The award was based on the 1.6 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX model, with half the assessment based on vehicle operation (focusing on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, emissions standards, noise

The 150PS 1.6 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX model offers a fuel consumption of 4.7kg (7.2m3) high-grade natural gas per 10010 over the combined cycle whilst emitting 129g/km CO2. With a tank volume of 25kg (144 litres) a driving range of up to 530km is possible in pure CNG operation.

Opel presented its first compressed natural gas vehicle concept in 2001 with monovalentplus technology. The carmaker’s CNG ecoFLEX engines are optimised to run on natural gas, biogas or any combination of the two, as well as gasoline.

In Germany, the government has introduced a tax benefit regulation for the use of natural gas as a fuel until 2018, recognising that natural gas vehicles emit up to 25% less CO2, up to 80% less nitrogen and are free of benzol and soot particles. If 100% biogas is used as fuel, the vehicle’s carbon footprint is almost zero.