Christian Strube, ŠKODA Board Member for Technical Development, explains: “Natural gas will play a key role in ŠKODA’s engine portfolio over the coming years in order to lower CO2 emissions. Our natural-gas engines are becoming more and more popular with our customers because of their low emissions. And anyone driving a ŠKODA SCALA G-TEC will in future also benefit from comparatively low fuel costs in many countries.”
ŠKODA is building a range of eco-friendly natural-gas models. The new ŠKODA SCALA G-TEC joins the OCTAVIA G-TEC as the second natural-gas-powered model in the ŠKODA model range. The new SCALA G-TEC is powered by a three-cylinder turbo with a 1.0-litre displacement and an output of 66 kW (90 PS). Its maximum torque of 160 Nm is transmitted via a 6-speed manual gearbox. The SCALA G-TEC is specifically designed for CNG use and complies with the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard. CO2 emissions are reduced by around 25 per cent compared to running on petrol, with considerably lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions as well and no particulates.
A range of 410 kilometres, courtesy of three CNG tanks with a capacity of 13.8 kilograms
The SCALA G-TEC comes with three linked steel CNG tanks accommodating 13.8 kilograms of CNG. This enables the compact model to cover around 410 kilometres in the eco-friendly and efficient natural-gas mode. Should the CNG run out, the SCALA will automatically switch to petrol mode, where a nine-litre tank allows it to cover around 220 additional kilometres. As a result, the SCALA G-TEC remains mobile in regions without natural-gas filling stations, with a combined range of around 630 kilometres.
Lane Assist, Front Assist and LED lights included as standard
The SCALA 1.0 G-TEC is available with the Active, Ambition and Style trim levels and comes with disc brakes at the front and rear. As in all SCALA models, standard equipment for the G-TEC variants includes the Lane Assist and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake function as well as LED headlights and tail lights, with a full-LED upgrade option. Thanks to the clever way the CNG tanks are integrated in the underbody, the SCALA G-TEC has a luggage capacity of 339 litres – a best-in-class value for natural-gas vehicles in this segment.
Natural gas – an efficient, eco-friendly transitional technology on the road to the electric age
Natural gas (CNG) has a higher calorific value than petrol or diesel. It is more affordable and burns cleaner, with the added benefit that natural-gas engines are quieter. Using CNG biogas derived from waste water treatment and agricultural waste processing or, alternatively, synthetic gas, again adds considerable environmental benefits, especially when the gas is produced with regenerative electricity.
Natural gas can be used to bridge the gap between fossil fuels and electric mobility and has the added advantage of being available today. Moreover, gas-powered vehicles can be filled up easily and conveniently, much like petrol or diesel models.
