a litre of petrol or diesel.

The vehicle is equipped with two separate tanks, one for petrol and one for LPG. With both tanks full, the vehicle has a cumulative range of more than 1,000 km.

Right from its design, the petrol engine is designed to run on LPG fuel. The additional LPG tank made of high-strength steel is located at the spare wheel, without touching the petrol tank. Operation is simple for the driver. Switching from petrol to LPG, and vice versa is done in two ways: manually, by operating the dedicated switch located in the passenger compartment at any time or automatically, when the LPG tank is empty. A dedicated gauge controls the level of the LPG tank.

Dacia expects the models to be a hit with both private and business buyers. They’re likely to attract those looking for a low-cost alternative to diesel, which is increasingly being targeted by local authorities that need to clean up air quality.