We often talk about electric cars, about the difficulties that still exist in traveling with them, given their limited autonomy. However, technology advances and the new models that enter the market far surpass their predecessors, being able to travel many kilometers on a charge.
While the electrification process is definitively imposed, so slow in some markets such as Spain, there are still more than interesting options for drivers who need to enjoy a long autonomy to make their trips with complete peace of mind. Bi-fuel models, those that can run on gasoline or gas, have been an excellent alternative for years.
Refueling this type of vehicle is not problematic: Repsol, for example, has more than 400 Autogas recharging points at its service stations. In total, there are more than 800 liquefied gas dispensers in Spain.
Despite the advantages of gas, especially its reduced price compared to gasoline -approximately 50% cheaper-, most brands have been giving up this type of technology and, currently, it is a possibility available in Dacia, Renault, Ssangyong and Subaru ranges. These are probably the last opportunities to enjoy cars that can run on LPG.
The new generation of the popular Duster, a resounding commercial success for Dacia, continues to have a variant that can run either on gasoline or on Liquefied Petroleum Gas. The LPG system is made at the factory, it is not a later adaptation, it offers 100 HP of maximum power and has two 50-liter tanks, one for gas and the other for gasoline. Together, they can offer up to 1,300 km of autonomy. This version is available from 19,290 euros and enjoys the advantages of having the ECO label from the DGT.
The Dacia range has a vehicle with a family philosophy, the Jogger. LPG technology is also present in this model, forming part of its engine offering. It shares the three-cylinder engine used in Sandero and Duster, with 100 HP. To achieve outstanding autonomy, Dacia has installed two tanks, one for gasoline of 50 liters and another for liquefied gas, with a capacity of 40 kilos. In this case, the price starts at 18,640 euros, in its five-seater version. This Dacia also benefits from some benefits derived from the ECO environmental label.
The new Sandero, a B segment model that stands out for its affordable rates, has in its range an LPG version called ECO-G, which combines a 40-liter LPG tank with a 50-liter gasoline tank. In this way it is possible to comfortably exceed 1,000 km of autonomy, thanks to its reduced consumption. This three-cylinder engine offers 100 HP of power, CO2 emissions are 106 g/km and it reaches a maximum speed of 183 km/h. This efficient version of the Sandero is currently available from 13,790 euros and has an ECO label.
The French firm has just presented a thorough renovation of the Captur, a true best-seller in the B-SUV segment. The range of engines includes gasoline and self-charging hybrid versions, but there is also room for the LPG version, which can run on gasoline and liquefied gas. In this case, the gasoline tank has a capacity of 40 liters, while the gas tank supports up to 32 kg. This three-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum power of 100 HP allows it to reach 173 km/h and its acceleration from 0-100 km/h is 13 seconds.
The brand new generation of the Clio continues to offer an alternative to diesel and hybridization. This is the Clio LPG model, capable of reaching up to 1,100 km of autonomy thanks to the combination of gasoline tanks – 39 liters – and liquefied gas, 32 kg. The performance of its 100 HP engine is very acceptable (180 km/h maximum speed and acceleration 0-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds), the WLTP approved average consumption is 5.4 l/100 km and enjoys of the DGT ECO label. It is currently available from 16,901 euros.
The Korando, a mid-size SUV from Ssangyong, has two power levels, 149 or 163 HP, the latter with the option of automatic transmission. The entire range supports the installation of the LPG system which, of course, has the same official brand guarantees as the rest of the vehicle. This provides exceptional autonomy, thanks to the additional 47 liter tank for liquefied gas. The official average fuel consumption of this model starts at 7 l/100 km and the most powerful version reaches a maximum speed of 190 km/h
The Korean brand has just presented an attractive renewal of the Tivoli SUV (4.23 m), also available in a long body version, Tivoli Grand (4.48 m). This model has a 1.5 GDi-T gasoline engine with two power levels, 135 or 163 HP. The importer of the brand offers an adaptation to have the possibility of using liquefied gas as fuel and, in this way, enjoy the DGT ECO label. This model has a 50-liter gasoline tank and, with the LPG installation, it has an additional tank with a capacity of 46 kg.
The Japanese brand has an excellent crossover, the Outback, equipped with an LPG system. It is based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, capable of producing a maximum power of 169 HP. In this case it is the installation of a kit that has the official guarantee of the brand and the new tank does not reduce the capacity of the trunk -522 liters-, one of the aspects most valued by customers of this vehicle. This family-oriented model (4.87 m long) is capable of reaching 193 km/h and the official combined consumption is 8.6 l/100 km.
