Test drive VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel: think smart
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Test drive VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel: think smart

Test drive VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel: think smart

Low emissions and attractive fuel consumption are the main advantages of a family van specially prepared to run on natural gas. However, they are contemplating a higher market price. Is it worth it?

Statistics show that about 30,5 million gasoline-powered cars are passing through the streets of Germany. However, only 71 are fueled with methane fuel, and very few are factory prepared for this.

Environmentally friendly and economical on the road

The VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel, equipped with a compressor and twin turbo, develops 150 hp. and 220 Nm. The car is 10 horsepower more powerful than a conventional 1,4-liter gasoline engine. Traveling in a family van is a pleasure, especially when it is environmentally friendly – ​​CO2 emissions are 128 g/km. If the driver prefers to drive on petrol, then levels reach 159g/km.

The main advantage of natural gas is that it is less polluting than gasoline. Ecological fuel is designed to power a car under the same conditions as a gasoline equivalent, but the difference is that it emits 75% less carbon dioxide and 65% less hydrocarbons. And, of course, not least in the list of advantages is the price of environmentally friendly fuel.

Ecology requires sacrifice

To the dismay of naysayers who deny alternative fuel vehicles, the likelihood of a possible accident caused by the methane system is almost negligible. VW Touran 1.4 TSI is no exception. The higher price of 3675 euros (in Germany) than the basic version of the model indicates very effective safety measures that make the use of methane completely safe. Moreover, the gas installation in no way interferes with the everyday comfort and practicality of a minivan. The only exception, which is a prerequisite for some inconvenience, is the last, third row of seats, where the weight limit for rear passengers is 35 kg. This makes it almost impossible for adult passengers to use them.

The vehicle's exceptional stability and handling flexibility has been preserved thanks to the ingenuity of the engineers in the location of the methane reservoir. It is installed under the floor at the rear of the vehicle and has a load capacity of 18 kg. On the other hand, the gas tank has decreased by 11. The on-board computer in the car displays the driver's data on the current consumption of both gasoline and ecological fuel. The navigation system, available as an option on the VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel, provides information on the location of petrol stations.

High average consumption

The family car has surprisingly high fuel consumption considering the driver's leg is heavy. The fuel pump must deliver 6 kg of ecological fuel to the engine over a distance of 100 km. For more economical driving, the average consumption can be reduced to 4.7 kg per 100 km.

In fact, these figures are rather inconsistent, as on the test day Auto Motor und Sport managed to register an average consumption of 3.8 kg per 100 km. For long distances, the VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel can travel about 350 km on a single charge, and the gas supply allows you to extend the trip by 150 km.

VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel - the best investment

Fans of diesel engines, accustomed to driving about 1000 km with one tank filling, could hardly rank themselves as potential owners of the VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel. However, the same is not true for current gasoline engine buyers who find it easy to find methane cars. But despite the twin-turbo and 220Nm of torque, the car's overall traction is a bit shaky. The four-cylinder engine, however, runs smoothly and cultured.

A big surprise is a good investment. After running 7000 kilometers in its first year, the VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel fully justifies its higher price compared to the conventional petrol model.

In conclusion, the VW Touran 1.4 TSI Ecofuel is a good option for people who are looking for an alternative to the road with cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel.

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