2018 SEAT TGI CNG Lineup – Video
The best SEAT Ibiza in history is now also the most eco-friendly Ibiza, with the arrival of the brand’s technology for Compressed Natural Gas on the fifth generation of the Spanish carmaker’s best-seller. The new Ibiza TGI is less expensive to run and more eco-friendly than equivalent models fuelled with diesel or petrol, as well as non plug-in hybrids.
This new car, the third CNG model following the Leon and the Mii, is manufactured in the Martorell factory using the MQB A0 platform. SEAT is actively boosting CNG at is contributes to lowering the CO2 emission targets: it emits, on average, 85% less nitrogen oxide and helps decrease CO2 emissions by 25%, and thus contributes improving the air quality of cities.
Cars fuelled with compressed natural gas are a sustainable alternative to fill the gap between traditional and electric engines, as they represent a strategic support to increase environmental friendliness and are an appealing alternative for customers.
Its operating cost per kilometre is indeed especially low; firstly, because natural gas is more efficient than other fuels as it requires a smaller amount of fuel to produce the same energy, and furthermore, it only costs around 13 euros to fill the tank. This results in a longer driving range and subsequent cost savings per kilometre driven.
The new SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TGI delivers 90 PS performance and an average certified fuel consumption of 3.3 kg/100 km in CNG mode, which is the same as making 3.22 euro investment to drive 100 kilometres.
The total distance that the new Ibiza TGI can cover amounts to 1,194 km when making use of the 13 kg of CNG and the 40 litres of petrol in both fuel tanks.
The new SEAT Ibiza is equipped with the three cylinder, 12 valve 1.0 TGI engine, which is mounted with a five-speed manual gearbox. It delivers a maximum output of 90 PS between 4,500 and 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 160 Nm between 1,900 and 3,500 rpm. As far as performance levels go, it reaches a top speed of 180 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds, and its certified figures include an average fuel consumption of 5 l/100 km in petrol mode and 4.9 m3/100 km (3.3 kg/100 km), emitting only 88 g/km of CO2, in CNG mode.
The TGI version of the fifth generation Ibiza is equipped with two fuel tanks, one for 13 kg of CNG and the other with a 40 litre capacity for petrol, which is identical to all other petrol version Ibizas, and their combined capacity gives it a total range of up to 1,194 kilometres before having to refuel.
In addition to featuring the same systems as those included in the petrol versions of the Ibiza 1.0 TSI, the new Ibiza TGI also has the necessary components to run on natural gas, such as a CNG tank, a filler neck next to the petrol filler neck, several gas temperature and pressure sensors on the different components and a pressure regulator and gas distribution system, among others. Furthermore, it also adds specific chrome-nickel covered pistons that incorporate new segments that are adapted to use with gas as well as reinforced valve seats to increase wear resistance, and the admission valves have been raised to improve gas circulation towards the interior of the chamber. Moreover, the turbocharger on the Ibiza TGI weighs less, so the turbine acts immediately to increase engine response. Finally, it also features specific fuel level indicators for each tank, which are located on the instrument panel.
The SEAT Ibiza TGI always uses natural gas as the main fuel, except if the temperature of the antifreeze falls below -10 °C, when the engine starts with petrol and begins a heating process of the gas injection valves, prior to the automatic activation of the CNG circuit. With this exception, the Ibiza TGI only runs on petrol as a source of alternative fuel when the CNG tank is empty. This switch over happens automatically without the driver perceiving any difference in the vehicle’s performance or dynamic handling. A display lights up on the instrument panel to let the driver know they are driving on natural gas, and there are also indicators of the fuel level in both tanks. In this sense, the Ibiza TGI combines two vehicles into one, enabling the possibility of more sustainable, economical driving with Compressed Natural Gas, or driving in petrol mode as with a conventional vehicle when all the gas is consumed.
It is worth emphasising that the new Ibiza TGI is available in every trim level, including the sporty FR finish, which also features an even more complete ‘FR EcoPlus’ version, equipped with an exclusive list of optional equipment as standard, including elements such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), full LED headlamps, Full Link, front and rear parking sensors and rear vision camera, among others, as well as the Media System Plus radio system with a 20.3 cm (8 inch) touchscreen, which displays dual information on the consumption figures and the distance driven according to the type of fuel consumed.
Additionally, the display also shows information on the quality of the natural gas, consumption and remaining driving distance with both fuels, as well as possible CNG system malfunctions.
The new SEAT Ibiza has been designed, developed and produced in Martorell, and represents a decisive step in the future of SEAT. In the first place, because it showcases the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology, the MQB A0 platform (Modular Quer Baukasten) which the Spanish model was the first to use and which offers incredibly fun and dynamic driving, not to mention the smooth drive comfort and safety the iconic model provides. And in the second place, because it comes with the most advanced technology, spectacular dynamism and a significant increase in passenger compartment spaciousness. The Ibiza retains all its usual youthful, dynamic, functional spirit, but this time with the best technology.
SEAT continues with its commitment to the environment by promoting its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and petrol technology for the long list of benefits it provides customers with, both in terms of cost savings as well as its ecological aspects. Its most significant cost benefits are the following:
· CNG is much less expensive than any other type of fuel – because of its low cost per kilo, and as it is not a petroleum derivative, it is not affected by unexpected fluctuations in barrel prices. In addition, cars fuelled with CNG have low maintenance costs as they are equipped with a single engine that can run on both types of fuel.
· Furthermore, Compressed Natural Gas is the most efficient fuel, as it requires a smaller amount to produce the same energy. The energy generated by 1 kg of CNG is approximately equivalent to 2 litres of LPG, 1.5 litres of diesel or 1.3 litres of petrol.
The new SEAT Ibiza TGI is available with a functional 5-door chassis and loads of interior space. The total width for the front seats amounts to 1,425 mm, with a distance of 1,022 mm from the seats in their lowest position to the ceiling. Likewise, the rear seats have a total width of 1,403 mm, with 957 mm of headroom and amazing legroom for passengers sitting in the rear.
Furthermore, even though the gas tank is located beneath the boot floor, the new Ibiza TGI still offers a lot of room in the boot, with a total loading capacity of 262 litres.
Its overall dimensions are 4,059 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width and 1,444 mm in height. The front track measures 1,525 mm, the rear track 1,505 mm and it has a 2,564 mm wheelbase.
But it isn’t just the new SEAT Ibiza that is the best ECO alternative. The 110 PS SEAT Leon 1.4, in its five-door and estate ST versions, features a CNG engine on the Reference and Style trims, and emits between 99 and 101 g/km of CO2with an average consumption figure of 5.6 l/100 km.
In addition, the 68 PS SEAT Mii 1.0, which is available with a functional three or five-door body style and five-speed manual gearbox , only emits 83 g/km of CO2 and consumes an average of 4.5 l/100 km. This car is small on the outside but big on the inside, and is equipped with all the necessary comfort and safety elements to enjoy city driving in style.
These three models, together with the SEAT Arona TGI which is scheduled for the end of 2018, will make SEAT the company with one of the most comprehensive CNG range.
SEAT’s CNG strategy is paying off. In 2017, CNG vehicle sales in Europe grew 18%, from almost 3,400 to more than 4,000, thanks to the traction developed by Spain, where SEAT has a market share of more than 83%. Italy is SEAT’s first CNG vehicle market, with almost 2,000 cars.