Audi now offers two new g-tron models, the A4 Avant g-tron and A5 Sportback g-tron, which can be fuelled by Audi e-gas, conventional CNG (compressed natural gas) or gasoline.

Audi launches new eco A4 Avant and A5 Sportback g-tron models

Both cars are available from dealers now and are powered a bivalent 2.0 TFSI engine developing 125 kW (170 hp) and 270 Nm (199.1 lb-ft) torque. The A4 Avant g-tron costs EUR 40,300 in Germany and offers between 4.4-3.8 kg/100km CNG consumption, combined fuel consumption of 6.5-5.5 l/100km and emissions of 117-102 g/km CO2 (CNG) and 147-126g/km CO2.

As for the A5 Sportback g-tron costs EUR 40,800 in Germany, it offers between 4.2-3.8 kg/100km CNG consumption, combined fuel consumption of 6.3-5.6 l/100km and emissions of 114-102 g/km CO2 (CNG) and 143-126g/km CO2.

For reference, these figures compare to the A3 Sportback g-tron thus; 3.6-3.3 kg/100km CNG consumption, combined fuel consumption of 5.5-5.1 l/100km and emissions of 98-89 g/km CO2 (CNG) and 128-117g/km CO2.

Audi say the engine’s high efficiency equals low ownership costs, when compared to an equivalent gasoline engine, for example 100 kilometres (62 miles) costs around four euros (in Germany, August 2017) and the low CO2 emissions mean less vehicle tax too.

Both cars are equipped with a manual six-speed gearbox, enabling both the A4 Avant g-tron and A5 Sportback g-tron to reach 62mph from standstill in 8.5 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.6 mph) and
226 km/h (140.4 mph), in the A4 and A5 respectively.

The high-strength carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) gas tanks store 19 kilograms (41.9 lb) of gas at 200 bar pressure, allowing for a range of CNG powered 500 kilometres (310.7 miles) and a total of 950 kilometres (590.3 miles) range once the car has automatically switched to gasoline power.

Crucially, Audi say that both cars have not had their luggage capacity restricted and offer 415 litres (14.7 cu ft) in the A4 Avant g-tron, and 390 litres (13.8 cu ft) in the A5 Sportback g-tron.

Audi e-gas is a synthetic fuel produced using renewable energy from water and CO2 or from organic residual materials such as straw and plant clippings, which both models can run on and Audi says the fuel carbon-offset matches that of the cars’. Audi offers this fuel for three years as a standard feature to customers ordering a g-tron model by 31 May, 2018.

Audi continue that customers can fill up their g-tron model at any CNG filling station and pay the regular price. By feeding the computed volume of Audi e-gas, based on surveys and service data from the cars, into the natural gas grid, Audi says they will match the corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. TÜV Süd, a German testing and certification authority, monitors and certifies the process.

With this deal, Audi claims to reduce the CO2 emissions of the g-tron fleet when running on gas by up to 80% and customers no longer require a special fuel card. Audi g-tron customers receive a document that confirms their car will be supplied with Audi e-gas and informs them about the certification.For more of the latest industry news, click here.